Toxaris; Or, Friendship (43-45)

But now hear of another man, equally admirable: Belittas, a cousin of this Amizokes. When he saw his friend Basthes dragged from his horse by a lion-they happened to be hunting together —and that the lion had already clutched him and clung to his throat tearing him with his claws, he leaped down from his own horse, fell upon the beast from behind, and dragged him over, diverting his rage to himself. He passed his fingers between the animal's teeth, and tried his best to drag Basthes out of his jaws until the lion let

him go, half dead already, and, turning upon Belittas, grappled with him and slew him too. But even as he was dying he found time to strike the lion in the breast with his sword, so that they all died together, and we buried them, digging two graves near together, one for the friends and one opposite for the lion.

My third case, Mnesippos, shall be the friendship of Makentes, Lonchates, and Arsakomas. This Arsakomas fell in love with Mazaia, daughter of Leukanor, king of the Bosporians, when he went as an envoy in the matter of the tribute which the Bosporians pay us periodically, and which was then three months overdue. Mazaia was a tall, beautiful girl, and Arsakomas, seeing her at dinner, became enamored and fell into a bad way about her. He had finished the business of the tribute, and the king had given him his answer, and was feasting him by way of dismissal. Now it is the custom on the Bosporos for suitors to propose for girls at dinner, stating the qualifications which render them desirable parties. On this occasion there happened to be a great many aspirants at the dinner, kings and kings' sons, and Tigrapates was there, the monarch of the Lazians, and Adyrmachos, the ruler of Machlyëne, with many others. Each suitor is obliged to announce himself and tell why he has come a-wooing, and then to eat his dinner

quietly, sitting among the others. But when dinner is over he must ask for a wine-glass and pour out a libation on the table, and propose for the girl, setting forth his advantages of birth, or wealth, or influence, in the most favorable light.

In accordance with this custom many had poured out the libation and made their proposals, counting up their kingdoms and riches; and last of all Arsakomas called for a glass, and instead of pouring out a libation-for it is not our practice to pour out our wine, indeed it is held an impiety towards the god - he emptied the glass at a draught, and said: "Your majesty, give me your daughter Mazaia to hold as my wife. I am a better match than these others as far as wealth and possessions go." Leukanor was amazed, for he knew that Arsakomas was poor, and a commoner of the Scythians, and he inquired: "How much cattle have you, Arsakomas, or how many wagons? For these are the things you Scythians are rich in.” "Nay," said Arsakomas, “I have neither wagons nor herds, but I have two friends so noble and brave that no other Scythian can match them." A shout of laughter rose at these words, and no account was taken of his offer, for they thought he was drunk. In the early morning Adyrmachos,

who had been chosen from the other suitors, made ready to conduct his bride to the Maiotis among the Machlyëans.