Galanthis

Woman into Weasel

 

In a fit of pique, the goddess Juno interferes with the mortal Lucina’s childbirth. Angered, Lucina’s servant Galanthis shows disrespect to the goddess.

 

Galanthis, they report, the goddess mock'd

Thus cheated, by her laughter. Savage, she

Dragg'd her so laughing, by the tresses seiz'd,

And forc'd her down to earth, as up she strove

Erect to rise; and to forefeet her arms

Transform'd. The same agility remains;

Her back its colour keeps; her form alone

Is diverse. She, 'cause then her lying mouth

My birth assisted, by her mouth still bears:

And round my house she harbors as before.