CHAPTER II
THE GIANT WHO SHINES IN THE SKY
In the days when the Olympians still walked at times among men, Zeus and Poseidon and Hermes once found themselves benighted in a lonely region of the rough Bœotian country.
As darkness fell, they passed a little hut by the roadside. The farmer stood in the doorway, enjoying the cool of the evening after his day's toil; and seeing the wayfarers plodding along, he invited them in to pass the night.
"My house is poor enough," said he, "but such as it is, it is yours."
The three gods entered. The farmer, Hyrieus by name, set food and drink before them, waited upon them, gave up his own pallet to make them comfortable and entertained these nameless wanderers like distinguished guests, all with the utmost simplicity and good feeling.
The Olympians were touched by this rough herdsman's fine hospitality. They consulted together in whispers when they had finished their meal.
Then: "Is there anything you wish for, host?" enquired Hermes as spokesman.
Hyrieus started. "Well," said he, "of course there is, but that's past mending."
"What is it?" persisted Hermes.