Addison.
Pha′on. A boatman, who received from Venus a box of ointment, with which, when he anointed himself, he grew so beautiful that Sappho became enamoured of him; but when the ointment had all been used Phaon returned to his former condition, and Sappho, in despair, drowned herself.
Pheasant, see Itys.
Philoct′etes was son of Pœas, and one of the companions of Jason on his Argonautic expedition. He was present at the death of Hercules, and received from him the poisoned arrows which had been dipped in the blood of the Hydra. These arrows, an oracle declared, were necessary to be used in the destruction of Troy, and Philoctetes was persuaded by Ulysses to go and assist at the siege. He appears to have used the weapons with great dexterity and with wonderful effect, for Paris was amongst the heroes whom he killed.
Philome′la was a daughter of Pandion, King of Athens, who was transformed into a nightingale.
“Forth like a fury Philomela flew,
And at his face the head of Itys threw.”
Pope.
“And thou, melodious Philomel,
Again thy plaintive story tell.”