Page:Hesiod, and Theognis.djvu/40

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HESIOD.

the poem, the poet designed to teach. The creation and equipment of Pandora is one of Hesiod's finest nights above a commonly-even level:—

"The Sire who rules the earth and sways the poleHad said, and laughter filled his secret soul:He bade the crippled god his hest obey,And mould with tempering water plastic clay;With human nerve and human voice investThe limbs elastic, and the breathing breast;Fair as the blooming goddesses above,A virgin's likeness with the looks of love.He bade Minerva teach the skill that shedsA thousand colours in the gliding threads;He called the magic of love's golden queenTo breathe around a witchery of mien,And eager passion's never-sated flame,And cares of dress that prey upon the frame;Bade Hermes last endue with craft refinedOf treacherous manners, and a shameless mind."—E. 83-99.

The Olympians almost overdo the bidding of their chief, calling in other helpers besides those named in the above extract:—

"Adored Persuasion and the Graces young,Her tapered limbs with golden jewels hung;Round her fair brow the lovely-tressed HoursA golden garland twined of spring's purpureal flowers."—E. 103-106.

And when the conclave deemed that they had perfected an impersonation of mischief,—

"The name Pandora to the maid was given,For all the gods conferred a gifted graceTo crown this mischief of the mortal race.
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