e age of eighteen he was
considered to be the strongest as well as the most beautiful youth in all
Greece.

THE CHOICE OF HERACLES.--Heracles felt that the time had now arrived when
it became necessary to decide for himself how to make use of the
extraordinary powers with which he had been endowed by the gods; and in
order to meditate in solitude on this all-important subject, he repaired to
a lonely and secluded spot in the heart of the forest.

Here two females of great beauty appeared to him. {236} One was Vice, the
other Virtue. The former was full of artificial wiles and fascinating arts,
her face painted and her dress gaudy and attractive; whilst the latter was
of noble bearing and modest mien, her robes of spotless purity.

Vice stepped forward and thus addressed him: "If you will walk in my paths,
and make me your friend, your life shall be one round of pleasure and
enjoyment. You shall taste of every delight which can be procured on earth;
the choicest viands, the most delicious wines, the most luxuriant of
couches shall be ever at your disposal; and all this without any exertion
on your part, either physical or mental."

Virtue now spoke in her turn: "If you will follow me and be my friend, I
promise you the reward of a good conscience, and the love and respect of
your fellowmen. I cannot undertake to smooth your path with roses, or to
give you a life of idleness and pleasure; for you must know that the gods
grant no good and desirable thing that is not earned by labour; and as you
sow, so must you reap."

Heracles listened patiently and attentively to both speakers, and then,
after mature deliberation, decided to follow in the paths of virtue, and
henceforth to honour the gods, and to devote his life to the service of his
country.

Full of these noble resolves he sought once more his rural home, where he
was informed that on Mount Cithaeron, at the foot of which the herds of
Amphitryon were grazing, a ferocious lion had fixed his lair, and was
committing such frightful ravages among the flocks and herds that he had
become the scourge and terror of the whole neighbourhood. Heracles at once
armed himself and ascended the mountain, where he soon caught sight of the
lion, and rushing at him with his sword succeeded in killing him. The hide
of the animal he wore ever afterwards over his shoulders, and the head
served him as a helmet.

As he was returning from this, his first exploit, he met {237} the herald