Naiads. The nymphs of fresh water, whether of rivers, lakes, brooks, or springs. Many of these nymphs presided over springs, which were believed to inspire those who drank of them. The nymphs themselves were, therefore, thought to be endowed with prophetic power, and to be able to inspire men. Hence all persons in a state of rapture, such as seers, poets, madmen, etc., were said to be caught by the nymphs.
