Book 6

Triton: Posidon, there is such a pretty girl coming to Lerna for water every day; I don’t know that I ever saw a prettier.

Posidon: What is she, a lady? or a mere water-carrier?

Triton: Oh no; she is one of the fifty daughters of that Egyptian king. Her name is Amymone; I asked about that and her family. Danaus understands discipline; he is bringing them up to do everything for themselves; they have to fetch water, and make themselves generally useful.

Posidon: And does she come all that way by herself, from Argos to Lerna?

Triton: Yes; and Argos, you know, is a thirsty place; she is always having to get water.

Posidon: Triton, this is most exciting. We must go and see her.

Triton: Very well. It is just her time now; I reckon she will be about half-way to Lerna.

Posidon: Bring out the chariot, then. Or no; it takes such a time getting it ready, and putting the horses to. Just fetch me out a good fast dolphin; that will be quickest.

Triton: Here is a racer for you.

Posidon: Good; now let us be off. You swim alongside.—Here we are at Lerna. I'll lie in ambush hereabouts; and you keep a look-out. When you see her coming—

Triton: Here she comes.

Posidon: A charming child; the dawn of loveliness. We must carry her off.

Amymone: Villain! where are you taking me to? You area kidnapper. I know who sent you—my uncle Aegyptus. I shall call my father.

Triton: Hush, Amymone; it is Posidon.

Amymone: Posidon? What do you mean? Unhand me, villain! would you drag me into the sea? Help, help, I shall sink and be drowned.

Posidon: Don’t be frightened; no harm shall be done to you. Come, you shall have a fountain called after you; it shall spring up in this very place, near the waves; I will strike the rock with my trident.—Think how nice it will be being dead, and not having to carry water any more, like all your sisters.

Francis George Fowler