“The land was so mournful that the Gods had deserted it. When at the break of day Artemis left Olympus his path was never towards the north. The wars there never disturbed Ares. The absence of flutes and citharas turned away Apollo from it. The triple Hecate shone there alone like the face of a Medusa upon a petrified land.
“Now a man came there to dwell; a man of a more fortunate race, who did not walk about clad in skins like the savages in the mountains.
“He wore a long white robe which trailed behind him a little. Through the beautiful glades of the forest he loved to wander at night in the moonlight holding in his hand a little lute with three silver strings.
“When his fingers touched the strings delightful music came from them, music sweeter than the sound of the springs or the whispers of the wind in the trees or the noise of grass shaken by the wind. The first time he began to play three sleeping tigers awakened, and so charmed were they that they did him no injury but came as near as possible to him while he was playing and afterwards withdrew. The next day still more animals came to listen, wolves, hyænas and serpents upright upon their tails.
“After a very short time the animals themselves came and asked him to play to them. It often happened that a bear came to him alone and went away satisfied with three marvellous chords. In return for his kindness the beasts gave him his food and protected him against men.
“But he wearied of this fastidious life. He became so sure of his genius and of the pleasure he gave the beasts that he no longer troubled to play well. The animals were always satisfied as long as he played to them. Soon he even refused to give them this pleasure, and through idleness ceased to play to them at all. The whole of the forest was sad, but the morsels of food and tasty fruits did not cease to be brought to the musician’s door. They continued to feed him and loved him all the more. After this fashion are the hearts of animals made.
“Now one day while he was leaning at his open door and watching the sun sink behind the motionless trees a lioness passed near him. He made a movement as if to go inside as if he expected a request which would displease him. The lioness took no notice of him and quietly passed on.
“Then he asked her in surprise: ’Why do you not ask me to play?’ She replied that she did not care for it. He said: ’Do you not know me?’ She replied: ’You are Orpheus.’ He went on; ’And you do not desire to hear me?’ She repeated: ’I do not.’ ’Oh!’ he cried, ’Oh! how greatly I am to be pitied! It is to you alone I always wished to play. You are much more beautiful than the others and you would understand so much better! If you will only listen to me for one hour, I will procure for you everything you have ever desired to possess.’ She replied: ’I order you to steal the fresh food belonging to the men of the plains. I command you to assassinate the first one you meet. I command you to steal the victims they have offered to their Gods and lay them at my feet.’ He thanked her for not demanding more and did as she required.
“For an hour he played to her; but afterwards he broke his lute and lived as if he were dead.”
The Queen sighed.