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581—615. O Antilochus, nurtured of Jove, come hither, I pray, as it is just, standing before thy horses and chariot, and holding in thy hands the pliant lash with which thou didst formerly drive, touching thy steeds, swear by earth-encompassing Neptune, that thou didst not willingly impede my chariot by stratagem."

But him prudent Antilochus in turn answered:

"Have patience now, since I am much younger than thou, O king Menelaus, and thou art older and superior. Thou knowest of what sort are the errors of a youth; for his mind is indeed more volatile, and his counsel weak. Therefore let thy heart endure, and I myself will give thee the steed which I have received. And if indeed thou demandest any thing else greater from my house, I should be willing to give it immediately rather than fall forever, O Jove-nurtured, from thy good opinion, and be sinful toward the gods."

He spoke; and the son of magnanimous Nestor, leading the mare, placed it in the hands of Menelaus; but his mind was cheered as the dew [is diffused] over the ears of growing corn, when the fields are bristling. Thus indeed, O Menelaus, was thy soul in thy breast cheered; and speaking, he addressed to him winged words:

"Antilochus, now indeed will I cease being enraged with thee, for formerly thou wert neither foolish nor volatile; though now youth has subdued reason. Avoid a second time overreaching thy superiors; for not another man of the Greeks would have easily appeased me. But thou hast already suffered much, and accomplished many deeds, as well as thy good father and brother, for my sake: therefore will I be persuaded by thee, supplicating, and will give the mare also, although being mine; that these too may perceive that my soul is never overbearing or unrelenting."

He spoke, and gave the steed to Noëmon, the comrade of Antilochus, to lead away; and then he received the shining goblet [himself]. But Meriones, the fourth, took up the two talents of gold, in which order he drove; but the fifth