Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/422

386 ulting in their swift pinions, and with their heads strewed with hoary wheat, who dwell in habitations beneath the dell of Parnassus, teachers of prophecy [dwelling] apart, which, while a boy with the herds, I studied, but my father cared not. From thence, then, flying each in different ways, they feed on honey, and bring all things to pass. But when indeed they wander about, feeding on the fresh honey, they are willing to tell the truth promptly. But if they are deprived of the sweet food of the gods, they then endeavour to lead one out of the way. These will I afterwards give to thee, but do thou, accurately inquiring, delight thy own mind; †and if thou knowest a mortal man, often will he hear thy voice, if he chance.† Possess this, O son of Maia, and attend to the field-dwelling crumpled-horn cows, and the horses, and hard-toiling mules: and that thou, glorious Mercury, shalt rule over dreadful lions, and white-tusked boars, and dogs, and sheep, and over all cattle, as many as the wide earth nourishes, and that thou alone shalt be the perfect messenger into Hades, and, although not a giver, shalt give not the least of gifts."

Thus did king Apollo cherish the son of Maia with all manner of affection, but Saturnian [Jove] gave good will. And he associates with all mortals and immortals; little, indeed, does he benefit, but countlessly deceives the tribes of mortal man through the gloomy night. And do thou then hail! O son of Jove and Maia, but I will be mindful of thee and of another song.