Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/386

356 356 XENOPHON

her nurture, while the complexion of her skin was embellished, that she might appear whiter and rosier than she really was, and her figure, that she might seem taller than nature made her; she stared with wide-open eyes, and the raiment wherewith she was clad served but to reveal the ripeness of her bloom. With frequent glances she surveyed her person, or looked to see if others noticed her; while ever and anon she fixed her gaze upon the shadow of herself intently.

" Now when these two had drawn nearer to Hera- cles, she who was first named advanced at an even pace toward him, but the other, in her eagerness to outstrip her, ran forward to the youth, exclaiming, ' I see you, Heracles, in doubt and difficulty what path of life to choose ; make me your friend, and I will lead you to the pleasantest road and easiest. This I promise you : you shall taste all of life's sweets and escape all bitters. In the first place, you shall not trouble your brain with war or business ; other topics shall engage your mind ; your only speculation, what meat or drink you shall find agreeable to your palate ; what delight of ear or eye ; what pleasure of smell or touch ; how you shall pillow your limbs in softest slumber ; how cull each individual pleasure without alloy of pain ; and if ever the suspicion steal upon you that the stream of joys will one day dwindle, trust me I will not lead you where you shall replenish the store by toil of body and trouble of soul. No ! others shall labor, but you shall reap the fruit of their labors ; you shall withhold your hand from nought which shall bring you gain. For to all my followers I give authority and power to help themselves freely from every side.'