Floating now on bird's wings over the sea she seeks her lost Ceyx there; since she was not able to find him after long wandering over the land." "That then is the Halcyon--the kingfisher," said Chaerephon.

"I never heard a bird like it before.

It has truly a plaintive note.

What kind of a bird is it, Socrates ?" "Not a large bird, though she has received [82] large honour from the gods on account of her singular conjugal affection.

For whensoever she makes her nest, a law of nature brings round what is called Halcyon's weather,--days distinguishable among all others for their serenity, though they come sometimes amid the storms of winter--days like to-day! See how transparent is the sky above us, and how motionless the sea!--like a smooth mirror." True! A Halcyon day, indeed! and yesterday was the same.