`` Why , '' said Phoebus -- and as he spoke he kept touching his lyre so as to make a thread of music run in and out among his words -- `` as the little damsel was gathering flowers -LRB- and she has really a very exquisite taste for flowers -RRB- , she was suddenly snatched up by King Pluto , and carried off to his dominions . I have never been in that part of the universe ; but the royal palace , I am told , is built in a very noble style of architecture , and of the most splendid and costly materials . Gold , diamonds , pearls , and all manner of precious stones will be your daughter 's ordinary playthings . I recommend to you , my dear lady , to give yourself no uneasiness . Proserpina 's sense of beauty will be duly gratified , and even in spite of the lack of sunshine , she will lead a very enviable life . '' `` Hush ! Say not such a word ! '' answered Ceres , indignantly . `` What is there to gratify her heart ? What are all the splendors you speak of without affection ? I must have her back again . Will you go with me you go with me , Phoebus , to demand my daughter of this wicked Pluto ? '' `` Pray excuse me , '' replied Phoebus , with an elegant obeisance . `` I certainly wish you success , and regret that my own affairs are so immediately pressing that I can not have the pleasure of attending you . Besides , I am not upon the best of terms with King Pluto . To tell you the truth , his three-headed mastiff would never let me pass the gateway ; for I should be compelled to take a sheaf of sunbeams along with me , and those , you know , are forbidden things in Pluto 's kingdom . '' `` Ah , Phoebus , '' said Ceres , with bitter meaning in her words , `` you have a harp instead of a heart . Farewell . '' `` Will not you stay a moment , '' asked Phoebus , `` and hear me turn the pretty and touching story of Proserpina into extemporary verses ? '' But Ceres shook her head , and hastened away , along with Hecate .
XXXXX -LRB- who , as I have told you , was an exquisite poet -RRB- forthwith began to make an ode about the poor mother 's grief ; and , if we were to judge of his sensibility by this beautiful production , he must have been endowed with a very tender heart .
Ceres Hecate Phoebus Pluto Proserpina dominions lyre obeisance playthings sunbeams