Nature Myths and Stories. 75

The trees and the forest animals were her play-
fellows, and she had no wish for other friends.

She learned their ways, and the deer could not
run more swiftly than she, nor the birds sing more
sweetly.

One day as she was running over the stones
near the cave, King Apollo saw her.

“Ah, little maid,” said he, “You are very beautiful.
Your feet are too tender for the hard rocky earth.

“Come, you shall live with me in my palace in
the sky.”

But Daphne fled from him.

She did not want to leave her beautiful earth
home.

Fear gave her wings, and faster and faster she
flew.

Her hair streamed behind her like a cloud of
golden light.

Apollo followed more swiftly than the wind.

“Stop and listen,’ he cried; “I am not a foe,
foolish girl. It is Apollo who follows you. I shall
carry you to a home more beautiful than anything
you have ever seen.”

She felt his breath upon her hair, and saw his
hand as he stretched it forth to seize her.

“Father, save me from Apollo,” she cried. “Let
the earth enclose me.”

Peneus heard her voice and instantly her feet
became fastened in the soil like roots. A soft bark