He Came To Serve

The Greeks have a legend about a youth named Narcissus who was loved by many nymphs, including Echo, the fairest of them all. But Echo could not tell him of her love because she could only repeat what was said to her. In one modern-day version of the story, Echo is in the woods, and she hears Narcissus calling, “Come!” to his companions. “Come,” she echoes shyly, stepping forward through the branches. Narcissus, on seeing her, recognizes the love in her eyes and runs away singing, “I’d rather die than say, ‘I love you and I give you power over me.'” Echo is heartbroken and her words, “I give you power over me” humbly echo after him. Some nearby nymphs, feeling the youth has been too cruel, utter a curse that Narcissus might feel what it is to love and receive no return of affection. Thus it is that when Narcissus stops at the pool to drink, he falls in love with his own reflection.…