Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/419

457—486. of thine elders, for now glory shall be thine among the immortal gods, both to thyself and to thy mother. But I will tell this truly: yea by this cornel javelin, I will lead thee among the immortals, glorious and prosperous, and will give thee splendid gifts, and in the fulfilment [of my promise] will not deceive thee."

But him Mercury answered with cunning words: "Thou askest me wisely, O Far-Darter; but I envy not that thou shouldst make an attempt at my art. This day shalt thou know; but I wish to be gentle towards thee in counsel and in words, but thou in thy mind well knowest all things. For thou, O son of Jove, sittest first among the immortals, both noble and valiant; and counselling Jove loves thee in all justice, and has given thee glorious gifts. And they say that thou hast learnt thy prerogative from the voice of Jove, and oracles, O Far-Darter, from Jove, all things fated. And now I myself recognise [his] wealthy son. But 'tis thine promptly to learn whatever thou desirest. And since then thy mind desires to touch the lyre, sing, and strike the lyre, and practise delights, having received [the power] from me, and do you, my friend, render me glory. Chant, having this sweet-voiced comrade in thy hands, which skilfully knows how to sound well and in due order. Then quietly bear joy to the pleasant banquet, and the delightful dance, and the laughter-loving revel, both by night and day. Whoever indeed, being well learned in art and wisdom, shall inquire of it, uttering, it teaches all pleasant things to the mind, sporting easily in gentle intercourse, avoiding grievous toil. But whoever, being unskilful, first inquires violently [of it], vainly afterwards babbles vain things. But 'tis thine promptly to learn