Half a Hundred Hero Tales of Ulysses and The Men of Old
General
Half a Hundred Hero Tales of Ulysses and The Men of Old
Mythology, Classical -- Juvenile literature
This nymph saw Narcissus, a beautiful youth, as he pursued the chase
upon the mountains. She loved him, and followed his footsteps. O, how
she longed to address him in the softest accents, and win him to
converse! but it was not in her power. She waited with impatience for
him to speak first, and had her answer ready. One day the youth, being
separated from his companions, shouted aloud, "Who's here?" Echo
replied, "Here." Narcissus looked around, but seeing no one, called
out, "Come." Echo answered, "Come." As no one came, Narcissus called
again, "Why do you shun me?" Echo asked the same question. "Let us
join one another," said the youth. The maid answered with all her
heart in the same words, and hastened to the spot, ready to throw her
arms about his neck. He started back, exclaiming, "Hands off! I would
rather die than you should have me!" "Have me," said she; but it was
all in vain. He left her, and she went to hide her blushes in the
recesses of the woods. From that time forth she lived in caves and
among the mountain cliffs. Her form faded with grief, till at last all
her flesh shrank away. Her bones were changed into rocks, and there
was nothing left of her but her voice. With that she is still ready to
reply to any one who calls her, and keeps up her old habit of having
the last word.
Narcissus' cruelty in this case was not the only instance. He shunned
all the rest of the nymphs, as he had done poor Echo. One day a
maiden, who had in vain endeavored to attract him, uttered a prayer
that he might some time or other feel what it was to love and meet no
return of affection. The avenging goddess heard and granted the
prayer.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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