Page:The Music of the Spheres.djvu/185



The skin appears first of all above the eastern horizon and its little stars flutter vigorously as if being shaken warningly at any who might defy him. Then Orion, arrayed in large stars, slowly rises from his reclining position along the eastern ledge. One might imagine that he at first peers along the south in search of the poisonous scorpion which had stung him on the heel, for this must have been a supreme humiliation for so brave a hunter. But there is nothing in the south but the river Eridanus and the lightly starred Sea-monster with his head reared upward toward Andromeda. Feeling reasonably safe from any rear attacks, Orion now confidently climbs the darkened eastern slope; his Lion's Skin twinkles as he tautens his arm; his great Club is raised in readiness above his head, and joying in the combat, he henceforth wages, in unmolested peace, his eternal battle with Taurus, the Bull.



Just opposite the Lion's Skin, on the right shoulder of the Hunter, rests the beautifully tinted star, Betelgeuse. This star, like Antares, makes one think of roses, although Antares is more the shade of a deep red rose, while Betelgeuse is a wild rose pink. Diana probably notes the decoration as she passes in her chariot, for on certain dates she drives directly in front of his head-stars. On the opposite shoulder lies the yellow Bellatrix, "the female warrior or Amazon star." The title of this star was likely given it