For Little Childven—Phaethon. 41

“The first part of the way is very steep and
rugged. Inthe middle part, even I dare not look
below at the far stretching earth, and the last part
is full of terrible dangers.”

Phaethon would not listen, but threw his arms
around his father’s neck and begged to go.

Helios said at last, “If you persist, foolish boy,
you shall have your wish, for I cannot break my
promise. I beg of you choose more wisely. Ask
the most precious thing on earth or in the sky, and
you Shall have it.”

Already Dawn had drawn back the purple curtains
of the morning’and the Hours were harnessing the
horses to thé chariot.

The stars and moon were retiting for the day.

The chariot glittered with jewels which sent the
light in all directions. Phaethon looked upon it
with delight and longed impatiently for the great
joy of driving it.

Helios said, “O, my dear son, go not too high or
you will scorch the dwelling of heaven, nor too low,
lest you Set the world on fire.

“Keep the middle path; that is best, and do not
“use the whip; rather, hold the horses in.”

Phaethon was too happy to hear what his father
was Saying.

He leapt into the golden chariot and stood erect
as the fiery horses ee forth from the eastern
gates of Day.