PHAETHON.

    

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HAETHON was the son of Helios, who
drove the chariot of the sun. He lived
¥% with his mother, the gentle Clymene, in a
beautiful valley in the east.

One day when Phaethon was telling his com-
panions about his father, the sky king, they laughed
and said, “How do you know that Helios is your
father? You have never seen him. If, as you say,
he cannot safely come nearer to the earth, why do
you notsometimes go to his land.”

Phaethon answered, “My father’s throne is far
away from this valley. My mother has promised
that when I am stronger, I shall go to my father’s
palace. I often watch his golden chariot roll by in
its path and think perhaps some day I shall drive
the glorious horses of the sun.

“I shall go now to my mother, and ask her how
much longer I must wait.”

When Phaethon told his mother what his com-
panions had said she answered, “Go, my child, ask
Great Helios if you are hisson. If you are worthy
to be the son of Helios you will be given strength
and courage for the journey.”