Orpheus is torn to pieces by the Thracian women; on which, a serpent,
which attacks his face, is changed into stone. The women are transformed
into trees by Bacchus, who deserts Thrace, and betakes himself to
Phrygia; where Midas, for his care of Silenus, receives the power of
making gold. He loathes this gift; and bathing in the river Pactolus,
its sands become golden. For his stupidity, his ears are changed by
Apollo into those of an ass. After this, that God goes to Troy, and aids
Laomedon in building its walls. Hercules rescues his daughter Hesione,
when fastened to a rock, and his companion Telamon receives her as his
wife; while his brother Peleus marries the sea Goddess, Thetis. Going to
visit Ceyx, he learns how Dædalion has been changed into a hawk, and
sees a wolf changed into a rock. Ceyx goes to consult the oracle of
Claros, and perishes by shipwreck. On this, Morpheus appears to
Halcyone, in the form of her husband, and she is changed into a
kingfisher; into which bird Ceyx is also transformed. Persons who
observe them, as they fly, call to mind how Æsacus, the son of Priam,
was changed into a sea bird, called the didapper.