B. J. Harrison Reads Lamia

The Greek god Hermes descends from Olympus in search of an invisible nymph. He sees a snake who speaks with the voice of a woman named Lamia. She tells Hermes, that her spirit is trapped in this snake's body. She offers Hermes to help him find the nymph if he uses his divine powers to turn her into a human again. Lamia herself is searching for a charming young man named Lycius.

Who is the nymph that Hermes is looking for? Why is she so special to him? Why is Lamia trapped into the snake's body? Will Hermes agree to the deal and restore Lamia's normal human appearance? Will she find the attractive Lycius?

Find all the answers in John Keats' poem "Lamia", published in 1820.