“We will now go to the Milky Way, that broad stream of sparkling stars that sweeps through the heavens like a mighty river and on either side of which are reared the palaces of the gods, goddesses, and heroes of Greece and Rome,” said Mercury. “What! You don’t mean to tell us that the gods and goddesses of old live here?” exclaimed Ione. “Certainly I do; and they live in regal splendor as of yore. What is more, you are going to be in time to see them start on their yearly journey to Mount Olympus. The procession they form is considered one of the grandest sights of the heavens and one which none of the planet people would voluntarily miss seeing. The gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines sweep down the Milky Way in magnificent floats or barges of gold and silver incrusted with precious stones, while those looking on line the shores or sit in boats at anchor, for no one is allowed the freedom of the Milky Way while the procession is passing,” said the guide. “Oh, what a spectacle it will be!” said the Princess. “It certainly is one of the most gorgeously magnificent pageants I have ever witnessed,” said Mercury. “Are you sure we shall be there in time?” asked Ione. “I would not miss it for worlds.” “Yes, we can easily reach there if we do not tarry on our way.” “Well, we will pass things by even if we have to return to see them later,” said Harold. “All ready then. One, two, three, and we are off for a cloud bank that juts out into the Milky Way making a fine point for us to view the entire procession as it turns the bend,” said the guide. In less time than it took them to count one, two, three, they were at their destination and were barely seated when the Princess exclaimed, “Sh! I hear strains of music,” and looking in the direction from which the sounds came, they saw a beautiful float gliding smoothly along. On it were standing twelve youths and twelve maidens playing upon golden harps and horns. They were crowned with roses, while violets and myrtle were profusely festooned about them. The youths had only a spotted leopard skin thrown across their shoulders while the maidens were attired in filmy white slips with belts of blue ribbon. Following them came Jupiter in all his royal splendor like some conquering king or hero. His jeweled chariot was drawn by four milk-white horses; his robes were royal purple lined with spun gold and bordered with precious gems. On his head he wore a helmet of gold on which with outstretched wings rested an eagle—a bird dedicated to him by the ancients. Juno, wife of Jupiter and Queen of the Heavens, came next, attended by her faithful messenger, Iris, with wings of gold and robe of rainbow hues. She hovered at the side of her mistress who rode in a chariot drawn by peacocks, her favorite fowls.