The Plymouth Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1878-1901, 1879-02-13
Educational Column.
CUPID AND PSYCHE.
J. +. LANGENBAUGH.

One OF the most charming fictions
transmitted to US from antiquity, Is
that of Cupid and Psyche. 1t in
wolves the most sublime ideas OF lie,
death and Immortality. as far as we
may look for such ideas among the
religious heathens of ancient times.
The name Of Psyche signifies 10th
butter fly and the human soul.
Therefore, when represented with the
wings Of a butter fly, attached to her
shoulders, Psyche is, as it were. the
emblem of a tender spiritual being,
who, freed from the coarser covering
OF her chIysalis, is too submitted for
this lower world, and rises to higher
existence, where, united with Love,
in sacred and mutual marriage, she
participates in that bliss which the
immortals themselves enjoy. This
fiction forms the veil, which in most
agreeable manner conceals the ter
rors of the lower world. Psyche, the
most lovely OF mortals, was the
daughter of a powerful monarch, and
the youngest OF three sisters. So
franscendent was her beauty that no
mortal man dared sue for her hand;
and her fathers subjects. neglecting
the worship Of Venus. raised affairs to
Psyche; Her parents exulted in this
general homage paid to their deugh
ter, and her sisters, somewhat Jealous
OF her superior beauty, pleased them
selves with the thought that while
they were married, she would never
have a husband. Both parents and
sisters, however, soon found them
selves disappointed in the anticipa-
lions in which they hal INDUCED.
The former consulted an oracle as to
her future fate, and were comm tnIed
to array their daughter in festive at
tire, aud then conduct her as il 10 her
burial to the summit OF mountain,
and there to abandon her ill her des-
tined husband should come for her.
Venus, resolving to revenge herself
9pon the innocent Psyche, sent Gu
pid TO inspire her with a passion for
the ugliest OF mortals. But Cupid no
sooner saw Psyche then he laid aside
his bow and arrows, and resolved 10
make her his wife. For this purpose
he went TO Zephyres, the god of the
west-wind, and Somnus, the god Of
sleep, to ask their assistance. No
sooner did Pysche find herself alone,
than profound sleep stole over her
senses. and then she was tenderly
raised By Zephyr, who carried her to
the abode prepared for her by Love
She found herself transported 10 an
unknown region, but the most charm
ing she had ever seen. A magnifi
cent palace, surrounded by beautiful
groves and beds of flowers, was at
her disposal: she was mistress OF
many invisible attendants, by whom
her commands were instantly obeyed.
But he who had bestowed upon her
this delightful abode, she was not
permitted to behold. He visited her
only at night, telling her with
sweetiy sounding voice that he was
the husband allotted to her by the i'm
mortals, at the same time warning
and entreafing her never TO inquire
who he was, for then she would for
ever lose his love, and become mis-
cradle.
But in the midst Of heavenly hap
piness, Psyche longed to see her pa
rents once more, or at least her sis
tiers, that she might dissipate the
grief OF her family on account OF her
fate. Her husband, seeing that all
the sntreaties and Iemonstrances
with which he endeavored to Danish
this wish from her heart were vain, at
last consented that she should re-
ceive visit from her sisters. Zephyr
was accordingly ordered to convey
them to Psyche's abode. No sooner
had they arrived and beheld the hap
piness which was allotted to their sis
ter. than envy filled their hearts, de-
stroyiDg every better feeling: and
after having heard the particular cir
under which Psyche en-
joyed her matrimonial happiness,
they infused into bel mind the sus-
picion that her husband must be
hideous monster, because he dreaded
to be seen. Their malevolence even
went so far as to persuade their Sis
ter, by every possible art, to trans
gress the positive commands of her
husband. and, by the use of IA dagger,
to rid herself Of the monster when
buried in sleep.
The sisters were carried away by
Zephyr. and poor Psyche, whose
mind was agitated by contending pas
sions. resolves at last to follow the
malevolent council which they had
given her. When night had expand
ed her wings over her blessed abode,
and her husband was buried 10 re-
pose, she took the lamp. and dagger
which she had concealed. and stepped,
with fainting knees and a trembling
hand, to the couch of the unknown.
But instead OF the monster whom sue
had expected to see. she beheld the
most beautiful OF the immortals, Gu
mid God of Loyei She attempted