Echo was a beautiful nymph whose downfall was her constant chattering. Whenever she spoke with another, she always had to have the last word. One day while Hera was searching for Zeus (whome she believed to be filandering with the nymphs) she came across Echo, who with her constant chatter held up the queen of the Gods on her quest so that the nymphs could get away. When Hera discovered this she cursed Echo saying that she would always have the last word from now on but could never have the first. She could only repeat what others have said.

One day Echo came across the youth Narcissus. As he was searching for his companions he shouted out "Come", and Echo answered the same. They continued in this manner until Echo ran towards him, her arms ready to embrace him. But the vain Narcissus would not have her and from then on she lived in mountain caves. After her death, all was gone but her voice that still repeats words called out.

As for Narcissus, he was cursed to fall in love with his own reflection in the water. After HIS death, his body was replaced with a flower, purple within with white leaves that bears his name.

This painting shows Echo admiring the youth Narcissus while he vainly admirers himself in a pool.