Thomas Bulfinch
-
For Mythology is the handmaid of literature and literature is one of the best allies of virtue and promoters of happiness.
-
Without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant literature of our own language cannot be understood and appreciated.
-
If no other knowledge deserves to be called useful but that which helps to enlarge our possessions or to raise our station in society, then Mythology has no claim to the appellation.
-
Thus we hope to teach mythology not as a study, but as a relaxation from study to give our work the charm of a story-book, yet by means of it to impart a knowledge of an important branch of education.