y harmony, than Apollo's lyre, the seven strings of which are
said to represent the seven planets. As his darts are reported to have
destroyed the monster Python, so his rays dry up the noxious moisture
which is pernicious to vegetation and fertility.

Apollo was very differently represented in different countries and
times, according to the character he assumed. In general he is described
as a beardless youth, with long flowing hair floating as it were in the
wind, comely and graceful, crowned with laurel, his garments and sandals
shining with gold. In one hand he holds a bow and arrows, in the other a
lyre; sometimes a shield and the graces. At other times he is invested
in a long robe, and carries a lyre and a cup of nectar, the symbol of
his divinity.

He has a threefold authority: in heaven, he is the Sun; and by the lyre
intimates, that he is the source of harmony: upon earth he is called
_Liber Pater_, and carries a shield to show he is the protector of
mankind, and their preserver in health and safety. In the infernal
regions he is styled _Apollo_, and his arrows show his authority;
whosoever is stricken with them being immediately sent thither. As the
Sun, Apollo was represented in a chariot, drawn by the four horses,
_Eoeus_, _AEthon_, _Phlegon_, and _Pyroeeis_.

Considered in his poetical character, he is called indifferently either
_Vates_ or _Lyristes_; music and poetry, in the earliest ages of the
world, having made but one and the same profession.

MERCURY was the offspring of Jupiter and Maia, the daughter of Atlas.
Cyllene, in Arcadia, is said to have been the scene of his birth and
education, and a magnificent temple was erected to him there.

That adroitness which formed the most distinguishing trait in his
character, began very early to render him conspicuous. Born in the
morning, he fabricated a lyre, and played on it by noon; and, before
night, filched from Apollo his cattle. The god of light demanded instant
restitution, and was lavish of menaces, the better to insure it. But his
threats were of no avail, for it was soon found that the same thief had
disarmed him of his quiver and bow. Being taken up into his arms by
Vulcan, he robbed him of his tools, and whilst Venus caressed him for
his superiority to Cupid in wrestling, he slipped off her cestus
unperceived. From Jupiter he purloined his sceptre, and would have made
as free with his thunder-bolt, had it not proved too hot for his
fingers.