Lives of Alcyone

the hip which could not be perfectly dealt with by the primitive
surgery of the time.
His estate however prospered, and as the years rolled by he
became rich and respected. He took considerable interest in the
study of Atlantean philosophy, and he and Mizar remained always
upon the most friendly terms with both the Aryan and the Atlantean
priests, though their attachment was on the whole greatest to the
star-shaped temples of the Sun-God. Aryan migrations continued to
pass them at intervals, but they were fortunate in being able to deal
in a politic manner with these wandering bands, and Alcyone, in
memory of his friend Vesta, always offered them the freest
hospitality, and so kept on good terms with them. The largest of all
these migrations was under the charge of Mars, who led a mighty
host of armed men through Amritsar on his way to Central India,
where he eventually made for himself an empire. His brother
Mercury came with him as high priest. Alcyone felt an intense
admiration for Herakles, the daughter of Mars, and could not bear to
part from her.
Both Alcyone and his wife lived to a good old age, and were
much respected, he being especially looked up to as an expounder
of the philosophy and one who was able to harmonise the conflicting
tenets of the two religions. Towards the end of her life Mizar suffered
much from rheumatism, and was practically bed-ridden for some
years before her death at the age of seventy-five. Alcyone survived
her for five years, himself passing away in the year 12,795.
Although there were few striking events in this life, and many
years of comparatively quiet prosperity, it was not without its effect
in developing the character of Alcyone, who gained in courage and
33