Now when twelve years from the day of their birth had sped, their mother became uneasy and sometimes followed them.
The two children played no longer, and when they returned from a day in the forest, they brought back nothing with them, neither birds, flowers, fruits, nor garlands. They walked so close together that their hair was mingled. Byblis’ hands strayed about her brother’s arms. Sometimes she kissed him upon the cheek: then they both remained silent.
When the heat was too great they glided beneath the low branches, and lying on their breasts upon the sweet-smelling grass talked and adored each other without ever withdrawing from each other’s embrace.
Then Cyanée took her son aside and said to him—
“Why are you sad?”
Caunos replied—
“I am not sad. I used to be when I was playing and laughing. Now everything is changed. I no longer feel the need of play, and if I do not laugh it is because I am happy.”
Then Cyanée asked him, “Why are you happy?”