the indiscretion, or rather misfortune,
of an innocent young man.

Cicero mentions several Goddesses of the name of Diana. The first was
the daughter of Jupiter and Proserpine; the second of Jupiter and
Latona; and the third of Upis and Glauce. Strabo mentions another
Diana, named Britomartis, the daughter of Eubalus. The worship,
however, of Diana as the Goddess of the Moon, was, most probably,
derived from Egypt, with the Isis of whom she is perhaps identical.
The adventure narrated in this Fable is most probably to be attributed
to Diana Britomartis, as Strabo tells us, that she was particularly
fond of the chase. Pausanias, in his Attica, tells the story in much
the same terms, but he adds, that on seeing Diana bathing, the novelty
of the sight excited Actaeon's curiosity, and prompted him to approach
nearer. To explain this fable, some authors suggest, that Actaeon's
dogs becoming mad, devoured him; while others suppose, that having
ruined himself by the expense of supporting a large pack of hounds,
and a hunting establishment, it was reported that he had been devoured
by his dogs. Diodorus Siculus, and Euripides, tell us, that Actaeon
showed contempt to Diana, and was about to eat of the sacrifice that
had been offered to her; and of course, in such a case, punishment at
the hands of the Goddess would be deemed a just retribution.
Apollodorus says, that Actaeon was brought up by Chiron, and that he
was put to death on Mount Cithaeron, for having seen Diana bathing;
though, according to one ancient authority, he was punished for having
made improper overtures to Semele. Apollodorus also says, that his
dogs died of grief, on the loss of their master, and he has preserved
some of their names.

FABLE IV. [III.253-301]

Juno, incensed against Semele for her intrigue with Jupiter, takes the
form of Beroe, the more easily to ensure her revenge. Having first
infused in Semele suspicions of her lover, she then recommends her to
adopt a certain method of proving his constancy. Semele, thus
deceived, obtains a reluctant promise from Jupiter, to make his next
visit to her in the splendor and majesty in which he usually
approached his wife.

They speak in various ways {of this matter}. To some, the Goddess seems
more severe than is proper; others praise her, and call her deserving
{of her state} of strict virginity: both sides find their reasons. The
wif