by-the-bye, I am exceedingly partial, appear emancipated from
the wearing fetters of their regular, dull, orderly, methodical, moral,
political, toiling existence. I pride myself upon being the Goddess of
watering-places. You really must pay me a visit at Cnidos.'

'Such an invitation requires no repetition. And Cnidos is your favourite
spot?'

'Why, it was so; but of late it has become so inundated with invalid
Asiatics and valetudinarian Persians, that the simultaneous influx of
the handsome heroes who swarm in from the islands to look after their
daughters, scarcely compensates for the annoying presence of their
yellow faces and shaking limbs. No, I think, on the whole, Paphos is my
favourite.'

'I have heard of its magnificent luxury.'

'Oh! 'tis lovely! Quite my idea of country life. Not a single tree! When
Cyprus is very hot, you run to Paphos for a sea-breeze, and are sure to
meet every one whose presence is in the least desirable. All the bores
remain behind, as if by instinct.'

'I remember when we married, we talked of passing the honeymoon at
Cythera, but Dia would have her waiting-maid and a bandbox stuffed
between us in the chariot, so I got sulky after the first stage, and
returned by myself.'

'You were quite right. I hate bandboxes: they are always in the way.
You would have liked Cy-thera if you had been in the least in love.
High rocks and green knolls, bowery woods, winding walks, and delicious
sunsets. I have not been there much of late,' continued the Goddess,
looking somewhat sad and serious, 'since--but I will not talk
sentiment to Ixion.'

'Do you think, then, I am insensible?'

'Yes.'

'Perhaps you are right. We mortals grow callous.'

'So I have heard. How very odd!' So saying, the Goddess glided away and
saluted Mars, who at that moment entered the hall. Ixion was presented
to the military hero, who looked fierce and bowed stiffly. The King of
Thessaly turned upon his heel. Minerva opened her album, and invited him
to inscribe a stanza.

'Goddess of Wisdom,' replied the King, 'unless you inspire me, the
virgin page must remain pure as thyself. I can scarcely sign a decree.'

'Is it Ixion of Thessaly who says this; one who has seen so much,
and, if I am not mistaken, has felt and thought so much? I can easily
conceive why such a mind may desire to veil its movements from the
common herd, but pray concede to Minerva the gratifying compliment
of assuring her that she is the except