Gather round children and let me tell you the story of the gods...

In the beginning there were only Day and Night. The lady Bianca and her consort Nero. Together they made the world and everything in it. Their children rule the earth, rule nature, rule us.

If you have the time, I have the stories. Put a coin in this old woman's hand and I will take you on such adventures as mere mortals have never dreamed.

I will tell you of the love and hate that flows between Bianca and Nero, how their arguments brought one man to his knees, how their love brought another to such heights.

I will tell you of Violo, their first born. The violet god holds sway over all creation and destruction. Be very careful what you wish for when you invoke his name.

I will tell you of Marrone and Verde, the second born, the twins that cradle us within their thighs.

Turchino, the blue god who dances in the skies above us and swims in the waters around us. His storms put fear into the souls of men and yet, his kiss can make men fly.

Fair and more beautiful than any other is Rossa. The red god brings passion to man's heart and makes him love, makes him hate, such good and such evil has been wrought in her name.

Even tempered and steady, Gialla, the yellow god is as a rock. Wisdom and knowledge flow from her loins. Her price is steep but her prizes gold.

Arancione is arrogant. Master of fire, energy, nourishment. Man's best friend and worst enemy.

I feel your question, I have not forgotten. Grigio, the grey god of dreams and nightmares. He was created that man could dream, could imagine that such things as gods did exist and more, that they could be petitioned to grant favours upon such as you and me.

Move closer now, and give me a sip from your cup and tell me, whose story would you like to hear first?