she sat, nor tasted meat nor drink, wasting with long desire for her deep-
bosomed daughter.

So abode she till wise Iambe with jests and many mockeries beguiled the
lady, the holy one, to smile and laugh and hold a happier heart, and
pleased her moods even thereafter. Then Metaneira filled a cup of sweet
wine and offered it to her, but she refused it, saying, that it was not
permitted for her to drink red wine; but she bade them mix meal and water
with the tender herb of mint, and give it to her to drink. Then
Metaneira made a potion and gave it to the Goddess as she bade, and Lady
Deo took it and made libation, and to them fair-girdled Metaneira said:

"Hail, lady, for methinks thou art not of mean parentage, but goodly
born, for grace and honour shine in thine eyes as in the eyes of doom-
dealing kings. But the gifts of the Gods, even in sorrow, we men of
necessity endure, for the yoke is laid upon our necks; yet now that thou
art come hither, such things as I have shall be thine. Rear me this
child that the Gods have given in my later years and beyond my hope; and
he is to me a child of many prayers. If thou rear him, and he come to
the measure of youth, verily each woman that sees thee will envy thee,
such shall be my gifts of fosterage."

Then answered her again Demeter of the fair garland:

"And mayst thou too, lady, fare well, and the Gods give thee all things
good. Gladly will I receive thy child that thou biddest me nurse. Never,
methinks, by the folly of his nurse shall charm or sorcery harm him; for
I know an antidote stronger than the wild wood herb, and a goodly salve I
know for the venomed spells."