Scylla (sill´a), and Charybdis (ka-rib´dis).—The names of two rocks, opposite to one another, between Italy and Sicily. In the one nearest to Italy was a cave in which dwelt Scylla, who was a terrible creature (female) with six long necks and heads, each of which contained three rows of sharp teeth, twelve feet, and barking like a dog. On the opposite rock, Charybdis, dwelt a being of the same name under an immense fig tree. Thrice a day she swallowed the waters of the sea and thrice threw them up again. Between these rocks, Scylla and Charybdis, the sea was very narrow and very dangerous. Hence mariners had to exercise great vigilance lest while avoiding Scylla they did not fall on Charybdis. This last expression is often used in speaking of cases where a middle course has to be carefully steered between two threatening difficulties.
Scyros (sī´ros).—An island in the Ægean Sea, near Eubœa. Here Achilles—at the court of King Lycomedes—was concealed, dressed as a woman, by his mother Thetis, in order to prevent his going to the Trojan war.
Sedrat.—The lotus tree which stands on the right hand side of the invisible throne of Allah. Its branches extend wider than the distance between heaven and earth. Its leaves resemble the ears of an elephant. Each seed of its fruit incloses an houri; and two rivers issue from its roots. Numberless birds sing among its branches, and numberless angels rest beneath its shade.
SCENES FROM THE STORY OF PSYCHE AND VENUS
| PSYCHE’S PARENTS CONSULT THE ORACLE | A ZEPHYR BORE PSYCHE FROM THE EARTH |
| BURNING OIL FELL ON CUPID’S SHOULDER | A FISHERMAN SHELTERS PSYCHE | SHE OPENED THE BOX |
PSYCHE’S SISTERS ASKED WHAT SORT OF A PERSON HER HUSBAND WAS