Page:Star Lore Of All Ages, 1911.pdf/241



are few constellations in the firmament that exceed in beauty and interest the star group popularly known as "the Northern Cross." Shrouded in the glory of the Galaxy, rich in telescopic objects of exquisite beauty, famed in fable and song, this constellation possesses a charm that is enduring, a fascination for all students of the stars and lovers of the beautiful.

There are various legends to account for the presence of the Swan in the starry skies. One relates that the Swan represents Orpheus the wonderful musician, who won the beautiful Eurydice for his bride. Foully slain by the cruel priestess of Bacchus, Orpheus was changed into a swan and transported to the heavens, where he was placed near his beloved Harp (the constellation Lyra), possibly to add his mite to the sweet music of the spheres.

Others suppose it to be the swan into which Jupiter transformed himself when he deceived Leda, wife of Tyndarus, King of Sparta.

Again we are told that the Swan was Cicnus or Cycnus (and this is believed to be the proper name for the constellation), a son of Neptune, who was invulnerable to attack