f the world. I had not an acquaintance whom I had
not taken in, and gods and men alike favoured me. In an unlucky moment,
however, I offended the infernal deities, and it was then suddenly
discovered that I was the most abandoned character of my age. You know
the rest.'

'You seem,' exclaimed Tantalus, 'to be relating my own history; for I
myself led a reckless career with impunity, until some of the gods did
me the honour of dining with me, and were dissatisfied with the repast.
I am convinced myself that, provided a man frequent the temples, and
observe with strictness the sacred festivals, such is the force of
public opinion, that there is no crime which he may not commit without
hazard.'

'Long live hypocrisy!' exclaimed Ixion. 'It is not my forte. But if I
began life anew, I would be more observant in my sacrifices.'

'Who could have anticipated this wonderful revolution!' exclaimed
Sisyphus, stretching himself. 'I wonder what will occur next! Perhaps we
shall be all released.'

'You say truly,' said Ixion. 'I am grateful to our reforming Queen;
but I have no idea of stopping here. This cursed wheel indeed no longer
whirls; but I confess my expectations will be much disappointed if I
cannot free myself from these adamantine bonds that fix me to its orb.'

'And one cannot drink water for ever,' said Tantalus.

'D--n all half measures,' said Ixion. 'We must proceed in this system of
amelioration.'

'Without doubt,' responded his companion.

'The Queen must have a party,' continued the audacious lover of Juno.
'The Fates and the Furies never can be conciliated. It is evident to me
that she must fall unless she unbinds these chains of mine.'

'And grants me full liberty of egress and regress,' exclaimed Sisyphus.

'And me a bottle of the finest golden wine of Lydia,' said Tantalus.

The infernal honeymoon was over. A cloud appeared in the hitherto serene
heaven of the royal lovers. Proserpine became unwell. A mysterious
languor pervaded her frame; her accustomed hilarity deserted her. She
gave up her daily rides; she never quitted the palace, scarcely her
chamber. All day long she remained lying on a sofa, and whenever Pluto
endeavoured to console her she went into hysterics. His Majesty was
quite miserable, and the Fates and the Furies began to hold up their
heads. The two court physicians could throw no light upon the complaint,
which baffled all their remedies. These, indeed, were not numerous,
for the