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In the first place, on our way, we had to cross a small branch of the Mayo, and after that the Bito River. We received very varied statements as to the distance, but all agreed in painting the road thither in a discouraging light. A troublesome journey of at least ten hours appeared to us to be what most probably awaited us.
Then I says to pris'ner, "You bito an' give an account of yerself," says I. Says 'e quite 'aughty like, "I'll account fer myself to the burra sahib," an' wouldn't take no chaff. But 'e bitoes, an' curls 'isself up in the sand, an' goes sound asleep in no time an' 'ere 'e is, sir. 'Principal. 'Sit down on the ground. 'Also, corrected Sunni, 'he gave me some coffee. He is a good man.
Now he was to experience his first taste of the rude chivalry of the woods, a chivalry often based on sudden whim, but none the less sincere and manly a chivalry of which he was to have further queer experience. "My bantam," said the big man, admiringly, "faith, but that was a tidy bito' footwork ye done down at Sunkhaze."
He welcomed Solon, and, after showing him all his glory, asked whom the philosopher thought the happiest of men. “An honest man named Tellus,” said Solon, “who lived uprightly, was neither rich nor poor, had good children, and died bravely for his country.” Crœsus was vexed, but asked who was next happiest. “Two brothers named Cleobis and Bito,” said Solon, “who were so loving and dutiful to their mother, that, when she wanted to go to the temple of Juno, they yoked themselves to her car, and drew her thither; then, having given this proof of their love, they lay down to sleep, and so died without pain or grief.” “And what do you think of me?” said Crœsus. “Ah!” said Solon, “call no man happy till he is dead.”
Solon gave as his reason that Tellus lived in comfort and had good and beautiful sons, who also had good children; and that he died in gallant defence of his country, and was buried by his countrymen with the highest honors. "And whom do you give the second place in happiness?" asked Croesus. "Cleobis and Bito," answered Solon.
A hole in the floor formed the entrance, and it was divided into a chamber and ante-chamber, and four bamboo poles supported, above and below, two layers of bamboos, one of which furnished a balcony, and the other a shop in which betel was sold. At Dulag, my former companion joined us in order to accompany us on the journey to the Bito Lake.
When he had ended, Croesus inquired a second time, who after Tellus seemed to him the happiest, expecting that at any rate he would be given the second place. "Cleobis and Bito," Solon answered: "they were of Argive race; their fortune was enough for their wants, and they were besides endowed with so much bodily strength that they had both gained prizes at the games.
Solon, after a little farther reflection, mentioned two brothers, Cleobis and Bito, private persons among the Greeks, who were celebrated for their great personal strength, and also for their devoted attachment to their mother.
For the Argive men stood thick around the car and extolled the vast strength of the youths; and the Argive women extolled the mother who was blest with such a pair of sons; and the mother herself, overjoyed at the deed and at the praises it had won, standing straight before the image, besought the goddess to bestow on Cleobis and Bito, the sons who had so mightily honored her, the highest blessing to which mortals can attain.
The golden sands of the Pactolus. The story of Midas. Wealth and renown of Croesus. Visit of Solon. Croesus and Solon. What constitutes happiness. Cleobis and Bito. Croesus displeased with Solon. Solon treated with neglect. The two sons of Croesus. The king's dream. Arrival of Adrastus. The wild boar. Precautions of Croesus. Remonstrance of Atys. Explanation of Croesus. Atys joins the expedition.
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