Pallas and Envy by Picart
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Athena and Envy
Pallas and Envy, Picart et al., 1673-1733. Metamorphoses Bk II: 760-786.
- Athena, who had not forgotten Aglaurus's betrayal and kept an eye on her, could not accept that the same girl who had uncovered her secret, contrary to her command, would now be in favour with Hermes and with her sister, and besides rich in gold.
- So Athena decided to visit Envy in her cave. Her home, filthy with black gore, is hidden in a valley where no sun shines and no breeze blows.
- When Athena came through the thick black fog that wrapped the place she beat upon the door with end of spear, and when the doors opened she stood without, not wishing to enter so disgraceful abode. Envy sat within eating her usual food, snakes' flesh; but when she saw the Goddess she came out with her teeth foul with mould, her venom dripping down from her tongue, and looking at her with her awry eyes.
- As they say, Envy never smiles, except at the sight of someone else's troubles. She never sleeps either, because she is too disturbed with wakeful cares. She hates the success of others because at its sight she pines away. She is herself her own punishment because as much as she gnaws she is gnawed.
- Athena came down to business very quickly and asked Envy to infect with her venom the heart of Aglaurus. After having set the task in a very short speech Athena returned to Olympus.
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