Page:Star Lore Of All Ages, 1911.pdf/358

260 Persians "a Lyre." Novidius said it was "King David's Harp," and Schiller curiously enough thought that the constellation represented "the Manger," the birthplace of the infant Saviour.

Allen says that the association of Lyra's stars with a bird perhaps originated from a conception of the figure current for millenniums in ancient India, that of an eagle or vulture.

The Arabs called Lyra "the Swooping Eagle," to distinguish it from Aquila, which was regarded as "the Flying Eagle." Lyra has also been likened to a "Goose," an Osprey" a "Wood Falcon" and a "Kite." The Hindus figured the stars α, ε, and ζ Lyræ as a triangle, or as the three-cornered nut of an aquatic plant.

Notwithstanding the singularly diverse ideas as to the figures represented by this star group, the name generally applied to it has been "Lyra," and the figure so shown from ancient times. Roman coins still in existence show it thus. According to Dr. Seiss, Lyra symbolises the rejoicing in heaven at the final victory over the powers of evil. To the early Christians Lyra represented the Saviour's Manger, and David's Harp.

From this constellation radiate the swift meteors known as "the Lyrids." The maximum of the shower is on the 19th and 20th of April.

Lyra is noted because of its lucida, the brilliant Vega, "the glory of the summer heavens."

The poet thus sings of Lyra and Vega:

The Arabs called Vega "the Falling Vulture." It has also been called "the Harp Star," and "the Arc-light of the Sky."

It has a decided bluish tint, and is one of the most beautiful stars in the northern hemisphere.