Page:Lovers Legends - The Gay Greek Myths.pdf/103

LOVERS’ LEGENDS to pick. They all began boasting of their skills at the same time, confusing him even more. In the end they agreed to hold a competition, that way a clear winner might stand out. Apollo, however, thought it wise to rid himself of Tamyris first. He did not have to lift a finger: He simply told the Muses about the poet's boast. Furious, for they had been the ones to inspire Thamyris all along, the goddesses r ushed down and punished the poet for his pride. As his mother looked on, dumbstruck, they ripped away his voice, his sight, and all memory of music.

A great crowd gathered the next day to take in the contest, and the two remaining suitors squared off. First Zephyrus let loose with a fierce blast of wind, cold an 89