Hyacinth i a

, an annual solemnity at Amyclæ, in Laconia, in honour of Hyacinth us and Apollo. It continued for three days, during which time the grief of the people was so great for the death of Hyacinth us, that they did not adorn their hair with garlands during their festivals, nor eat bread, but fed only upon sweetmeats. They did not even sing pæans in honour of Apollo, or observe any of the solemnities which were usual at other sacrifices. On the second day of the festival there were a number of different exhibitions. Youths, with their garments girt about them, entertained the spectators, by playing sometimes upon the flute, or upon the harp, and by singing anapestic songs, in loud, echoing voices, in honour of Apollo. Others pa ed acro the theatre mounted upon horses richly adorned, and, at the same time, choirs of young men came upon the stage singing their uncouth rustic songs, and accompanied by persons who danced at the sound of vocal and instrumental music, according to the ancient custom. Some virgins were also introduced in chariots of wood, covered at the top and magnificently adorned. Others appeared in race chariots. The city began then to be filled with joy, and immense numbers of victims were offered on the altars of Apollo, and the votaries liberally entertained their friends and slaves. During this latter part of the festivity, all were eager to be present at the games, and the city was almost left without inhabitants. Athenæus , bk. 4 .— Ovid , Metamorphoses , bk. 10 , li. 219 .— Pausanias , bk. 3 , chs. 1 & 19.