Rhoecus

re'kus, in Greek legend, a youth who once propped up an oak tree which he saw about to fall. The nymph or dryad of the tree was grateful for the respect thus shown her, and when Rhoecus sought her favor she was very gracious. She charged him, however, to keep faith with her, and that when she sent her messenger, the bee, to summon him he must at once obey. Rhoecus promised to do so. One day, however, the bee came when he was playing checkers, and in his absorption he brushed it hastily away. The dryad was offended, and blinded Rhoecus in consequence. Lowell has made this story the subject of a poem entitled Rhoecus.