Holding  the  sheaves  and  poppies  in  her  hand !


IDYL  VIII

THE  FIRST  TRIUMPH

(Daphnis  and  Menalcas)

Where  yonder  long  hill  ranges  stretch  away,
Met  once  upon  a  time,  so  people  say,
Menalcas,  shepherding  his  flock,  and  fair
Young  Daphnis,  as  he  drove  his  cattle  there.
The  golden  bloom  of  earliest  manhood  downed
The  cheeks  of  both,  both  were  in  song  renowned,
Skilled  in  pipe-playing  both.     Eying  his  man,
Menalcas  'twas  who  thus  the  strife  began:
"Daphnis,  thou  keeper  of  the  lowing  kine,
Hast  thou  a  mind  to  strive  in  song  with  me?
For  as  I  please,  methinks,  the  match  is  mine,
When  I  shall  sing  in  turn."


1  Theocritus  compares  the  great  punch-bowl  of  his  host  to  the  mighty
vessel  which  the  centaur  Chiron  gave  to  his  giant  pupil,  Heracles.
^Demeter,  unseen,  except  by  the  poet's  eye.    Perhaps,  however,  Theoc-
ritus refers  to  a  charming  mortal  who  represented  her.
238  THEOCRITUS

Undauntedly
Did  Daphnis  answer :     "To  thy  fleecy  throng
Pipe  thou,  Menalcas,  nor  with  me  contend;
Never  wilt  thou  discomfit  me  in  song,
Though  singing  till  thou  meet  an  evil  end."

Menalcas.
Carest  thou  to  try,  and  wilt  thou  risk  a  stake  ?

Daphnis.
I  care  to  try,  and  will  a  wager  make.
Menalcas.
What  pledged  prizes  shall  the  victor  take  ?

Daphnis.
I'll  pledge  a  calf,  and  do  thou  stake  a  lamb,

One  that  hath  grown  to  overtop  his  dam.
Menalcas.
No  lamb  for  me !    Stern  is  my  father,  stern

My  mother,  and  each  night  the  flock  they  tell.
Daphnis.
Where  is  the  gain,  then  ?     What  will  serve  thy  turn  ?

Menalcas.
My  pipe,  nine-stopped,  and  smoothed  and  fitted  well
With  clean  white  wax  in  every  joint  and  edge.
Naught  will  I  wager  of  my  father's  things.
Daphnis.
