Asas

Daphne (and Apollo)
One day Apollo saw Cupid playing with his set of bows and arrows, and told Cupid what was his business with warlike weapons, he should leave them in the hands of thosewho are worthy of them. Cupid hearing this said to him that while the weapons Apollo used attacked others his weapons will attack him. Cupid then drew two arrows completely different, agolden one to excite the lover, and a leaden one to repel it. Cupid struck the nymph Daphne with the leaden arrow and with the golden arrow struck Apollo. Apollo was quickly apprehended withlove for the nymph, while she detested the idea of love.

Apollo longed for her to be his bride so he observed her and admired her, and when he followed her she fled for she loved thechase. He pleaded for her to stay with him but she continued on her flight, and as the god grew impatient Cupid helped him gain upon her trail. She feared he would catch her and as her strengthbegun to fail she called her father (the river god) to open the earth to enclose her, or change her form. She suddenly began to transform, her bosom became enclosed in bark, her hair becameleaves, and her arms became branches. When Apollo reached her he stood amazed for the tree had retained its former beauty. Apollo spoke to her telling her that since she can’t be his wife,she will be his tree. He will wear her for his crown, he will decorate with her his harp and she shall be woven into wreaths for the Roman conquerors. Lastly he said to her that sinceeternal youth is his, her leaves will never decay. The tree became known as the laurel tree.

Category. "Apollo and Daphne - Bulfinch's Version of Apollo and Daphne." Ancient / ClassicalHistory - Ancient Greece & Rome & Classics Research Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Aug. 2012. <http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/myths/a/102110-Apollo-And-Daphne-By-Thomas-Bulfinch.htm>.