One moral-based legend : He married Psyche, the beautiful mortal maiden, under the pretense that they would only meet in the darkness of the night. Cupid's intent, therefore, was for his bride to never see his physical appearance. Despite the strange "pre-nuptial" arrangement, the newlyweds were able to maintain a deeply passionate and loving relationship. The flourishing bond began to weaken, however, as Psyche's sisters began to fill her mind with questions and doubts about Cupid. She found herself fearfully wondering if her husband were really some bizarre, monster-like being. In fact, the fear grew so intense and unstoppable that she finally decided she must find out the truth, once and for all. Psyche carefully created a plan to unveil the mystery. One night, secretly, she placed a candle by the bed which she shared with Cupid. Unsure of the outcome and ultimately her own safety, Psyche hid a knife there as well. Waiting for him to fall asleep, she knew there would be no other way--no turning back, if she were ever to feel comfortable and trusting of her mate. Quietly, she checked to make sure Cupid was truly asleep, then she reached for the candle and lit it. Bringing the flame's illuminating glow toward the face of her unsuspecting husband, she looked upon him. Shocked, the beautiful woman discovered that her partner was not a monster, but a handsome man--with wings! In her state of amazement, she accidentally tipped the hot candle's wax onto Cupid's face, waking him at once. Far more shocked than even she, Cupid flew away. As he went, he cried out, "O foolish Psyche! Is this how you repay my love? Go! Return to your sisters whose advice you seem to think preferable to mine. I inflict no punishment other than to leave you forever."
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