ABSTRACT
THERE were, besides, in the lands of the North a number of temples consecrated to Diana and Ceres, and shrines of the sister Fates built by some magic art without human aid. 1 Men of old, wishing to consult the oracles of the Fates about their children’s futures, came habitually to these sites to make their solemn vows and entreaties. When they looked into the sanctuary they perceived seats, sometimes three, sometimes more, occupied by nymphs, of whom some would grant boys a noble figure and abundant favour among men, others would present them with exceptional generosity or other virtues, and lastly, others of a more capricious nature, eager to spoil the gifts of the others, would attach to the future character of the boys the fault of meanness or some other defect. 1
Temples of Diana and Ceres
Nymphs
