advance the cause of social and spiritual revolution. The ancient legend is only the vehicle of the author’s satirical aim. The varied uses which creative writers have made of this old belief testify to its fascination. But we have to do with much more than a fantastic tale suitable for poetic treatment. Fantastic it is, sometimes grotesque; but as we trace its development, we shall find ourselves standing at some critical points in the history of the human spirit. Most of those who have previously