One undertaking, however, led me on to another, so that I could scarcely avoid writing the present book. It is intended as a sort of companion to my Tales about Ancient and Modem Greece, and my Tales about Ancient Rome with some Account of Modem Italy. But though my principal design has been to make it agreeable and useful to young people, by adopting a familiar style, and by introducing many engravings, as well as a variety of curious anecdotes, illustrating what has been handed down to us of the deities of ancient days, yet have I still endeavoured to render my work fit for general use.