Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/421

518—550. And then the son of Maia assented, promising that he would never steal any thing that the Far-Darter possessed, nor ever approach his well-built dwelling. But Apollo, the son of Latona, assented to agreement and friendship, that no other descendant of Jove, neither god nor man, should be dearer [to him] among the immortals. "But, [said he,] I will make a perfect pledge among the immortals, and among all, faithful and precious to my soul. But then I will give [thee] a most beauteous rod of wealth and riches, of gold, of three leaves, perfect, which shall protect thee, having power over all the gods, in all good words and deeds, as many as I profess to have learnt from the voice of Jove. But the divination after which thou seekest, O best one, it is not lawful for thee, nor any other of the immortals, to understand; for this the mind of Jove [alone] kens; and when I was intrusted with the gift, I assented, and swore a mighty oath, that no other of the ever-existing gods, but me, should know the deep-counselling will of Jove. Nor do thou, O brother with the golden wand, bid me proclaim the destinies, as many as far-seeing Jove devises. But I will hurt one man, and benefit another, going about many tribes of mighty men. And he indeed shall be benefited by my voices, whoever shall come with the voice and wings of perfect birds. He shall be benefited by my voice, nor will I deceive [him]. But he who, relying on vain-speaking birds, shall wish to learn an oracle contrary to my mind, and to understand more than the gods who are for aye, he, I say, shall go a vain journey, but I will receive his gifts nevertheless. But I tell thee another thing, O son of the gods Maia and Ægis-bearing Jove, thou beneficial deity. There are a certain three Thrians, virgin sisters born, ex-