“I am right,” he was thinking, “but if Zeus is aroused in a bad humor, and if, before hearing us, he should take us each by a leg and throw us some three hundred Athenian stadia, it would be very bad.  He has some consideration for Apollo, but he would treat me without ceremony, although I am his son too.”

But Maya’s son feared in vain.  Chronid waited joyfully on the earth, for he had passed a pleasant night, and was gladsomely gazing on the earthly circle.  The Earth, happy beneath the weight of the gods’ and people’s father, put forth beneath his feet green grass and young hyacinths, and he, leaning on it, caressed the curling flowers with his hand, and was happy in his proud heart.

Seeing this, Maya’s son grew quiet, and having saluted the generator, boldly accused the Radiant.

When he had finished, Zeus was silent a while, and then said: 

“Radiant, is it true?”

“It is true, father Chronid,” answered Apollo, “but if after the shame you will order me to pay the bet, I shall descend to Hades and light the shades.”

Zeus became silent and thoughtful.

“Then this woman,” said he finally, “remained deaf to your music, to your songs, and she repudiated you with disdain?”

“She poured on my head a pot of dough, O Thunderer!”

Zeus frowned, and at his frown Ida trembled, pieces of rock began to roll with a great noise toward the sea, and the trees bent like ears of wheat.

Both gods awaited with beating hearts his decision.

“Hermes,” said Zeus, “you may cheat the people as much as you like—­the people like to be cheated.  But leave the gods alone, for if I become angry I will throw you into the ether, then you will sink so deep into the depths of the ocean that even my brother Poseidon will not be able to dig you out with his trident.”

Divine fear seized Hermes by his smooth knees; Zeus spoke further, with stronger voice: 

“A virtuous woman, especially if she loves another man, can resist Apollo.  But surely and always a stupid woman will resist him.

“Eryfile is stupid, not virtuous; that’s the reason she resisted.  Therefore you cheated the Radiant, and you shall not have Lampecja.  Now go in peace.”

The gods departed.

Zeus remained in his joyful glory.  For a while he looked after Apollo, muttering: 

“Oh, yes!  A stupid woman is able to resist him.”

After that, as he had not slept well the previous night, he called Sleep, who, sitting on a tree in the form of a hawk, was awaiting the orders of the Father of gods and people.

PART FIFTH

WIN OR LOSE.

A Drama in Five Acts.

CHARACTERS: 

  Prince Starogrodzki. 
  Stella, his daughter. 
  George Pretwic, Stella’s fiance. 
  Karol Count Drahomir, Pretwic’s friend. 
  Countess Miliszewska. 
  Jan Count Miliszewski. 
  Anton Zuk, secretary of the county. 
  Dr. Jozwowicz. 
  Mrs. Czeska. 
  Mr. Podczaski. 
  Servants.