Page:Hesiod, The Homeric Hymns, and Homerica.djvu/627

 chance. The leading Chalcidians were judges together with Paneides, the brother of the dead king; and it is said that after a wonderful contest between the two poets, Hesiod won in the following manner: he came forward into the midst and put Homer one question after another, which Homer answered. Hesiod, then, began:

"Homer, son of Meles, inspired with wisdom from heaven, come, tell me first what is best for mortal man?"

"For men on earth 'tis best never to be born at all; or being born, to pass through the gates of Hades with all speed."

Hesiod then asked again: "Come, tell me now this also, godlike Homer: what think you in your heart is most delightsome to men?"

Homer answered:

"When mirth reigns throughout the town, and feasters about the house, sitting in order, listen to a minstrel; when the tables beside them are laden with bread and meat, and a wine-bearer draws sweet drink from the mixing-bowl and fills the cups: this I think in my heart to be most delightsome."

It is said that when Homer had recited these verses, they were so admired by the Greeks as to be called golden by them, and that even now at public sacrifices all the guests solemnly recite them before feasts and libations. Hesiod, however, was annoyed 573