The name "valentine" comes from a kind Christian monk, who was the friend of youth. We send valentines to those we love, and you know there are emblems of love and fidelity upon these pretty gifts. Here are the cooing doves, the graceful swan, the rose, and the myrtle--all sacred to Venus, goddess of love and beauty. Cupid, her mischievous son, has his bow and quiver filled with arrows with which to pierce the hearts of the young. Here is the butterfly, the emblem of Psyche, the Soul, whom Love chose to be his wife.
From the story of Cupid and Psyche we learn how love ennobles the soul, purifying it of doubt, and raising it to perfect faith. For this reason, we may well celebrate the day of kind St. Valentine, by sending words of love and gifts of affection to our friends, in the form of dainty valentines.
In the dark silence of her chamber low March works sweeter things than mortals know. Her noiseless looms ply on with busy care, Weaving the fine cloth that the flowers wear; She sews the seams in violet's queer hood, And paints the sweet arbutus of the wood. Out of a bit of sky's delicious blue She fashions hyacinths, and harebells too; And from a sunbeam makes a cowslip fair, Or spins a gown for a daffodil to wear. She pulls the cover from the crocus beds And bids the sleepers lift their drowsy heads. "Come, early risers; come, anemone, My pale windflower, awake, awake," calls she. "The world expects you, and your lovers wait To give you welcome at Spring's open gate." She marshals the close armies of the grass, And polishes their green blades as they pass And all the blossoms of the fruit trees sweet Are piled in rosy shells about her feet. Within her great alembic she distills The dainty odor which each flower fills. Nor does she ever give to mignonette The perfume that belongs to violet. Nature does well whatever task she tries Because _obedient_,--there the secret lies. --May Riley Smith.
Phaëthon was the son of Apollo. One day he approached the palace of his father and begged a favor. Apollo was pleased with his youthful grace and beauty, and promised to grant his desire. Phaëthon then boldly asked the great god of the sun for permission to drive his horses for a single day.