Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/410

374 mine, why dost thou scold me like an infant child, who knows very few fitting things in his mind, timid, and [who] dreads his mother's scoldings. But I will make use of a scheme, which is most excellent, considering for myself and thee. Nor among the immortal gods will we endure to remain here giftless, and without food, as you would have. It is better to associate with the immortals all one's days, being rich, opulent, with abundant spoil, than to sit at home in a shadowy cave. I also will aim at the sacred honour which Apollo [claims]. But if indeed my father will not give it, surely I will make the attempt, [and] I am equal to being the captain of thieves. But if the son of glorious Latona shall trace me out, I think that I shall make some other and greater attempt against him. For I will go to Pytho, in order to break into his great dwelling, where I will pillage enough of beauteous tripods, and caldrons, and gold, and enough of shining iron, and much apparel; and thou mayest see me if thou wilt."

Thus they indeed discoursed with each other in words, both the son of Ægis-bearing Jove, and hallowed Maia. But Morn, the mother of dawn, bearing light to mortals, arose from the deep-flowing ocean. But Apollo came to Onchestus, going to the pleasant and pure grove of the heavy-roaring Earth-Shaker, where he found the toothless old man forming the hedge of his vineyard along the wayside, whom first the son of glorious Latona addressed:

"O old man, hedge-pruner of grassy Onchestus, I come hither, seeking heifers from Pieria, all females, all with crumpled horns, [stolen] from my herd, but the black bull was pasturing alone, away from the rest, and four savage dogs followed in the rear, like men of one mind. They indeed, the dogs and the bull, were left, (which indeed is a great marvel,) but they [the heifers] have left the soft meadow, just as the sun was setting, from the sweet pasture. Concerning these tell me, O ancient-born old man, if any where thou hast seen a man making his way to these cattle."

But him the old man, answering in words, addressed: "O friend, it is difficult indeed to tell all things which one has