Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/416

380 scattered the [ashes of the] fire all about the way, some here, some there, he lay in his cradle, like unto black night, in the darkness of the murky cave; nor would even a sharp-seeing eagle have perceived him, and much he rubbed his eyes with his hands, thinking of wiles. But he himself spoke out a speech at once: I did not see, I learnt not, I heard not report from another, nor could I tell, not even if I received a price for intelligence."

Thus then speaking, Phœbus Apollo sat down. But Mercury, on the other side, making answer, spoke, and directed [his discourse] to the Saturnian ruler over all the gods:

"O father Jove, surely I will tell thee the truth. For I am unerring, and know not how to lie. [This god] came to our dwelling, seeking his bent-footed cows, this day, when the sun had just arisen, nor did he bring any witnesses or beholders from among the blessed gods, but under much compulsion bade me give information. And much he threatened me, that he would hurl me into wide Tartarus, because he, forsooth, possesses the flower of glory-loving youth, but I was born [but] yesterday, (but this he himself also knows,) nor [am] I like to a strong driver away of cows. Be persuaded (for truly thou boastest to be my dear father) that I did not drive the cows home, (so may I be blest!) nor went I across the threshold. But this I spake truly; I both venerate the sun and the other gods, and I love thee, and cherish this one; thou also thyself knowest that I am not guilty. But I add a mighty oath. No, by these well-adorned vestibules of the gods, [I did not do it,] and at some time I will repay him for his cruel speech. But do thou aid the younger party."

Thus spake Argus-slaying Cyllenius, winking, and he held his swaddling-band on his arm, nor did he cast it away. But