O , pray do not think of going near him . He is a gay , light , frivolous young fellow , and will only smile in your face . And besides , there is such a glare of the sun about him , that he will quite blind my poor eyes , which I have almost wept away already . '' `` You have promised to be my companion , '' answered Ceres . `` Come , let us make haste , or the sunshine will be gone , and Phoebus along with it . '' Accordingly , they went along in quest of Phoebus , both of them sighing grievously , and Hecate , to say the truth , making a great deal worse lamentation than Ceres ; for all the pleasure she had , you know , lay in being miserable , and therefore she made the most of it . By and by , after a pretty long journey , they arrived at the sunniest spot in the whole world . There they beheld a beautiful young man , with long , curling ringlets , which seemed to be made of golden sunbeams ; his garments were like light summer clouds ; and the expression of his face was so exceedingly vivid , that Hecate held her hands before her eyes , muttering that he ought to wear a black veil . Phoebus -LRB- for this was the very person whom they were seeking -RRB- had a lyre in his hands , and was making its chords tremble with sweet music ; at the same time singing a most exquisite song , which he had recently composed . For , beside a great many other accomplishments , this young man was renowned for his admirable poetry . As Ceres and her dismal companion approached him , Phoebus smiled on them so cheerfully that Hecate 's wreath of snakes gave a spiteful hiss , and Hecate heartily wished herself back in her cave . But as for Ceres , she was too earnest in her grief either to know or care whether Phoebus smiled or frowned . `` Phoebus ! '' exclaimed she , `` I am in great trouble , and have come to you for assistance . Can you tell me what has become of my dear child Proserpina ? '' `` Proserpina ! Proserpina , did you call her name ? '' answered Phoebus , endeavoring to recollect ; for there was such a continual flow of pleasant ideas in his mind , that he was apt to forget what had happened no longer ago than yesterday . `` Ah , yes , I remember her now . A very lovely child , indeed .
I am happy to tell you , my dear madam , XXXXX I did see the little Proserpina not many days ago .
As at before beside by for like than that to