Lives of Alcyone

opponent to the orthodox Proteus, whose influence and prestige
declined as that of the new man increased.
Aries did not in any way set himself in open opposition to
Proteus, and he was not at heart a bad man, though it must be said
that he took every opportunity to feather his own nest. Perhaps even
more than by thought of gain, he was actuated by the love of power
and by the pleasure which he felt in working his wonderful
experiments, and seeing the profound impression which they forced
upon the people. Proteus was, not unnaturally, a good deal annoyed
at the falling off of his revenues and the decrease of his influence
and he was thoroughly persuaded that the influence of Aries was
entirely an evil one.
This condition of affairs went on for some years, the friction
getting worse as time passed. Castor built a great temple for Aries,
and the two cults may be said to have been in open rivalry. Proteus
really believed Aries to be guilty of various objectionable forms of
magic, and did not at al scruple to say so and this was partly
responsible for the fact that Aries acquired a somewhat unenviable
reputation, and though his undoubted powers were much admired,
he was also a good deal feared. Castor caused some trouble to
Aries by always insisting on partaking in his secret rites, trying
always to understand the working of the various forces employed,
and even to attempt new experiments of various kinds with them. As
his own knowledge was after all somewhat limited, Aries was always
distinctly nervous about these experiments, and eventually his fears
were realised, as Castor contrived to get himself blown up and
killed.
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