The Graces, who were daughters of Jupiter and of Venus, presided over the
enjoyments of the mind, as well as over those of the heart. Thus the orator
received from them the force and brilliancy of his ideas; the artist, his
perception of the beautiful; the wise man, that spirit of amiability which
appreciates the charms of {159} virtue; the rich man, a love of beneficence
and desire of giving; the poor gaiety and patience; the maiden, candour and
modesty; and the warrior, bravery united with moderation.
The worship of the Graces appeals to have had birth in Samothracia; then
Elis, Perinthia, Delphi, and Rome adopted the three sisters. By some it is
asserted, that the beautiful trio remained unwedded; Homer, however, has
given Sleep to the youngest as a husband.
During the many sacrifices which were instituted in the various cities,
offerings to them were mingled with those to Bacchus, Mercury, the Muses,
and Apollo.
The Spartan heroes before going to combat, sacrificed to Love and to the
Graces. They were invoked at festivals, and three cups were drunk by those
who feasted in honour of Euphrosyne, Aglaia, and Thalia.
Of them, the greatest statuaries have erected the most groups, and Socrates
himself, before he joined the philosophy in which he ultimately became so
eminent, had taken the chisel in his hand, and represented them of slight
figure, pure countenance, smiling faces, small mouths, hair negligently
tied over their head, and with their hands placed in a graceful attitude.
They sometimes bear with them a branch of myrtle and of roses, the flowers
peculiarly consecrated to them.
[Illustration]
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