Reader

SOUTH WIND Is it true, Zephyrus, about Zeus and this heifer Io. that Hermes is escorting by sea to Egypt? Did he fall for her and have his way with her? WEST WIND Yes, Notus; only she wasn’t a heifer then, but the daughter of Inachus, the river. But now Hera, in her jealousy, has turned her into this, because she saw Zeus was very much in love with her. SOUTH WIND Is he still in love with her now she’s a heifer? WEST WIND Very much so, my good fellow. That’s why he’s sent her to Egypt, and told us he doesn’t want any rough seas, until she swims across, so that, when she has her baby there—she’s expecting at the moment—both mother and child Epaphus. may become gods.

SOUTH WIND The heifer a god? WEST WIND Indeed she will be. According to Hermes, she’ll have power over those at sea and be our mistress, choosing for herself which of us to send out or to stop from blowing. SOUTH WIND In that case we’d better be attentive to her, if she’s now our mistress. Then we’ll be sure of her good-will. WEST WIND But look, she’s over now, and has swum ashore. See how she no longer walks on all fours, but has been straightened up by Hermes and changed back again into a most attractive woman. SOUTH WIND How very strange, Zephyrus. No horns now, or tail or cloven hooves, but instead a lovely girl. But what’s come over Hermes, that he’s changed himself and given up his own fine face for that of a dog Anubis, an Egyptian god with the head of a dog, was identified with Hermes by the Greeks. ? WEST WIND Let’s not be inquisitive. He knows his business better than we do.