Just as Helios personified the
sun, so his sister Selene represented the moon, and was supposed to drive her
{87} chariot across the sky whilst her brother was reposing after the toils of
the day.
When the shades of evening
began to enfold the earth, the two milk-white steeds of Selene rose out of the
mysterious depths of Oceanus. Seated in a silvery chariot, and accompanied by
her daughter Herse, the goddess of the dew, appeared the mild and gentle queen
of the night, with a crescent on her fair brow, a gauzy veil flowing behind,
and a lighted torch in her hand.
Selene greatly admired a
beautiful young shepherd named Endymion, to whom Zeus had accorded the
privilege of eternal youth, combined with the faculty of sleeping whenever he
desired, and as long as he wished. Seeing this lovely youth fast asleep on
Mount Latmus, Selene was so struck with his beauty, that she came down every
night from heaven to watch over and protect him.