I was not thrilled to turn to today's page and find a white marble statue of three naked women. Yesterday's gilt naked woman was more than enough to deal with, now I had three of them to explain away or spin a story to cover them. Happily Wikipedia had a little about them so I had a jumping off place, but it was one of those times when it looked pretty far down when I peeked over the edge. Feeling good about myself today, I leaped.
August 26--James Pradier, The Three Graces. It is an unlucky man who has three daughters, thought Zeus. When they were children their beauty, charity, and joy entertained all who met them but now that they are young women they are becoming a burden. Their beauty attracts suitors from every corner. Young and old, wealthy and poor, handsome and plain, they all stand flat-footed staring at their desire. His daughters' joy rang out through the land. None who heard it could remain unmoved by it. Some days he thought that a little solemnity, even a touch of sadness, would be a relief. Their charity was legendary too. News of their generosity drew every beggar and unfortunate from far and near to press their case with near total guarantee of success. He had been forced to set up a separate kitchen that did nothing beyond bake bread and make soup for the hordes. Beside the kitchen stood a shop with three seamstresses who made basic garments and a pair of cobblers to make sandals for the girls to give away. If they did not marry soon he would go broke. Maybe he'd take another stroll through the throng of suitors to see what was on offer today.
Well, that was a surprise.
--Barbara
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