ce, nor do I know at all whence he
comes. I only hear him speak in an undertone by night, and have to bear
with a husband of an unknown appearance, and one that has an utter
aversion to the light of day. He may well, therefore, be some monster or
other. Besides, he threatens some shocking misfortune as the consequence
of indulging any curiosity to view his features. So, then, if you are
able to give any aid to your sister in this perilous emergency, don't
delay a moment."

[One of them replies:--]

"Since the ties of blood oblige us to disregard peril when your safety
is to be insured, we will tell you the only means of safety. We have
considered it over and over again. On that side of the bed where you are
used to lie, conceal a very sharp razor; and also hide under the
tapestry a lighted lamp, well trimmed and full of oil. Make these
preparations with the utmost secrecy. After the monster has glided into
bed as usual, when he is stretched out at length, fast asleep and
breathing heavily, as you slide out of bed, go softly along with bare
feet and on tiptoe, and bring out the lamp from its hiding-place; then
having the aid of its light, raise your right hand, bring down the
weapon with all your might, and cut off the head of the creature at the
neck. Then we will bring you away with all these things, and if you
wish, will wed you to a human creature like yourself."

[They then depart, fearing for themselves if they are near
when the catastrophe happens.]

But Psyche, now left alone, except so far as a person who is agitated by
maddening Furies is not alone, fluctuated in sorrow like a stormy sea;
and though her purpose was fixed and her heart was resolute when she
first began to make preparations for the impious work, her mind now
wavered, and feared. She hurried, she procrastinated; now she was bold,
now tremulous; now dubious, now agitated by rage; and what was the most
singular thing of all, in the same being she hated the beast and loved
the husband. Nevertheless, as the evening drew to a close, she hurriedly
prepared the instruments of her enterprise.

The night came, and with it her husband. After he fell asleep, Psyche,
to whose weak body and spirit the cruel influence of fate imparted
unusual strength, uncovered the lamp, and seized the knife with the
courage of a man. But the instant she advanced, she beheld the very
gentlest and sweetest of all creatures, even Cupid himself, the
beautiful