26 HESIOD.

the poem, the poet designed to teach. The creation and equipment of Pandora is one of Hesiod's finest nights above a commonly-even level : " The Sire who rules the earth and sways the pole Had said, and laughter filled his secret soul : He bade the crippled god his hest obey, And mould with tempering water plastic clay ; With human nerve and human voice invest The limbs elastic, and the breathing breast ; Fair as the blooming goddesses above, A virgin's likeness with the looks of love. He bade Minerva teach the skill that sheds A thousand colours in the gliding threads ; He called the magic of love's golden queen To breathe around a witchery of mien, And eager passion's never-sated flame, And cares of dress that prey upon the frame ; Bade Hermes last endue with craft refined Of treacherous manners, and a shameless mind." E. 83-99. The Olympians almost overdo the bidding of their chief, calling in other helpers besides those named in the above extract : " Adored Persuasion and the Graces young, Her tapered limbs with golden jewels hung ; Kound her fair brow the lovely-tressed Hours A golden garland twined of spring's purpureal flowers." E. 103-106. And when the conclave deemed that they had per- fected an impersonation of mischief, " The name Pandora to the maid was given, For all the gods conferred a gifted grace To crown this mischief of the mortal race.