ZEUS COMPREHENDING EUROPA

Many a time Phoenix the King of Phoienicia boasted of his virgin daughter's beauty which he said far surpassed that of all the nymphs; and Zeus who listened from afar was always willing to agree, for to be sure the beautiful Europa often had occasion to repel his advances. And so the completely enamoured Zeus who was by now quite impatient devised a little scheme by means of which his unrequited love would be addressed.

One fine day Europa went down to the meadows to gather flowers where her father kept his fine herd by the water's edge and while she was thus dreamily engaged she noticed a magnificent gleaming white bull standing by her side. The King's daughter was most impressed by his majestic and gentle air so she caressed the bull and wreathed his shoulders and horns with the garland of flowers. Thus encouraged the resplendant bull very gallantly knelt before her so enabling the trusting Europa to climb onto his back. The happy recipient of all this attention became quite emboldened and slowly stood up, but with a sudden bound he sprang into the waves and the unsuspecting Europa was carried by Zeus across the vast sea.

The enraged Pheonix demanded to know whether the royal attendants had heard Europa call for help or summon their aid, but Europa knew if she shouted loud she might be heard.
- DANIEL

Abduction and rape! Or was it temptation and consensual. Zeus comprending Europa to the ultimate degree. In this world we are constantly consumed by beauty of the opposite sex and often disguise our efforts at conquest.
- LJO