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'What herds, what waggons have you, Arsacomas? he asked; 'these are the wealth of your people. 'Waggons and herds I have none, was Arsacomas's reply: 'but I have two excellent friends, whose like you will not find in all Scythia. His answer only excited ridicule; it was attributed to drunkenness, and no further notice was taken of him.
These terms we accepted, at the instance of Arsacomas and Lonchates, who conducted the negotiations and concluded the peace. Such, Mnesippus, are the deeds that Scythians will do for friendship's sake. Mne. Truly deeds of high emprise; quite a legendary look about them. With Wind's and Scimetar's good leave, I think a man might be excused for doubting their truth. Tox.
If this be so, each of us has his share in this disgrace. 'Not only so, rejoined Lonchates; 'each of us labours under the whole ignominy of the affront. 'And what is to be our course? asked Macentes. 'We will divide the work, replied the other. 'I for my part undertake to present Arsacomas with the head of Leucanor: you must bring him his bride. 'I agree.
He succeeded at last: the lion, abandoning his half dead prey, turned upon Belitta, grappled with him, and slew him; but not before Belitta had plunged a scimetar into his breast. Thus all three died together; and we buried them, the two friends in one grave, the lion in another close by. For my third instance, I shall give you the friendship of Macentes, Lonchates, and Arsacomas.
'Behold, said Macentes, presenting Mazaea to Arsacomas, 'behold your promised bride. Arsacomas, amazed at so unexpected a sight, was beginning to express his gratitude: but Macentes bade him hold his peace. 'You speak, he exclaimed, 'as if you and I were different persons, when you thank me for what I have done.
He thus succeeded in reaching the place where he had left his horse tethered, leapt on to his back, and rode off into Scythia. There was no pursuit: the people of Bosphorus took some time to discover what had happened; and then they were occupied with disputes as to the succession. Thus Lonchates fulfilled his promise, and handed the head of Leucanor to Arsacomas.
Many suitors, then, had already preferred their request in due form, enumerating their realms and possessions, when at last Arsacomas called for a cup. He did not make a libation, because it is not the Scythian custom to do so; we should consider it an insult to Heaven to pour away good wine: instead, he drank it all off at one draught, and then addressed the king.
If Arsacomas should get wind of this, I am likely to be offered up as a preliminary sacrifice; he has a good number of men already. 'To the temple, then, let us go, said the king; and he ordered the guards to remain aloof, and forbade any one to approach the temple unless summoned by him.
Now promise me your other daughter Barcetis: apart from my present services, I shall be no discreditable son-in-law: promise me this, and in no long time I will return bringing you the head of Arsacomas. 'I promise, cried the king, in great perturbation; for he realized the provocation he had given to Arsacomas, and had a wholesome respect for the Scythians at all times.
The number of persons assembled on the hide is sometimes very considerable; nor could any troops be more reliable or more invincible than those which are collected in this manner, being as they are under a vow; for the act of stepping on to the hide constitutes an oath. By this means, then, Arsacomas raised something like 5,000 cavalry and 20,000 heavy and light armed.
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