Note 1825 — Chapter VI · PASTORAL LIFE.

Aleuas, the Thessalian, is said to have been favoured with the visits of a very different mistress as he pastured his herds on Mount Ossa, near the Hæmonian spring; for a dragon of enormous size, becoming enamoured of his beauty and golden hair, frequently approached the shepherd with presents of game of her own catching. Having laid her gifts at his feet, she would kiss his locks and lick his face with her tongue, which, as the fountain was so near it, may be hoped was a work of supererogation. Ælian. De Nat. Animal. viii. 11.