The flute was invented by Pan, and formed of seven reeds, which he called Syrinx, in honour of a beautiful nymph of the same name, who, refusing his addresses, was changed into a reed.
————————"A nymph of late there was,
Whose heavenly form her fellows did surpass,
The pride and joy of fair Arcadia's plains,
Beloved by deities, adored by swains.
Like Phœbe clad, e'en Phœbe's self she seems,
So tall, so straight, such well proportioned limbs,
The nicest eye did no distinction know
But that the goddess bore a golden bow,
Descending from Lycæus, Pan admires