Heathen mythology, Illustrated by extracts from the most celebrated writers, both ancient and modern

by Various

And Graces (while their robes loose flow

Gives glances of a breast of snow;)

Wantoning in their thoughtless joy.

Let Hermes grace the jocund scene,

And youth so gay and free;

For what is youth, though fair, oh! queen,

If destitute of thee?"

Horace.

The Cnidians worshipped her under the name of Venus Acræa, of Doris, and of Euploca. In her temple of Euploca, at Cnidos, was the most admired of her statues, being the most perfect piece of Praxiteles. It was formed of white marble, and appeared so much like life, that, according to some historians, a youth of the place secretly introduced himself into her temple, to offer his vows of adoration before the lifeless image.

Hero, in pursuit of whom, Leander braved the Hellespont, and whose touching story will be more minutely given hereafter, was one of the priestesses of Venus, and it was in this occupation that Leander first saw and loved her: a love which led to results so disastrous.