Delphi Complete Works of Longus

by Longus

  Dryas and Nape were surprised at the sight of so much money, and not only promised to give Chloe in marriage, but also undertook to go and procure Lamon’s consent to the match. Nape stayed with Daphnis and, driving the oxen round the floor, separated the grains from the stalks by means of the corn drag. Dryas, in the meantime, carefully stowed away the money in the place where Chloe’s tokens were kept, and hastened to Lamon’s house upon his somewhat novel errand; for it is not usual for a parent to go in pursuit of a husband for his daughter. He found Lamon and Myrtale measuring some barley which had just been winnowed, and sorely annoyed at finding that it amounted to little more than the seed which had been sown. Dryas endeavoured to console them by assuring them that the complaint was general that season; and he then asked that Daphnis might marry Chloe.

  Others,” said he, “would willingly make me handsome presents, but I will accept nothing from you. On the contrary, I will give you of my own substance. The young folks have been brought up together, they have pastured their flocks in company, they have contracted a mutual fondness for each other that cannot easily be dispelled, and they are now of an age to be married.”

  These and many more arguments he urged with all the eloquence of a pleader who has received three thousand drachmas for his fee. Lamon was unable to urge his poverty, as Dryas had waived all objections on that score; nor could he say that Daphnis was too young, for he was now grown to be a man: yet he still refrained from explaining the real motive of his unwillingness, which was that such a match did not accord with the apparent destiny of Daphnis. After reflecting for some time in silence he replied as follows:

  “You act justly, Dryas, in preferring your neighbours to strangers, and in not deeming wealth to be superior to honest poverty. May Pan and the Nymphs reward you for this! I myself am eager for the marriage: I am already past middle age, and begin to feel the want of assistance in my work, so I should indeed be crazy if I were to refuse a connection with your family. The connection itself is desirable, and Chloe’s beauty, youth, and goodness make it doubly so. At the same time you must consider that I am only a serf on this estate: that I am owner of nothing here. It is necessary therefore, that my master should be made acquainted with the business, and that we should have his consent. Suppose then that we defer the marriage till the autumn. Some travellers from the city have informed me that my master intends coming hither at that season. The young folks shall then be made man and wife; for the present let them love each other like brother and sister. I will say nothing further, friend Dryas, save that the youth you seek as son-in-law, is superior to us all.”

  He said no more, but embraced Dryas and handed him the goblet, for it was mid-day and very hot; and wishing to show him every mark of kindness he accompanied him part of his way home.

  Lamon’s last words had not been lost upon Dryas who as he walked along reflected:

  “Who can Daphnis be? He was suckled by a goat: the Gods themselves must have provided for him: — he is very handsome, and bears no resemblance to Lamon, whose nose is flat, or to Myrtale whose head is growing bald. He gave me three thousand drachmas — few goat-herds have as many nuts of their own! Was he exposed like Chloe? Was he found, as I found her, with tokens about his person? O Pan, O Nymphs, grant that it may be so. Peradventure the finding of his own parents may conduce to the discovery of those of Chloe.”

  Whilst revolving these thoughts in his mind, as in a dream, he reached the threshing-floor, where he found Daphnis eager to hear what answer he had brought. By addressing the young man as son-in-law, Dryas at once dispelled his anxiety; he informed him that the nuptials would take place in the autumn, and gave him his right hand in confirmation of his promise that Chloe should wed no other suitor.

  Quicker than thought, without stopping to eat or drink, as he was entreated, Daphnis ran to Chloe. He found her making some cheese of the milk she had drawn from her ewes and he told her the good news. From that time forward he kissed her openly, as if she were already his wife, and not by stealth as he had been wont to do, and he assisted her in all her work, milking her ewes for her, setting her cheese on the racks, and placing her lambs under their dams, as he did with his own kids. Then, when the work was finished, they would bathe, eat and drink, and go in search of ripe fruit, of which there was then great abundance. There were pears of every description, quantities of medlars, and all sorts of apples and quinces, some of which were lying on the ground, whilst some were still on the branches of the trees. Those upon the ground smelt the sweeter, those upon the boughs were fresher; the former were as fragrant as new wine, the latter shone like gold. One apple-tree had been stripped; its branches were bare, every leaf was torn off, and all the fruit had been gathered except a single apple, which grew upon the top of the highest branch. This apple was very large and beautiful, and its fragrance alone excelled the united fragrance of many others. The person who had plucked the other fruit had either been afraid of climbing to the top of the tree, or had not cared to knock this apple down; or maybe this beautiful apple had been purposely preserved for some love-sick shepherd. Scarcely had Daphnis espied it, however, when he began to climb the tree. Chloe endeavoured to prevent him, but he paid no heed to her, and finding herself disregarded, she ran off pettishly to her sheep, whilst Daphnis, climbing the tree, reached the apple and plucked it. Then hastening after Chloe, whom he found in an angry mood, he presented it to her saying, “This fruit, maiden, was produced and cherished by the Hours; Phoebus matured it with his beams, and Fortune has preserved it. I must needs have been blind not to have seen it; and having once seen it I should have been a fool had I left it on the tree that it might fall to the ground, where the cattle might have trodden on it whilst grazing, and the snakes have crept over it, and defiled it. And had it been left on the tree it might have been spoilt by time. Venus received an apple as the prize of beauty; and the same prize I now give to you. You are both possessed of the same beauty, and your judges are of equal standing; for Paris was a shepherd and I am a goatherd.”

  With these words he laid the apple in Chloe’s lap, and she, when he drew near to her, gave him a kiss; so that Daphnis did not repent of having climbed so high; for the kiss that he received was to his mind worth even more than the golden apples of the Hesperides.

  Book 4

  It happened that one of Lamon’s neighbours and fellow serfs, who had been to Mitylene, came to him on his return, and informed him that their master intended coming just before the vintage to see if the Methymnaeans had done any damage to his estate during their late incursion. The summer was now closing, and the great heat had passed, so that Lamon immediately began to put his house and garden in order, that everything might please his master’s eye. He cleansed the fountains, that the water might be clear and pure; carried the manure out of the yard for fear lest the smell might prove offensive; and trimmed his orchard that it might appear in all its beauty.

  His orchard was indeed a beautiful one, laid out in a princely style. It was situated on high ground, and was five hundred feet in length, comprising in all four acres. The apple, the myrtle, the pear, the pomegranate, the fig, the olive, and indeed every kind of tree grew here in perfection. Here and there were lofty vines, thickly laden with clusters and climbing up the pear and apple trees, whose own fruit ripened beside the black grapes; vine and tree alike seemingly vying in fecundity. Such were the cultivated trees; but the place abounded also with others, which were the natural growth of the soil, such as the cypress, the laurel, the plane and the pine, over which in lieu of a vine an ivy stretched out her branches, covered with berries as large and as black as grapes.

  The fruit trees occupied a central position, as being the more precious, whilst those that bore no fruit were ranged around like a fence, and the whole was inclosed by a slight hedge. All were distributed and placed in due order, each tree was set at an equal distance from its neighbour, but at a certain height the branches closed over, and intermingled their leaves with a regularity which, a
lthough due to nature, appeared to be the effect of art. There were also beds of various flowers, some of which were cultivated plants, and others the spontaneous production of the soil. The rose trees, hyacinths, and lilies had been planted by man, but the violets, the narcissus, and the pimpernel were the growth of nature. There was shade for the summer, flowers for the spring, fruits for the autumn, and indeed enjoyment for every season of the year.

  The spot commanded a fine view of the plains, with the herds and flocks that grazed upon them. The sea, also, and the passing ships were plainly visible, so that the prospect formed no small part of the beauty of the place. In the very centre of the grounds there was a temple and an altar sacred to Bacchus. An ivy encircled the altar, and a vine overspread the temple, inside of which, on the walls, the various events of the God’s history were depicted — the delivery of Semele, Ariadne sleeping, Lycurgus bound, Pentheus torn in pieces, the victories over the Indians, and the metamorphosis of the Tyrrhenian sailors. On all sides were Satyrs gaily vintaging and treading the grapes, and Bacchantes leading the dance. Nor was Pan for — gotten: he was depicted seated upon a rock and playing upon his pipe, with which he seemed to be regulating both the motions of the Satyrs as they trod the grapes, and the attitudes of the Bacchantes who were dancing.

  Such was the garden which Lamon was busy setting in order for his master’s reception, cutting away all the dead-wood from the trees, and raising all the trailing vine branches. Every day he crowned the statue of Bacchus with a fresh garland, and conveyed water from the spring to the flower beds. For there was here a spring which Daphnis had discovered and which was called Daphnis’s Fountain. Its water was used exclusively for the flowers. As for the young man, Lamon had charged him to get his goats into as good condition as was possible, since their master would undoubtedly desire to inspect them after his long absence from the farm.

  Daphnis, however, was under no apprehension on this head, but felt confident of praise, for the herd, which he had received in charge, was now increased two-fold; not one of the goats had ever been captured by a wolf, and all of them were already fatter than sheep. However, being desirous of inclining his master favourably in regard to his marriage, Daphnis displayed every care and great activity, driving his goats to the fields very early and only returning late, leading them to the water twice every day and selecting the richest pastures. He also provided new bowls, a number of new milk pails and larger cheese racks; and such care did he bestow on his goats that he even oiled their horns and combed their hair. They might have been mistaken for the sacred herd of Pan. Chloe shared in all Daphnis’s toil, and neglected her own flock that she might be of greater assistance to him. To this Daphnis attributed the beauty of his herd.

  Whilst they were occupied in this manner, a second messenger came from the city with orders that they were to proceed with the vintage as speedily as possible. He announced, also, that he would remain with them till they had made the new wine, after which he would return to Mitylene and bring their master, who did not propose coming until the vintage was over. This messenger was called Eudromus, which signifies “the runner,” and indeed his employment consisted in running wheresoever he was ordered. He received a hearty welcome from Lamon and his family, and they at once began to strip the vines, to press the grapes, and to place the must in the jars, leaving, however, some of the finest clusters on the vines that those who came from the city might form some idea of the vintage and its delights.

  Before Eudromus departed Daphnis gave him several presents, such as it is in the power of a goatherd to bestow, some fine cheeses, a little kid and a white shaggy goat-skin, which he might wear whenever he ran on errands in the winter. Eudromus was greatly pleased thereat and embraced Daphnis, promising to speak favourably of him to his master. Then, thus well disposed towards him, he set out leaving Daphnis with Chloe in a state of dire anxiety. She had many fears on her lover’s account, reflecting that so far he had only been accustomed to seeing his goats, the mountains, his fellow-labourers in the fields and herself, and yet now he was soon to appear for the first time before his master, whom he had hitherto known only by name. She was anxious as to how he would conduct himself, and was agitated in regard to their marriage, fearing that all their expected happiness might prove but a dream. Frequently did she and Daphnis kiss, and frequently and closely did they embrace, but sadness and fear entered into their caresses, as if their master were already there and could behold them.

  Whilst they were thus perturbed there came an addition to their troubles. A certain Lampis, a herdsman of a domineering and artful disposition, had asked Dryas for Chloe in marriage, and had presented the former with many handsome gifts in view of promoting his suit. He was aware, however, that if the master of the estate should give his consent, Daphnis would secure the maiden as his bride, and so he resolved to devise some scheme for setting Lamon’s family and the master at variance. Knowing how fond the master was of his garden, he determined to ravage it as far as lay in his power. He could not venture to cut down the trees, as the noise might betray him; so he resolved to vent his spite upon the flowers; and having waited till it was dark, he then climbed over the hedge, and like a boar, rooted up many of the flowers, broke others and trampled upon all alike. This done he stealthily effected his retreat without being observed.

  In the morning when Lamon came to water his flowers with the streams that he conducted from the fountain, and saw the whole place laid waste and the damage, which appeared to be the work rather of some determined enemy than of a thief, however spiteful, he rent his clothes, and called so loudly upon the Gods that Myrtale threw down what she had in her hands and ran out; whilst Daphnis who was driving his herds to pasture hastened back; and when they beheld the ravage they gave vent to a loud shriek and burst into tears.

  It was vain to lament the loss of the flowers, but they dreaded their master’s anger, and could not stifle their sorrow. Had any stranger passed by he would have wept also; for the whole flower garden was wrecked; naught remained but trampled mould and remnants of plants, with here and there some solitary flower that had escaped being crushed to pieces, and which with its colours yet gay and bright looked still beautiful, though fallen. The bees swarmed over the prostrate plants, and by their incessant buzzing seemed to be lamenting their fate, whilst Lamon, in despair cried out:

  “Alas! My rose trees, how are they broken! Alas! My violets, how they are trodden under foot! Alas! My narcissus and hyacinths, they are rooted up! Some bad and wicked man must have thus wrecked them. The spring will return, but they will not put forth their buds! The summer will come, and there will be naught to deck this spot! The autumn will arrive, but there will not even be the wherewithal for a garland! And you, my protector, Bacchus, did not you deign to pity the flowers which grew so near to your abode, and with which I have so often crowned your brows? How can I show this garden to my master? When he sees it, what will he say? Will he not hang his old servant like a second Marsyas on one of those pines? Aye, he will do so, and perchance he will hang Daphnis also, thinking that his goats caused this destruction.”

  Their grief now increased; they ceased to weep for the flowers, and wept for themselves. At the idea of Daphnis being hanged Chloe shed bitter tears and prayed that their master might never come. Long and painful were the days that followed, for in imagination she fancied that she could behold Daphnis suffering under the scourge.

  It was nearly evening when Eudromus returned, and informed them that their master would only arrive in three days’ time, but that his son would be with them the very next morning. They then began to consult one another as to what course they should follow with regard to the misfortune which had happened. Eudromus was informed of it, and his advice was requested. He, feeling a sincere friendship for Daphnis, advised them to relate the whole affair to their young master, as soon as the latter should arrive. Their young master, said he, was his foster-brother, on which account he enjoyed his favour, and he promised to speak to h
im on their behalf.

  On the morrow they did as Eudromus had recommended. Astylus, their master’s son, arrived on horse-back, and a fawning parasite, who always accompanied him, rode by his side. The beard of the former was but just beginning to grow, but Gnatho’s chin had long since felt the razor. Lamon with Myrtale and Daphnis came out to meet them, and Lamon, falling at his young master’s feet, besought him to avert his father’s anger and to take pity on an unfortunate old man, who had not been to blame in any respect. Astylus listened with great commiseration, and when he came to the garden and saw the havoc that had been wrought, he promised to plead their excuse with his father by laying the fault on his own horses, which, he could assert had been tethered in the garden, and growing restive, had broken loose, trampling and destroying the flowers.

  In return for his compassion Lamon and Myrtale called upon the Gods to shower blessings upon him, whilst Daphnis presented him with some kids, cheeses, birds with their young, vine-branches covered with grapes, and apples still hanging from boughs. Among Daphnis’s other gifts was some fragrant Lesbian wine of exquisite flavour.

  Astylus expressed himself well-pleased with what Daphnis presented to him, and pending the arrival of his father, he engaged in hare hunting, as became a young man of wealth who merely visited the country for a change of amusement.

  Now Gnatho was a glutton whose whole science consisted in eating to excess, drinking till he was inebriated, and satisfying his evil vices after he had indulged in the cup. He was indeed all palate and all belly. He had remarked Daphnis whilst the latter was offering his presents, and being naturally vicious, and never before having seen so handsome a youth even in the city, he determined to insinuate himself into his good graces; thinking that he could easily gain over a mere goatherd. Having conceived this project he refused to go hunting with Astylus, and proceeded in the direction of the shore, to the spot where Daphnis was tending his herd. He gave as his pretext a desire to see the goats, but in reality he wished to gaze upon the goatherd. To gain the latter’s goodwill he began by praising the animals, and then begged Daphnis to play some pastoral strain upon his pipe, promising that he would soon obtain his freedom for him, since he had great influence and credit with his master. Then, in the evening as Daphnis was leading his herd home, Gnatho, who thought that he had disposed the young man favourably began to make offensive proposals to him. For some time Daphnis failed to understand, but when he did he dealt Gnatho so rough a blow that the parasite, who was in liquor and scarce able to stand, fell prostrate to the ground, where he lay in sore need of someone to pick him up. From that time forward Daphnis, bent on holding no communication with him, constantly changed from one pasturage to another, avoiding Gnatho as sedulously as he sought Chloe. And on his side, Gnatho, having discovered that Daphnis was not merely a handsome but also a stalwart youth, refrained from pursuing him; though he sought for a favourable opportunity to speak of him to Astylus, flattering himself that he might obtain him as a gift from the latter, who was wont to grant him all his requests.