Historical/Mythological Fiction
Description
Vocal Characteristics
Language
EnglishVoice Age
Young Adult (18-35)Accents
North American (General)Transcript
Note: Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and may contain errors.
Narcissus continued to hunt frequently and one day, thirsty after being out since dawn, found a little clear spring in the woods and flung himself down to take a drink. Suddenly, he paused for Reflected in the water was the most beautiful face that he had ever seen. He looked in wonder, and as he looked, it seemed to grow even more beautiful. You must remember that in those days, mirrors were a rarity and far beyond the means of a simple hunter, so that Narcissus would have no idea of what he looked like. He spoke to the face in the water, but though its lips moved, it made no reply. Narcissus was enchanted. He had fallen in love with his own image. He tried to approach nearer, but when he touched the water, the image vanished. He remained by the stream, losing all desire for food, and gradually pined away and died. The Sears words had come true. His final words were addressed to his reflection in the stream. Oh, youth beloved in vain, Farewell echoes Spirit, which had stayed near a hand hoping to be able to help him, replied farewell. The nymphs of the river and the wood who had known him prepared a funeral pyre for him. But when they went to recover his body from beside the stream, it had vanished. Instead, a beautiful flower was growing in its place, with a lovely golden center and white petals nodding at its reflection in the stream. To this day, the flower is called after the youth Narcissus and is found by quiet streams and pools, gazing forever at itself in the water.