Even as the brand
burned in the fire before the wretched queen, Meleager was consumed by
a mysterious death, blessing with his last breath friends and kindred,
his dear Atalanta, and the mother who had brought him to this doom,
though he knew it not. At last the brand fell into ashes, and in the
forest the hero lay dead.
The king and queen fell into such grief when all was known, that Diana
took pity upon them and changed them into birds.
ATALANTA'S RACE.
Even if Prince Meleager had lived, it is doubtful if he could ever have
won Atalanta to be his wife. The maiden was resolved to live unwed, and
at last she devised a plan to be rid of all her suitors. She was known
far and wide as the swiftest runner of her time; and so she said that
she would only marry that man who could outstrip her in the race, but
that all who dared to try and failed must be put to death.
This threat did not dishearten all of the suitors, however, and to her
grief, for she was not cruel, they held her to her promise. On a
certain day the few bold men who were to try their fortune made ready,
and chose young Hippomenes as judge. He sat watching them before the
word was given, and sadly wondered that any brave man should risk his
life merely to win a bride. But when Atalanta stood ready for the
contest, he was amazed by her beauty. She looked like Hebe, goddess of
young health, who is a glad serving-maiden to the gods when they sit at
feast.
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