Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/429

190—232. tals, since that man is not long-lived, who couches with the immortal goddesses."

But him Venus, the daughter of Jove, then answered: "Anchises, most glorious of mortal men, be of good cheer, and fear not over-much in thy mind. For there is no fear that thou wilt suffer evil from me at least, nor from the other blessed gods, since thou art dear to the gods. And thou shalt have a beloved son who shall rule over the Trojans, and children shall be born to [his] children throughout. But his name shall be Æneas, since sad grief possessed me, because I had fallen into the bed of a mortal man. But from thy race the gods shall ever be most near to mortal men both in form and mien. Thus counselling Jove snatched away yellow-haired Ganymede on account of his beauty, that he might dwell with the immortals, and in the house of Jove he is cup-bearer to the gods, a marvel to behold, honoured among all the immortals, pouring ruby nectar from a golden cup. But unceasing grief possessed the mind of Tros, nor knew he whither the heaven-sent whirlwind had snatched away his beloved son. Him then he mourned continually throughout all days. And Jove pitied him, and gave him rewards instead of his son, swift-footed steeds, which bear along the immortals. Them he gave to him as a gift, and the messenger, the slayer of Argus, told him each matter, at the behest of Jove, that he should be immortal and free from old age all his days. But when he heard the messages of Jove, he no longer groaned, but rejoiced within his mind, and rejoicing was carried by his swift-footed steeds. And in like manner golden-throned Morn snatched away Tithonus [sprung] from your race, like unto the immortals. But she went to beseech the black-clouded son of Saturn, that he might be immortal and live all days; and to her Jove assented, and fulfilled her request. Foolish she! nor did revered Morn think in her mind to ask for youth [for him], and to rub off pernicious old age. So as long as much-loved youth possessed him, delighting himself with golden-throned Morn, the mother of day, he dwelt at the stream of ocean, at the boundaries of the earth. But when the first white hairs were poured from his beautiful head and noble beard, then indeed revered Morn abstained from his bed, but nurtured him in turn, keeping him in her dwellings, with