Myths(Ancient Greece and Rome)

Title: Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and RomeAuthor: E.M. Berens_ILLUSTRATED FROM ANTIQUE SCULPTURES._[Illustration]NEW YORK:MAYNARD, MERRILL, & CO.,43, 45 AND 47 EAST TENTH STREET. * * * * *{i}PREFACE. * * * * *The want of an interesting work on Greek and Roman mythology, suitable forthe requirements of both boys and girls, has long been recognized by theprincipals of our advanced schools. The study of the classics themselves,even where the attainments of the pupil have rendered this feasible, hasnot been found altogether successful in giving to the student a clear andsuccinct idea of the religious beliefs of the ancients, and it has beensuggested that a work which would so deal with the subject as to render itat once interesting and instructive would be hailed as a valuableintroduction to the study of classic authors, and would be found to assistmaterially the labours of both master and pupil.In endeavouring to supply this want I have sought to place before thereader a lifelike picture of the deities of classical times as they wereconceived and worshipped by the ancients themselves, and thereby to awakenin the minds of young students a desire to become more intimatelyacquainted with the noble productions of classical antiquity.It has been my aim to render the Legends, which form the second portion ofthe work, a picture, as it were, of old Greek life; its customs, itssuperstitions, and its princely hospitalities, for which reason they aregiven at somewhat greater length than is usual in works of the kind.In a chapter devoted to the purpose some interesting particulars have beencollected respecting the public worship of the ancient Greeks and Romans(more especially of the former), to which is subjoined an account of theirprincipal festivals.I may add that no pains have been spared in order that, without passingover details the omission of which would have {ii} marred the completenessof the work, not a single passage should be found which could possiblyoffend the most scrupulous delicacy; and also that I have purposely treatedthe subject with that reverence which I consider due to every religioussystem, however erroneous.It is hardly necessary to dwell upon the importance of the study ofMythology: our poems, our novels, and even our daily journals teem withclassical allusions; nor can a visit to our art galleries and museums befully enjoyed without something more than a mere superficial knowledge of asubject which has in all ages inspired painters, sculptors, and poets. Ittherefore only remains for me to express a hope that my little work mayprove useful, not only to teachers and scholars, but also to a large classof general readers, who, in whiling away a leisure hour, may derive somepleasure and profit from its perusal.E. M. BERENS. * * * * *