The most beautiful face of all was done in what is called high relief , in the centre of the lid . There was nothing else , save the dark , smooth richness of the polished wood , and this one face in the centre , with a garland of flowers about its brow . Pandora had looked at this face a great many times , and imagined that the mouth could smile if it liked , or be grave when it chose , the same as any living mouth . The features , indeed , all wore a very lively and rather mischievous expression , which looked almost as if it needs must burst out of the carved lips , and utter itself in words . Had the mouth spoken , it would probably have been something like this : `` Do not be afraid , Pandora ! What harm can there be in opening the box ? Never mind that poor , simple Epimetheus ! You are wiser than he , and have ten times as much spirit . Open the box , and see if you do not find something very pretty ! '' The box , I had almost forgotten to say , was fastened ; not by a lock , nor by any other such contrivance , but by a very intricate knot of gold cord . There appeared to be no end to this knot , and no beginning . Never was a knot so cunningly twisted , nor with so many ins and outs , which roguishly defied the skilfullest fingers to disentangle them . And yet , by the very difficulty that there was in it , Pandora was the more tempted to examine the knot , and just see how it was made . Two or three times , already , she had stooped over the box , and taken the knot between her thumb and forefinger , but without positively trying to undo it . `` I really believe , '' said she to herself , `` that I begin to see how it was done . Nay , perhaps I could tie it up again , after undoing it . There would be no harm in that , surely . Even Epimetheus would not blame me for that . I need not open the box , and should not , of course , without the foolish boy 's consent , even if the knot were untied . '' It might have been better for Pandora if she had had a little work to do , or anything to employ her mind upon , so as not to be so constantly thinking of this one subject .
But children led so easy a life , before any Troubles came into the world , XXXXX they had really a great deal too much leisure .
after for if in over than that to with without