in fabulous history, a queen of Lydia, daughter of Jardanus. She married Tmolus, who at his death left her mistress of his kingdom. Omphale had been informed of the great exploits of Hercules, and wished to see so illustrious a hero. Her wish was soon gratified. After the murder of Eurystus, Hercules fell sick, and was ordered to be sold as a slave, that he might recover his health and the right use of his senses. Mercury was commissioned to sell him, and Omphale bought him, and restored him to liberty. The hero became enamoured of his mistress, and the queen favoured his passion, and had a son by him, whom some call Agelaus and others Lamon. From this son were descended Gyges and Croesus; but this opinion is different from the account which makes these Lydian monarchs. monarchs spring from Alceus, a son of Hercules, by one of the female servants of Omphale. Hercules is represented by the poets as so desperately enamoured of the queen, that, to conciliate her esteem, he spins by her side among her women, while she covers herself with the lion's skin, and arms herself with the club of the hero, and often strikes him with her sandals, for the uncouth manner with which he holds the distaff, &c. Their fondness was mutual. As they once travelled together, they came to a grotto on Mount Tmolus, where the queen dressed herself in the habit of her lover, and obliged him to appear in a female garment. After they had supped, they both retired to rest in different rooms, as a sacrifice on the morrow to Bacchus required. In the night Faunus, or rather Pan, who was enamoured of Omphale, introduced himself into the cave. He went to the bed of the queen, but the lion's skin persuaded him that it was the dress of Hercules; and therefore he repaired to the bed of Hercules, in hopes to find there the object of his affections. The female dress of Hercules deceived him, and he laid himself down by his side. The hero was awakened, and kicked the intruder into the middle of the cave. The noise awoke Omphale, and Faunus was discovered lying on the ground, greatly disappointed and ashamed.