Daughters of Achelous Transformed Into Sirens
The Sirens, daughters of Achelous and the Muse Melpomene, disconsolate at the abduction of Proserpine, entreat the gods to afford them wings, that they may seek her by sea as well as by land—Jupiter, to appease the resentment of Ceres and sooth her grief, decrees that Proserpine shall remain six months in each year with her husband, and the remainder with her mother on earth.
“Justly this punishment was due to him, And less had been too little for his crime; But, O ye nymphs! that from the flood descend, What fault of yours the gods could so offend, With wings and claws your beauteous forms to spoil, Yet save your maiden face and winning smile? Were you not with her in Pergusa’s bowers, When Proserpine went forth to gather flowers? Since Pluto in his car the goddess caught,
Have you not for her in each climate sought? And when on land you long had search’d in vain, You wish’d for wings to cross the pathless main: The earth and sea might witness to your care: The gods were easy, and return’d your prayer: With golden wing o’er foamy waves you fled, And to the sun your plumy glories spread. But lest the soft enchantment of your songs, And the sweet music of your flatt’ring tongues,
Should quite be lost (as courteous fates ordain), Your voice and virgin beauty still remain.”
Jove, some amends for Ceres’ loss to make, Yet unwilling Pluto should the joy partake, Gives them of Proserpine an equal share, Who, claim’d by both, with both divides the year. The goddess now in either empire sways, Six moons in hell, and six with Ceres stays: Her peevish temper’s changed; that sullen mind Which made ev’n hell uneasy, now is kind; Her voice refines; her mien more sweet appears; Her forehead free from frowns, her eyes from tears. As when, with golden light, the conqu’ring day Through dusky exhalations clears a way; Ceres her daughter’s loss no longer mourn’d, But back to Arethusa’s spring return’d; And, sitting on the margin, bid her tell From whence she came, and why a sacred well.