FOR THE GIRLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 242, 12 October 1929, Page 2 (Supplement)

FOR THE GIRLS.

HAVING THE LAST WORD. ECHO AND NARCISSUS. v My Dear Girls, — Having the last word is not always a good thing, as the story of Echo and Narcissus will show. Echo was a beautiful nymph, fond of woods and hills, and devoted herself to woodland sports. She was a favourite of the huntress Diana, and attended her in the chase. Echo was very charming, but she had one fault, she was extremely fond of talking, and v/culd always have the last word. One day the goddess Juno came through the woods in search of her lover, whom she had reason to believe was amusing himself talking to some nymphs. Echo wa» a gamesome maid, and, in a spirit of fun, detained the goddess with her chatter till the nymphs made their escape. When Juno discovered it, oh* was very angry, and passed sentence on poor Echo in these words, "You shall forfeit the use of that tongue, with which you have cheated me, except for that one purpose of which you arc co fond—Reply. You shall still have 'u;e last word, but no power to speak the first." One day Echo saw Narcissus, a handsome youth, as he pursued the ch?.*c upon tha mountains. She at once fell in love with him, and followed his footsteps. Oh how she longed to speak to him in softest tones, and win him to talk to her, but alas! it was not in her power. She waited impatiently for hini to speak first—and had her ansv/er ready. One day the youth pot separated from his companions, and shouted aloud, "Who's here?" Echo replied "Here." Narcissiu, looking round, and, seeing no one, called out "Come." Echo answered "Come." As no one came, the youth called again. "Why do you shun me?" Echo asked the same question. "Let us join one another," said Narcissus. With her whole heart, the maid answered in the same words, and hastened to the spot to embrace him. He started back, exclaiming rudely, "Hands off. I would rather die (han you should, have me." "Have me," said she. But in vain, he left her and Echo fled into the dark recesses of the woods to hide her grief and disappointment. From that time she lived in caves and among mountain cliffs. She gradually pined away, which seems to have been the way of love-torn nymphs. Her forir> faded and her bones were changed into rocks, and there was nothing left of her but her voice. But to this day she is always ready to reply to anyone who culls Her. Haven't you heard her many and many a time in caves by the sea, or in the cool depths of the bush? Poor Echo! Now nothing but a voice, but, woman like, she still keeps up her old habit of—having the last word.

wendy