He obtained Amphitrite, daughter of Ocean, in marriage, through the skill
of a dolphin, although she had made to herself a vow of perpetual celibacy;
and had by him, Triton, one of the sea deities. To the story of Neptune,
may be attached the beautiful fable of Arion, the illustrious rival of
Amphion and Orpheus.
[Illustration]
This famous lyric poet and musician, having gone into Italy, with
Periander, tyrant of Corinth, he obtained immense treasures through his
profession. On his return to his native country with his riches, the
sailors of the vessel in which he had embarked, resolved to murder him,
that they might obtain possession of his wealth; when the poet discovered
their intention, he endeavoured to outwit them. {101}
"Allow me," said Arion, with all the earnestness of an enthusiast. "Ere I
leave this world, oh! allow me to touch once more, and for the last time,
the strings of the lyre which has so often cheered me: let the last moments
of my life, be soothed by its gentle influence."
The boon was granted, and the divine strains of the master, issued in
solemn beauty over the deep. At the sound, the traitors were struck silent,
and hesitated in their course, but they had gone too far: it was too late
to recede, and the poet was thrown into the deep. When lo! the dolphins,
attracted by the sweet tones which they had heard, gathered round him; and
Arion, mounted on the back of one, and accompanied by the remainder arrived
safely at the end of his voyage. It is added, as an instance of the
ingratitude of mortals, that the dolphin, having proceeded too far upon the
sand, was unable to get back to the water, and the ungrateful Arion allowed
his liberator to perish.
[Illustration]
The worship of Neptune was established in almost every part of the earth,
and the Libyans in particular, venerated him above all other Gods.
------"Great Neptune! I would be
Advanced to the freedom of the main,
And stand before your vast creation's plain,
And roam your watery kingdom thro' and thro'
{102}
And see your branching woods and palace blue,
Spar-built and domed with crystal: aye and view
The bedded wonders of the lonely deep;
And see on coral banks, the sea-maids sleep,
Children of ancient Nereus, and behold
Their streaming dance about their father old,
Beneath the blue Egean; where he sate,
Wedded to prophecy, and full of fate!
Or rather, as Arion harped, indeed,
Would I go floating on my billow-steed,
Over the billows, and triumphing there,
Call the white syren from her cave to share
My joy, and kiss her willing forehead fair."