"The 'Swan' is supposed to represent a wonderful musician named Orpheus.
Apollo gave him a magic harp, which he played with such sweetness that
the wild beasts of the forest were tamed by its sounds, rapid rivers
ceased to flow, and mountains and trees listened to the music.
"One day Orpheus met a beautiful maiden named Eurydice, and won her for
his bride. But their happiness did not last long, as a serpent lurking
in the grass stung her foot, and she died of the wound.
"Orpheus mourned her sadly, until at last he died and his spirit met
hers in the kingdom of Pluto. Afterward Orpheus and Eurydice were placed
among the stars. You can see the harp beside Orpheus, and it is adorned
with a sparkling blue star named Vega.
"And now one more story," said Mary, as she heard the church clock chime
nine, "and then we must say 'good-by' to the stars for to-night."
[Illustration: THE SWAN.]
"It has been lovely," said Harry. "I could listen to these stories all
night long. How I shall enjoy the stars since you have told me so much
about them! What are you going to tell me now?"
"Just under the Swan can you see a bright star, and a little star on
each side of it?" asked Mary.
Harry looked, and after a few moments he found them. When his sister had
made sure that he could see the stars she meant, she began her story as
follows: