to witness that dreadful lake, which I never saw, but which we gods swear by in our most solemn engagements.”  Phaeton immediately asked to be permitted for one day to drive the chariot of the sun.  The father repented of his promise; thrice and four times he shook his radiant head in warning.  “I have spoken rashly,” said he; “this only request I would fain deny.  I beg you to withdraw it.  It is not a safe boon, nor one, my Phaeton, suited to your youth and strength.  Your lot is mortal, and you ask what is beyond a mortal’s power.  In your ignorance you aspire to do that which not even the gods themselves may do.  None but myself may drive the flaming car of day.  Not even Jupiter, whose terrible right arm hurls the thunderbolts.  The first part of the way is steep, and such as the horses when fresh in the morning can hardly climb; the middle is high up in the heavens, whence I myself can scarcely, without alarm, look down and behold the earth and sea stretched beneath me.  The last part of the road descends rapidly, and requires most careful driving.  Tethys, who is waiting to receive me, often trembles for me lest I should fall headlong.  Add to all this, the heaven is all the time turning round and carrying the stars with it.  I have to be perpetually on my guard lest that movement, which sweeps everything else along, should hurry me also away.  Suppose I should lend you the chariot, what would you do?  Could you keep your course while the sphere was revolving under you?  Perhaps you think that there are forests and cities, the abodes of gods, and palaces and temples on the way.  On the contrary, the road is through the midst of frightful monsters.  You pass by the horns of the Bull, in front of the Archer, and near the Lion’s jaws, and where the Scorpion stretches its arms in one direction and the Crab in another.  Nor will you find it easy to guide those horses, with their breasts full of fire that they breathe forth from their mouths and nostrils.  I can scarcely govern them myself, when they are unruly and resist the reins.  Beware, my son, lest I be the donor of a fatal gift; recall your request while yet you may.  Do you ask me for a proof that you are sprung from my blood?  I give you a proof in my fears for you.  Look at my face—­I would that you could look into my breast, you would there see all a father’s anxiety.  Finally,” he continued, “look round the world and choose whatever you will of what earth or sea contains most precious—­ask it and fear no refusal.  This only I pray you not to urge.  It is not honor, but destruction you seek.  Why do you hang round my neck and still entreat me?  You shall have it if you persist,—­the oath is sworn and must be kept,—­but I beg you to choose more wisely.”

He ended; but the youth rejected all admonition and held to his demand.  So, having resisted as long as he could, Phoebus at last led the way to where stood the lofty chariot.