s matchless band of wind instruments, you will agree with
the world that AEgiochus is the most finished God in existence.'

'Now, Ixion, are you ready?' 'Even so. What says Jove?' 'He smiled, but
said nothing. He was trying on a new robe. By this time he is seated.
Hark! the thunder. Come on!'

They entered a cupolaed hall. Seats of ivory and gold were ranged round
a circular table of cedar, inlaid with the campaigns against the Titans,
in silver exquisitely worked, a nuptial present of Vulcan. The service
of gold plate threw all the ideas of the King of Thessaly as to royal
magnificence into the darkest shade. The enormous plateau represented
the constellations. Ixion viewed the Father of Gods and men with great
interest, who, however, did not notice him. He acknowledged the majesty
of that countenance whose nod shook Olympus. Majestically robust and
luxuriantly lusty, his tapering waist was evidently immortal, for it
defied Time, and his splendid auburn curls, parted on his forehead
with celestial precision, descended over cheeks glowing with the purple
radiancy of perpetual manhood.

The haughty Juno was seated on his left hand and Ceres on his right. For
the rest of the company there was Neptune, Latona, Minerva, and Apollo,
and when Mercury and Ixion had taken their places, one seat was still
vacant.

'Where is Diana?' inquired Jupiter, with a frown.

'My sister is hunting,' said Apollo.

'She is always too late for dinner,' said Jupiter. 'No habit is less
Goddess-like.'

'Godlike pursuits cannot be expected to induce Goddess-like manners,'
said Juno, with a sneer.

'I have no doubt Diana will be here directly,' said Latona, mildly.

Jupiter seemed pacified, and at that instant the absent guest returned.

'Good sport, Di?' inquired Neptune.

'Very fair, uncle. Mamma,' continued the sister of Apollo, addressing
herself to Juno, whom she ever thus styled when she wished to conciliate
her, 'I have brought you a new peacock.'

Juno was fond of pets, and was conciliated by the present.

'Bacchus made a great noise about this wine, Mercury,' said Jupiter,'
but I think with little cause. What think you?'

'It pleases me, but I am fatigued, and then all wine is agreeable.'

'You have had a long journey,' replied the Thunderer. 'Ixion, I am glad
to see you in Heaven.'

'Your Majesty arrived to-day?' inquired Minerva, to whom the King of
Thessaly sat next.

'Within this hour.'

'You must leave off talk