One day a maiden who had in vain endeavoured to attract him uttered a prayer that he might some time or other feel what it was to love and meet no return of affection. He shunned all the rest of the nymphs, as he had done poor Echo. Narcissus’s cruelty in this case was not the only instance. Purchase, The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1956 (56.533.2) Narcissus, 17th century, Laurent de La Hyre With that she is still ready to reply to any one who calls her, and keeps up her old habit of having the last word. Her bones were changed into rocks and there was nothing left of her but her voice. Her form faded with grief, till at last all her flesh shrank away. From that time forth she lived in caves and among mountain cliffs. He left her, and she went to hide her blushes in the recesses of the woods. He started back, exclaiming, “Hands off! I would rather die than you should have me!” “Have me,” said she but it was all in vain. The maid answered with all her heart in the same words, and hastened to the spot, ready to throw her arms about his neck. “Let us join one another,” said the youth.

One day the youth, being separated from his companions, shouted aloud, “Who’s here?” Echo replied, “Here.” Narcissus looked around, but seeing no one, called out, “Come.” Echo answered, “Come.” As no one came, Narcissus called again, “Why do you shun me?” Echo asked the same question. She waited with impatience for him to speak first, and had her answer ready. O how she longed to address him in the softest accents, and win him to converse! but it was not in her power. She loved him and followed his footsteps. This nymph saw Narcissus, a beautiful youth, as he pursued the chase upon the mountains. You shall still have the last word, but no power to speak first.” When Juno discovered it, she passed sentence upon Echo in these words: “You shall forfeit the use of that tongue with which you have cheated me, except for that one purpose you are so fond of- reply.

Echo by her talk contrived to detain the goddess till the nymphs made their escape. One day Juno was seeking her husband, who, she had reason to fear, was amusing himself among the nymphs. But Echo had one failing she was fond of talking, and whether in chat or argument, would have the last word. She was a favourite of Diana, and attended her in the chase. EIL 4.3 Spenser, Gawain, and Arthurian ContextĮcho and Narcissus (1915) From A Book of Myths by Helen Stratton, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsĮcho was a beautiful nymph, fond of the woods and hills, where she devoted herself to woodland sports.

Ovid scansion