canst dwell in peace, and men will come from all parts of the world to
do thee honor."

And so Apollo went down to Parnassus, and there in the cleft of the
mountain he laid the foundations of his shrine. Then he called the
master architects of the world, Trophonius and Agamedes, and gave to
them the building of the high walls and the massive roof. When they
had finished their work, he said, "Say now what reward you most desire
for your labor, and I will give it you."

"Give us," said the brothers, "that which is the best for men."

"It is well," answered Apollo. "When the full moon is seen above the
mountain-tops, you shall have your wish."

But when the moon rose full and clear above the heights, the two
brothers were dead.


Apollo was pleased with the place which he had chosen for a home; for
there he found rest and quiet, and neither the hum of labor nor the din
of battle was likely ever to enter. One thing, however, must needs be
done before he could have perfect peace. There lived near the foot of
the mountain a huge serpent called Python, which was the terror of all
the land. Oftentimes, coming out of its den, this monster attacked the
flocks and herds, and sometimes even their keepers; and it had been
known to carry little children and helpless women to its den, and there
devour them.

The men of the place came to Apollo, and prayed him to drive out or