`` You kill me by saying so , '' cried Ceres , almost ready to faint . `` Where was the sound , and which way did it seem to go ? '' `` It passed very swiftly along , '' said Hecate , `` and , at the same time , there was a heavy rumbling of wheels towards the eastward . I can tell you nothing more , except that , in my honest opinion , you will never see your daughter again . The best advice I can give you is , to take up your abode in this cavern , where we will be the two most wretched women in the world . '' `` Not yet , dark Hecate , '' replied Ceres . `` But do you first come with your torch , and help me to seek for my lost child . And when there shall be no more hope of finding her -LRB- if that black day is ordained to come -RRB- , then , if you will give me room to fling myself down , either on these withered leaves or on the naked rock , I will show what it is to be miserable . But , until I know that she has perished from the face of the earth , I will not allow myself space even to grieve . '' The dismal Hecate did not much like the idea of going abroad into the sunny world . But then she reflected that the sorrow of the disconsolate Ceres would be like a gloomy twilight round about them both , let the sun shine ever so brightly , and that therefore she might enjoy her bad spirits quite as well as if she were to stay in the cave . So she finally consented to go , and they set out together , both carrying torches , although it was broad daylight and clear sunshine . The torchlight seemed to make a gloom ; so that the people whom they met , along the road , could not very distinctly see their figures ; and , indeed , if they once caught a glimpse of Hecate , with the wreath of snakes round her forehead , they generally thought it prudent to run away , without waiting for a second glance . As the pair traveled along in this woe-begone manner , a thought struck Ceres . `` There is one person , '' she exclaimed , `` who must have seen my poor child , and can doubtless tell what has become of her . Why did not I think of him before ? It is Phoebus . '' `` What , '' said Hecate , `` the young man that always sits in the sunshine ? 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 XXXXX him , that he will quite blind my poor eyes , which I have almost wept away already . ''
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