Page:The Greek bucolic poets (1912).djvu/197



''is a dialogue of common life. The scene is neither Egypt nor Sicily, perhaps Cos. The characters, middle-aged men, one οf whom has been crossed in love, meet in the road, and in the ensuing conversation the later tells the story of his quarrel with Cynisca, and ends with expressing his intention of going for asoldier abroad. His friend suggests that he should enlist in the army of Ptolemy, and gives that monarch a flattering testimonial, which betrays the hand of the rising poet who seeks for recognition at court.'' Rh