Neptune, Greek god of the sea, was enticed by the beautiful and wise nymph, Cléance. One day, he threw himself upon her, but Cléance defended herself so well that Neptune backed off. "The coldness of rock will suit you", he said, transforming her immediately into stone. Shocked by this, the other nymphs implored Thetis to intercede with the gods on Olympus for the restoration of her life. Not being able to do anything against the power of Neptune, they agreed on a compromise: Cléance would remain a stone statue but inside, her heart could carry on beating.