Daphnis could not in justice find fault with what she said; but, as
needy lovers generally do, he burst into tears; and again invoked the
assistance of the Nymphs.
needy lovers generally do, he burst into tears; and again invoked the
assistance of the Nymphs.
Scriptori Erotici Graeci
]
[Footnote 10: ἐπ αὐτῆς τῆς ναυηχίδος, literally, in the admiral. ]
[Footnote 11: κατὰ τῆς αποβάθρας. ]
[Footnote 12: εὑφημοῦντες. Especial care was taken during a sacrifice,
that no inauspicious or frivolous words were uttered by any of the
bystanders; hence the admonitions of the priest,--εῦφημεῖτε, εὐφημία,
σιγᾶτε, σιωπᾶτε, favete linguis, and others; for improper expressions
were thought not only to pollute the sacred act, but to be unlucky
omens.
"Male ominatis,
Parcite verbis. "
Hor. iii. Od. xiv. 11.
]
[Footnote 13: υπoβεβρεγμένoι. ]
[Footnote 14: ἐγκόμβωμα. ]
[Footnote 15: See the legend in Ovid Met. i. 689. ]
[Footnote 16: άνίσους, καθ' ὃτι καὶ ὁ ἔρως ἄνισος αὐτοῖς. ]
[Footnote 17: "La Pantomime est le premier langage de l'homme; elle est
connue de toutes les nations. "--Bernardin de St. Pierre.
On the subject of the Pantomimic dance, common to Greece and Italy, see
Dict. of Greek and Rom. Antiq. p. 713. ]
BOOK III.
When the inhabitants of Mitylene heard of the descent made by the ten
vessels, and had been informed by some coming from the spot of the
plunder which had been carried off, they were of opinion that such an
injury on the part of the Methymnæans was insufferable, and immediately
raised a force of three thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry,
which they put under the command of Hippasus with orders, that he
should lead his men by land, and not embark them on board of ship, as a
voyage in the winter season would be dangerous.
The general began his march, but he did not lay waste the country of
the enemy, nor did he plunder the possessions of the husbandman, or of
the shepherd, thinking such petty warfare suitable to a captain of a
banditti, rather than to the leader of an army. He hastened his march
in order to reach the gates of the city and attack the inhabitants
while they were off their guard. When his troops approached within
eleven miles of the city, a herald came out to them with proposals for
a truce. The Methymnæans had discovered from the prisoners, that the
citizens of Mitylene were ignorant of the beginning of the affray,[1]
and that the insolence of their own young men had drawn upon them the
vengeance inflicted by the herdsmen and shepherds. They repented,
accordingly, of having acted precipitately rather than prudently
towards a neighbouring city, and were desirous to restore all their
plunder, in order that friendly intercourse by sea and land might be
restored. Although Hippasus had full powers given him of acting as he
thought proper, he ordered the herald to proceed to Mitylene, while he
pitched his camp about a mile from the enemy's city, and waited for the
answer of his fellow-citizens. In two days a messenger arrived with
orders for him to refrain from any act of hostility, to receive the
restored booty, and to return home; for since the declaration of peace
or war rested on the decision of the people, they considered peace far
preferable.
Thus did the war between Methymne and Mitylene begin and end in an
equally unexpected manner.
Winter, however, was more formidable to Daphnis and Chloe, than war
had been. On a sudden heavy falls of snow blocked up the roads, and
shut up the cottagers within doors. Impetuous torrents rushed down from
the mountains, the ice thickened, the trees[2] seemed as though their
branches were broken down beneath the weight of snow, and the whole
face of the earth had disappeared except about the brinks of fountains
and the borders of rivers.
No one led his flocks to pasture, or even ventured to stir from home;
but lighting large fires, at cock-crowing, some employed themselves in
twisting ropes, some in weaving goats' hair, and some in making snares
and nets to catch birds. At the same time they took care to supply the
oxen in their stalls with chaff, the goats and sheep in their cotes
with leaves, and the hogs in their styes with holm-berries and acorns.
As every one was of necessity confined within-doors,[3] most of the
labourers and shepherds were glad at having an interval of release
from their wonted labours, and immediately after their morning-meal
lay down, and enjoyed a lengthy sleep, winter appearing to them more
pleasant than the summer, the autumn, or even the spring. But Daphnis
and Chloe cherished in their memory the pleasures, of which they were
now deprived,--their kisses, their embraces, and their happy meals
together. They passed nights of sleeplessness and sorrow, and looked
for the return of spring as a restoration to life after an interval of
death. It was painful to them, if chance threw in their way a scrip,
from which they had eaten, or a vessel from which they had drunk, or
if they happened to cast their eyes on a pipe, now thrown aside with
neglect, which had once been bestowed and received as a token of love.
Frequent were their prayers to the Nymphs, and to Pan, to deliver them
from their troubles, and once more to let the sun shine upon them and
their herds, and while thus engaged they also endeavoured to devise
some scheme, by which they might obtain a sight of one another. Chloe
was quite at a loss, and could not contrive any plan, successfully, for
her reputed mother was always sitting near her, teaching her to card
wool and to turn the spindle, and touching upon the subject of marriage.
Daphnis, however, had greater quickness of invention, and more leisure
than the maiden, and hit upon the following scheme for getting a
sight of Chloe. Two lofty myrtle trees and an ivy grew before Dryas's
cottage, and indeed under the very cottage itself. The ivy grew between
the myrtle trees, throwing out on either side, its sprays like a vine,
and forming an arbour by intermingling its leaves with theirs. The
berries hung down in thick clusters, and were as large as grapes.
Numbers of winter birds flocked thither from want of food elsewhere;
such as blackbirds, thrushes, wood-pigeons, starlings, and a variety
of others, which live on berries. Daphnis filled his scrip with some
honeyed cakes, and quitted his home under pretence of going to catch
some of these birds. To remove all suspicion of his real design he
carried with him plenty of birdlime and snares. The distance was little
more than a mile, but the frost and the snow, which had not yet melted,
rendered the road very toilsome. To LOVE, however, all things are
passable--fire, and water, and even Scythian snows. Having soon arrived
at the cottage, he shook the snow from his legs and feet, set the
snares, spread the birdlime, and seated himself in the arbour watching
the birds, but thinking of Chloe. So many were very soon caught, that
he had abundance of occupation in collecting them together, killing
and plucking them. In the mean time, not a man, not a maiden, not even
a domestic fowl came out of the cottage: the whole family were shut
up and close around the fire. Daphnis was now utterly at a loss what
to do, and thought that he had come at an unlucky time. He determined
to knock at the door if he could find any pretext, and began to
consider what would appear most plausible. "What, if I say that I
want a light to kindle our fire? they will reply 'you have neighbours
within a stone's throw of your cottage. ' What, if I request something
to eat? --'your scrip is full of victuals. ' What, if I ask for some
wine? --'you have but lately got in the vintage. ' What, if I exclaim
that a wolf has been pursuing me? --'where are the traces of his feet? '
What, if I tell them I came to snare birds? --'why not go home again, if
you have had sport enough? ' Shall I at once say that I have come to see
Chloe? Ah! who will venture to make such a bold avowal to the father
and mother of the maiden? My pleas will be all exhausted and I shall
be reduced to silence. Since none of these excuses will pass free from
suspicion, it were better to hold my tongue. It seems decreed by the
Fates that I shall not see my Chloe during the winter; I must wait with
patience until the spring. "
After indulging in some such thoughts as these, he took up his game,
and was preparing to depart, when, as if Love took pity on him, the
following occurrence happened.
The family within had spread their table: the meat was portioned out;
a slice of bread was placed for each, and the goblet was ready mixed.
One of the sheep-dogs, who had watched his opportunity, when no person
was observing him, seized a piece of meat, and made his escape. Dryas
(for the stolen meat happened to be his portion) snatched up a club,
and pursued the thief, following him up like a second dog. Daphnis
had thrown the birds over his shoulder, and was just about hurrying
away when Dryas espied him. At the sight of Daphnis he immediately
forgot both meat and dog, called out after him, "Good morrow, my son! "
ran to him, embraced him, took him by the hand, and led him into the
house. When the lovers saw each other, they were very near sinking
to the ground; however, they continued to support themselves, while
they saluted and embraced: indeed their embrace acted as a stay, and
prevented them from falling.
Having thus contrary to his expectation obtained an interview with his
Chloe and a kiss, Daphnis drew nearer to the fire, and sat down: then
taking the wood-pigeons and thrushes from his shoulder threw them upon
the table, while he related to the family the weariness which he felt
from so long and tedious a confinement at home, the eagerness with
which he set out in pursuit of some sport, and the manner in which he
caught the birds, some with a snare, some with birdlime, when they
came in search of the myrtle and ivy berries. The family praised his
activity, and compared him to "Apollo the far-darting;" and urged him
to partake of what the dog had fortunately left; desiring Chloe in the
mean time to pour him out wherewithal to drink. She cheerfully complied
and handed the goblet to all the others first, last of all to Daphnis,
pretending to be affronted with him, for having come thither and
intending to go away without asking to see her: nevertheless, before
holding the beaker out to him, she sipped[4] a little from it, and then
presented it; upon which he, although thirsty, drank as leisurely as
possible, in order to prolong his pleasure, by protracting his draught.
The table was soon cleared of the fragments of bread and meat: after
which, as they were sitting by the fire, they began to inquire after
Myrtale and Lamon, who were pronounced fortunate in having such an
excellent provider for their old age. Daphnis was delighted at having
these commendations pronounced upon him in the hearing of Chloe, and
when her parents proceeded to insist upon his remaining with them
till next day, when they intended to sacrifice to Bacchus, he was
very nearly adoring them in lieu of the god. He immediately produced
his store of honeyed cakes from his scrip, together with the birds,
which he had caught, which they dressed for supper. A second goblet
was mixed; and a second fire was lighted. Night soon came on, when
they partook of a hearty meal; and at its conclusion, after telling
stories, and singing songs, they retired to rest. Chloe slept with her
mother, and Daphnis with Dryas. Chloe's only pleasure was the thought
of seeing Daphnis the next morning; Daphnis enjoyed a kind of hollow
satisfaction, even from sleeping with Chloe's father, whom he hugged
and kissed, dreaming all the while, that the embraces were being
bestowed upon Chloe.
When the day broke the cold was intense, and the sharp north wind was
parching up every thing. Dryas and his family arose, sacrificed a ram
of one year old to Bacchus, and lighted a large fire to boil the meat.
Nape made the bread, while Dryas attended to the meat, and, while
they were thus engaged, Daphnis and Chloe proceeded to the ivy-covered
arbour, where they set snares and spread birdlime, and again caught
no small quantity of birds. Kisses and delightful converse were
continuously interchanged between them.
"I came hither entirely on your account, Chloe. "
"I know it, my dear Daphnis. "
"On your account it is that these poor blackbirds now perish; what
place have I in your affections? Do think of me! "
"I do think of you, my Daphnis, I swear it by the Nymphs whom I once
invoked in that Grotto, whither we will repair again so soon as the
snow shall have melted. "
"The snow lies very thick; I fear that I shall melt away, before it
does. "
"Do not despair, Daphnis, the sun is very warm. "
"Would that it were as warm as the fire which burns my heart! "
"You are in jest: you are deceiving me, Daphnis. "
"No! I am not; I swear it by the goats, whom at your bidding I invoked. "
Chloe's reply was an echo to what Daphnis said. Nape now calling them,
they hurried into the house with a much larger supply of game than
Daphnis had taken the day before. First pouring out a libation to
Bacchus, from the goblet, they sat down to their banquet with chaplets
of ivy on their heads. When it was time to part, after loudly shouting
in honour of the god, Daphnis took his leave, Dryas and his wife having
filled his bag with meat and bread, and insisting upon his carrying
the wood-pigeons and thrushes home to Lamon and Myrtale; for, as they
said, they should be able to catch as many as they pleased so long as
the cold lasted and the ivy berries did not fail. At length Daphnis
bade them farewell, and at his departure gave each of them a kiss,
but he saluted Chloe last of all, that her kiss might remain pure and
unalloyed upon his lips.
He frequently found out pretences for paying them fresh visits; so that
the winter did not pass by altogether without an interchange of love.
In the opening of spring, when the snow was melted, the face of
the earth again uncovered and the grass beginning to grow,[5] the
shepherds and herdsmen led forth their flocks to the pastures, but
Daphnis and Chloe were earlier than the others, inasmuch as they were
under the guidance of a mightier shepherd (Love). The first place to
which they hastened, was the grotto of the Nymphs; the next was the
pine-tree, where stood the statue of Pan; they then proceeded to the
oak, under which, sitting down, they watched their feeding flocks, and
kissed and embraced each other. Wishing to crown the statues of the
deities, they sought for flowers: these were but just beginning to come
out under the mild influence of the zephyr, and the genial warmth of
the sun; but they found the violet, the narcissus, and the pimpernel,
and all the other firstlings of the year: with these they crowned the
statues, and then poured out libations of new milk drawn from the
ewes and the she-goats. After this ceremony they began to tune their
pastoral pipes, as though challenging the nightingales to resume their
song: these answered softly from the thickets, and gradually became
perfect in their plaintive strains, as if recalling them slowly after
so long a silence. [6]
The sheep were heard bleating, while the lambs were seen to frisk
about, or stooping under their mothers drew the teat; the rams pursued
and leaped upon those which had never lambed. The he-goats did the
like, contending for their mates, each making choice of his own, and
guarding her from the approach of a rival.
All these objects might have kindled love even in hoary age; they who
were in the bloom of youth, full of vigour, and long since warmed by
desire, were inflamed by such sounds, melted at such sights, and
longed for something beyond a kiss and an embrace.
Especially was this the case with Daphnis. He had passed the whole
winter in the house, and in a state of inactivity, he therefore was
more impetuous than ever in his desire for kissing and embracing Chloe,
and became bolder and more inquisitive in all love matters. He urged
her to grant him all his wishes; and proposed that they should lie side
by side, naked, since of the precepts given by Philetas for curing
love, this remained untried. She inquired what there possibly could be
besides kisses, embraces, and reclining side by side; why did he wish
that they should recline together naked?
"I wish," said he "to follow the example of the rams and ewes; of
the male goats and their females. --After their amorous sport, the
females no longer flee, and the males no longer pursue; but both feed
quietly together, as if they felt a mutual pleasure. There must be
some gratification in what they do; something which cures the sting of
love. "[7] "But," returned Chloe, "the postures of the sheep and goats
are very different from ours; the males leap upon the females from
behind; this is out of the question with us; besides, you wish me to
lie beside you naked, whereas they have a thick covering given them by
nature. "
Daphnis admitted the reasonableness of this; so after lying by her
side, as usual, for a considerable time, ignorant how to gratify his
passions, he got up and actually shed tears, at being less expert in
love than a silly sheep.
They had a neighbour named Chromis, who farmed some land of his own. He
was growing old, but his wife, who came from the city, was young, good
looking, and superior in manners to the common rustics; her name was
Lycænium. Seeing Daphnis driving his goats past her house, conducting
them to pasture in the morning, and home again in the evening, she was
very desirous of enticing him into love by means of presents.
Upon one occasion, watching until he was alone, she gave him a pipe,
a honeycomb, and a scrip of deer-skin. She did not say anything at
the time, suspecting his affection for Chloe, by seeing him always in
her company. Hitherto, however, her knowledge of the fact was founded
only upon having seen nods and laughter exchanged between them. Not
long after, pretending to Chromis in the morning that she was going to
visit a neighbour in the pains of childbirth, she followed the lovers,
and concealed herself in a thicket, in order to avoid discovery; from
thence she saw and heard everything which passed between them, and
was a witness of the tears shed by Daphnis under his disappointment.
Commiserating their trouble, and conceiving the present a good
opportunity to promote their wishes, and to gratify her own desires,
she had recourse to the following expedient.
The next morning, under cover of the same excuse as on the previous
day, she went straight to the oak where Daphnis and Chloe were sitting
together; then admirably counterfeiting a state of great alarm, she
exclaimed, "Come to my aid, I entreat you, Daphnis, an eagle has
carried off the finest among my twenty geese; and unable to bear it to
yonder high rock, has fallen with it in the neighbouring low wood. In
the name of Pan and the Nymphs come into the wood and rescue my goose,
I am afraid to enter it by myself. Do not let me have my number made
imperfect; besides you may perhaps kill the eagle, and will then no
longer be in dread of having your lambs carried away. --Chloe will, in
the meantime, mind your flocks, the goats know her as well as they do
you, from your being always in company. "
Daphnis, having no suspicions of her motives, got up and followed
Lycænium, who led him as far as possible from Chloe; upon arriving in
the thickest of the wood, near a fountain, she bid him sit down beside
her. --"You are in love, Daphnis," she said; "the Nymphs informed me of
this, last night; they told me of the tears which you shed yesterday,
and have commanded me, for the sake of your relief, to teach you love's
mysteries. These are not limited to kisses and embraces, and the doing
what is done by the rams and goats;[8] they result in much greater
pleasure, and are longer in duration. If, therefore, you wish to be
freed from your pains, and to make trial of the sweets which you so
long for, you must become my willing pupil, and out of regard to the
Nymphs I will be your instructress. " Daphnis could scarcely contain
himself for joy, but rustic as he was, a goatherd, young and in love,
he threw himself at Lycænium's feet, entreating her to teach him with
all speed the art of gratifying his passion for Chloe. --Moreover, as if
about to learn something very mysterious and wonderful, he promised to
reward her pains with a kid, some cheeses made of the first new milk,
and the she-goat herself. Finding the young shepherd so liberal in his
offers, she began to tutor him. She made him sit close to her, bidding
him kiss and embrace her, and lastly lie down beside her, as was his
wont with Chloe. After this, seeing his amorous ardour, she received
him into her arms, and, aided by nature, led him to the wished-for
consummation. [9]
When this amorous lesson was concluded, Daphnis, in his simplicity, was
upon the point of hurrying back to Chloe, to put in practice what he
had learnt, for fear lest through delaying he might forget it. Lycænium
however stopped him, saying,--"You have something more yet to learn,
Daphnis,--I am a full grown woman, and have felt no inconvenience
from what has taken place; I was instructed in this art by another
man, who received my maidenhead as his reward;--but Chloe, when she
engages in this amorous contest, will cry out, and shed tears, and
suffer inconvenience; however, you must not mind all this; so when
you find her in a compliant humour, bring her to this wood, where you
will be free from all intrusion,--and remember, that you have had me
for your instructress previous to Chloe. "[10] Lycænium, after giving
him this advice, retired to another part of the wood as if still in
search of the lost goose. Daphnis, reflecting upon what she had said,
restrained his former impetuosity,[11] fearing to be the cause of any
pain and inconvenience to Chloe; and determining to solace himself with
her only in the accustomed manner, he issued from the wood. Upon his
return he found her weaving a chaplet of violets; so, pretending that
he had delivered the goose from the talons of the eagle, he threw his
arms around her and embraced her, since in this at least there could
be no danger. She placed the chaplet upon his head, and kissed his
hair, which, in her estimation was far preferable to the violets. Then
producing from her scrip a cake of figs and bread, she gave him some,
then snatching the morsels from his mouth, eat them herself, like the
youngling of a bird.
While they were at their meal, which, however, consisted more of kisses
than of food, a fishing boat was seen proceeding along the coast.
There was no wind stirring; a perfect calm prevailed: so having taken
to their oars, the crew were rowing vigorously, their object being to
carry some newly caught fish to a rich man in the city. They dipped
their oars, doing what sailors usually do to beguile their toil. The
boatswain[12] sung a sea-song, and the rest joined in chorus at
stated intervals. When they were in the open sea, the sound was lost,
their voices being dispersed into the air, but when running under a
headland they came into any hollow and crescent-shaped bay, the sound
became much louder, and the song of the boatswain was distinctly
heard on shore. A deep valley here sloped down from the plain above,
which received into it the sound, as into an instrument of music, and
repeated with the most perfect imitation every note which was uttered.
There could be heard the distinction between the dash of the oars, and
the voices of the sailors; and a very pleasing sound it was; beginning
on the sea, the duration of its echo upon shore was proportioned to its
greater lateness in commencing.
Daphnis, understanding the nature of the echo, turned his attention
solely to the sea, and was delighted with viewing the boat as it
glided by the shore quicker than a bird could fly. At the same time
he endeavoured to store up some of these strains in his memory, that
he might play them on his pipe. Chloe, who had never, till now, heard
what is called an echo, turned first to the sea, and listened to
the boatmen, as they sang, and then looked round to the woods, in
expectation of seeing those, who (as she thought) were singing in
responsive chorus.
At length the rowers were out of sight, and all was silent, even in
the valley; when Chloe inquired of Daphnis whether there was another
sea behind the hill, and another boat, and other sailors, who all sang
the same strain, and who all left off together. Daphnis sweetly smiled
upon her, and gave her a still sweeter kiss, and putting the chaplet of
violets on her head, proceeded to relate to her the legendary tale of
Echo, upon condition of receiving ten kisses for his pains.
"There are various classes of the Nymphs, my love;--the Melians, who
dwell among the ash-groves, the Dryads, who preside over the oaks, and
the Elæan, who are guardians of the lakes. Echo[13] was the daughter
of one of these Nymphs: as her mother was beautiful, so was she, but
as her father was a mortal, she also was the same. She was brought up
by the Nymphs, and was taught by the Muses to play upon the pipe, the
flute, the lyre, and the harp, in short she was instructed in every
species of music; so that when the maiden arrived at the flower of her
youth, she danced with the Nymphs, and sang with the Muses. Attached to
the state of maidenhood, she shunned the sight of all males, whether
men or gods. This roused the indignation of Pan; jealous of her skill
in music, and irritated by her refusal of his advances, the god
inspired the shepherds and herdsmen with such frenzy, that they rushed
upon her like so many hounds or wolves, tore her in pieces, and threw
in every direction, her limbs, yet sending forth melodious sounds.
Earth, in order to gratify the Nymphs, covered the maiden's limbs, but
preserved to her the gift of song; and, by the will of the Muses, she
still has the power of utterance, and, as when alive, still imitates
all sounds; the voices of the gods--of men--of instruments--of animals,
even of Pan himself when playing on his pipe. He, when he hears the
sound, springs up, and rushes in pursuit over the mountains, not in
order to bend her to his wishes, but to find out who can be this his
hidden pupil. "
When Daphnis had finished his tale, Chloe, instead of giving him ten
kisses only,[14] bestowed upon him a thousand; and Echo repeated every
kiss, as if in testimony that Daphnis had not added anything to her
history, which was not true.
The heat of the weather daily increased, since spring was departing,
and summer was approaching. The new delights, which this season brings,
again returned to them. Daphnis swam in the rivers, and Chloe bathed
in the fountains; he played upon the pipe, vying with the murmuring
pine-trees; she sang, and emulated the nightingales with her melody:
they chased the noisy locusts, they caught the chirping grasshoppers,
they gathered posies, or shook down the fruit from the trees, and ate
it. Sometimes, also, they lay side by side, covered with a goat-skin;
but fearing lest passion might carry him away, Daphnis would not often
permit her to display all her beauties; at which she in her innocence
was astonished, but said nothing.
During the summer, Chloe had many suitors, who came to Dryas, and
entreated him to bestow his daughter in marriage. Some brought with
them a gift, and some made great promises. Nape, elated with hope,
advised her husband to marry Chloe forthwith, and not to keep a maiden
of her age any longer at home, lest, while pasturing her flocks, she
should some day lose her virtue, and take to herself a partner upon
the strength of a present of fruit or flowers;[15] the best course was
to secure for her a good match, and to keep all the presents of her
suitors for the infant son who had been lately born to them.
Dryas was sometimes almost persuaded by her arguments, for the gifts
promised by each wooer, were far beyond what a mere shepherdess had
reason to expect; but, on the other hand, he reflected[16] that the
maiden was far too good for common lovers, and that, if ever her real
parents should be discovered, she would be the means of making them
rich for life.
For these reasons he declined giving a decided answer, and postponed
from time to time, meanwhile, receiving presents of no small value.
Chloe, as soon as she knew of this, was overwhelmed with grief;
but for a considerable time concealed its cause from Daphnis, for
fear of giving him pain. He, however, was earnest and persevering
in his inquiries as to the subject of her sorrow, and evidently
felt more miserable at having the truth concealed from him, than he
would do if he knew it; accordingly she acquainted him with every
circumstance--with the fact of the suitors being numerous and wealthy,
with Nape's arguments for immediate marriage, with the hesitation of
Dryas in refusing, and his resolution to postpone matters until the
next vintage-season should begin.
Daphnis, almost beside himself at hearing her relation, sat down
and wept bitterly, exclaiming, that, were he deprived of Chloe as a
companion in the pastures, it would prove his death, and not his death
only, for that his sheep would die upon losing such a master. After
this burst of sorrow, recovering himself, he resolved to take courage,
bethought him of endeavouring to persuade Chloe's father to receive him
as her suitor, flattering himself that he should be far superior to the
others, and would be preferred before them. There was one obstacle,
which gave him uneasiness--Lamon was not rich: this reflection alone
rendered his hopes of success slender. Nevertheless he determined to
declare himself a suitor, and Chloe approved of his design.
He did not venture to declare his intention to Lamon, but taking
courage, communicated his love to Myrtale, and spoke also of the
marriage; she imparted everything to her husband at night. Lamon
treated her intercession for Daphnis very harshly, and rebuked his wife
for thinking of marrying to a mere shepherd's daughter, a youth who
by the tokens found upon him, seemed to give promise of a much higher
fortune, and who, should he ever find his relatives, would not only
procure the freedom of his foster-father and mother, but also make them
master and mistress of a much larger estate.
Myrtale, fearing lest the youth, blighted in his hopes of marrying
Chloe, should make an attempt upon his own life, gave him a different
reason for the opposition on her husband's part. "We are poor, my son,
and we require a girl who will bring a portion with her; they, on the
other hand, are rich, and expect rich suitors. However, go and persuade
Chloe, and get her to prevail upon her father, not to look for too
great a match, but to let you take her for a wife. The girl herself, I
am sure, dearly loves you, and would certainly prefer sharing her bed
with a handsome youth, however poor, than with an ugly ape, however
rich. "
Myrtale had no expectation that Dryas, who had so many richer suitors
applying to him, would ever agree to the wishes of Daphnis, and
considered herself to have offered very plausible arguments for
disposing of the subject of the marriage.
Daphnis could not in justice find fault with what she said; but, as
needy lovers generally do, he burst into tears; and again invoked the
assistance of the Nymphs.
As he slept at night, they again appeared to him in the same dress and
form, as they had done before, and the eldest of them thus addressed
him.
"Chloe's marriage is under the superintendence of another deity: as
for yourself we will furnish you with gifts which shall soften Dryas,
and win his consent. The boat belonging to the young men of Methymna,
whose vine-branch cable your goats devoured, was that same day carried
far out to sea by the violence of the wind: at night the gale blowing
from the sea, it was driven towards the land and dashed upon some
rocks, there it was wrecked and everything in it lost. A purse of three
thousand drachmas[17] was thrown ashore, and lies covered with seaweed
near a dead dolphin, the putrid stench of which is so offensive that
no one will approach it but hastens by as fast as he can. Go, take
this money, and offer it to Dryas. It is enough at present to make you
appear not absolutely poor; the time will come, when you will be very
rich. "
After speaking to this effect, they disappeared, and with them the
darkness of the night; day dawned, and Daphnis leaping from his bed
with joy, drove his goats to pasture with boisterous eagerness. After
kissing Chloe, and paying his adorations in the grotto, he went down
to the sea, pretending that it was his intention to bathe, and then
walked along the sands close to the beach, seeking the three thousand
drachmas. The search required little labour: the dolphin lay rotting
in his path, and yielding a "most ancient and fish-like smell," which
served to guide him on his way. He immediately approached it, and upon
removing the weeds found the purse full of silver, which he put into
his scrip; but before quitting the spot he uttered blessings upon the
Nymphs and upon the ocean likewise; for although a shepherd he now
thought the sea more delightful than the land, since it contributed to
promote his marriage with Chloe.
Having got possession of this sum, he thought himself not merely
richer than his neighbours, but the richest man upon the earth, and
immediately hastened to Chloe, related his dream to her, shewed her
the purse, and desired her to tend the herds till he came back: then,
hurrying with all speed to Dryas, whom he found with Nape busied in
beating out corn upon the threshing floor, he boldly entered upon the
subject of the marriage.
"Give me Chloe for a wife. I can play well on the pipe; I can prune
vines; I can plant; I can plough; and I can winnow. To my skill as
a herdsman Chloe can bear witness: fifty she-goats were given to my
charge, and their number is now doubled. Formerly we used to send
our females to a neighbour's males; but now I have reared large and
handsome he-goats of our own. I am young; and, as I have been your
neighbour, you know me to have a blameless character. A goat, moreover,
nursed me, as a ewe did Chloe. Being on so many points superior to
other suitors, you will not find me their inferior in my gifts. They
will offer their goats and their sheep, or a yoke of mangy oxen,
or corn not fit to feed even dunghill fowls! I will give you three
thousand drachmas! --only let no one know what I have offered--not even
Lamon, my father! " So saying, he presented the money and threw his arms
round the neck of Dryas.
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 procure
Lamon's consent to the match. Nape remained with Daphnis, and drove
the oxen round the floor, while by means of the threshing-machine,[18]
she separated the grains. Dryas, in the meantime, laid by the money
carefully, in the place where the tokens were stored up, and hastened
to Lamon's house upon the novel errand of asking[19] a husband for his
daughter. He found Lamon and Myrtale measuring some barley, which had
been just winnowed, and in very bad spirits at finding it yield little
more than the seed which had been put into the ground, and endeavoured
to console them by saying, that this season the complaint was general.
He then asked Daphnis in marriage for Chloe. "Others," said he, "would
willingly make me handsome presents, I however will accept nothing
from you, but, on the contrary, will give you of my own substance. The
two young people have been brought up together, and from feeding their
flocks in company they have contracted a mutual fondness which cannot
easily be dissolved, and they are now of sufficient age to consummate a
marriage. "
These and many more arguments he urged with all the eloquence of one
who had received three thousand drachmas for his guerdon. Lamon was no
longer able to plead his poverty, since Dryas entertained no objections
upon that head; nor could he object to the age of Daphnis, for he was
by this time a young man; but even now he did not explain the real
cause of his unwillingness, which was, that Daphnis was of too good
birth for such a match.
After remaining sometime silent he replied as follows. "You act justly,
Dryas, in preferring your neighbours before strangers, and in not
thinking wealth superior to honest poverty. May Pan and the Nymphs
reward you with their friendship for this! I myself am eager for the
marriage: I who am halfway on the road to old age, and begin to feel
the want of assistance on my farm, should indeed be crazy, were I to
refuse a connection with your family; this in itself would be a great
advantage, and Chloe, too, is most desirable on account of her beauty,
youth, and goodness. At the same time you must consider that I am only
a serf on this estate:[20] I am owner of nothing here: it is necessary
that my master should be acquainted with the business, and that we
should have his consent. Suppose, then, that we defer the marriage till
the autumn: persons from the city have informed me, that he intends
coming hither at that time. They shall then be man and wife; for the
present let them love each other like brother and sister. I will only
farther say, friend Dryas, that you are seeking as son-in-law one who
is superior to us all. " He added no more, but embraced Dryas, and
handed him some drink, it being mid-day and very hot, and wishing to
shew him every mark of kindness, accompanied him part of his way home.
The last expression of Lamon was not lost upon Dryas, but as he went
along he thought within himself,--"Who can Daphnis be? He was suckled
by a she-goat, as if under the providential care of the deities
themselves; he is very handsome, and bears no resemblance to the
flat-nosed Lamon, or the bald-headed Myrtale; he is master, also, of
three thousand drachmas,--few goatherds can call so many pears their
own! Was he exposed by the same person who exposed Chloe? Did Lamon
find him, as I found her? were tokens left with him like those which I
found? If, Ο Pan, and ye Nymphs, it be so, whensoever he finds his own
relatives, he may throw some light upon the secret history of Chloe
also! "
Thus he proceeded, thinking and dreaming, until he reached the
threshing-floor. There he found Daphnis on the tiptoe of expectation
to learn his tidings. Dryas relieved his mind by addressing him as
son-in-law; he promised him that the nuptials should take place in the
autumn, and gave him his right hand in confirmation that Chloe should
be the wife of no other.
Swifter than thought, without stopping to eat or drink, away ran
Daphnis to Chloe. He found her engaged in milking and making cheese,
told her the good news of their approaching wedding, kissed her
openly, as though she were already his wife, and not by stealth as he
used to do, and began to assist her in her work, by milking the goats
and ewes into the pails, setting the cheeses upon the racks,[21] and
placing the lambs and kids under their dams. When their labours were
concluded, they washed themselves, ate and drank, and then went out
in search of some ripe fruit. Of this there was abundance, it being
the most fruitful season of the year. There were pears, both wild
and cultivated, and all sorts of apples, some of which were lying on
the ground, and some still hanging upon the branches. Those upon the
ground smelt sweeter; those upon the boughs were brighter in colour;
the former were as fragrant as new wine, the latter shone like gold.
One tree had been entirely stripped; its branches were bare; it had
neither leaves nor fruit, except a single apple, which grew upon the
top of the highest branch. This apple was very large and beautiful, and
its solitary perfume surpassed the united fragrance of many others. The
gatherer had either been afraid of climbing to the summit of the tree,
or he had preserved this beautiful fruit for some love-sick shepherd.
Daphnis, as soon as he espied it, began to climb the tree, giving no
heed to Chloe, who endeavoured to prevent him, and who finding herself
disregarded hurried away pettishly after her herds. Daphnis climbed
the tree, succeeded in seizing the apple, carried it as a present to
Chloe, and presented it to her, with these words:--"Maiden, this fruit
was produced and cherished by the beauteous hours; the sun matured it
with his beams, and fortune has preserved it; unless blind, I could
not leave it either to fall on the ground, where cattle, as they
grazed, might tread on it, or where the snake might crawl over it, and
defile it with his slime; or where time might rot it as it lay; still
less could I do this when it had been seen and praised by you. Venus
received an apple as the prize of beauty; the same prize I adjudge to
you. Paris and I are equally fitted to be umpires: he was a shepherd, I
am a goatherd. "
With these words he placed the apple in her bosom, and she, upon his
drawing near, bestowed on him a kiss; so that Daphnis did not repent of
having ventured to climb[22] to such a height; for the kiss which he
received was more precious to him than a golden apple.
[Footnote 1: The reading here followed is that of
Villoisin. --ὑβρίζοντας τoὺς νεανίσκους. ]
[Footnote 2:
"nec jam susteneant onus
Silvæ laborantes, geluque
Flumina constiterint acuto. "--Hor. i. Od. ix. 2.
]
[Footnote 3: Compare Virgil's description of the way of passing a
northern Winter.
"Ipsi in defossis specubus secura sub altâ
Otia agunt terrâ, congestaque robora totasque
Advolvere focis ulmos, ignique dedere.
Hie noctem ludo ducunt, et pocula læti
Fermento atque acidis imitantur vitea sorbis. "
G. iii. 376.
]
[Footnote 4:
"Fac primus rapias illius tacta labellis
Pocula: quaque bibit parte puella, bibe. "
Ovid de Art. Am. i. 575.
]
[Footnote 5:
"Diffugere nives, redeunt jam gramina campis
Arboribusque comæ. . . .
Mutat terra vices. "--Hor. iv. Od. vii. 1.
]
[Footnote 6:
"----The gay troops begin,
In gallant thought to plume the painted wing
And try again the long forgotten strain,
At first faint warbled--
. . . . . .
Then, all at once alive, then joy o'erflows
In music unconfined. "--Thomson.
Should the reader wish to see the song of the Nightingale represented
by a series of words, he is referred to p. 108 of Paget's Warden of
Berkingholt, where he will find the imitation by the learned Doctor
Bechstein, of Walterhausen. ]
[Footnote 7: "Recti illi faciunt, rectæ contra istæ patiuntur alteri,
nempe insilientes, alteræ vero dorso impositos admittentes. Tu a me
petis, ut unà recumbam, idque nuda? Atqui illas me, licet vestibus
amicta, quanto aunt hirsutiores? Paret Daphnis, et concumbens cum eadem
jacuit; nesciusque quidquam eorum agere, quorum gratiâ tanta libidinis
impetu concitabatur, illam erigit, et a tergo hircos imitande illi
adhæsit. "]
[Footnote 8: Saltus hi longe illis dulciorea; habent enim longieris
temporis voluptatem. ]
[Footnote 9: "Edocta eum ad patrandum non solum fortem esse, verum
etiam libidine turgere, ab reclinatione in latus factâ, ipsum erexit,
seque tum perite substernens, ilium ad viam duci quæsitam direxit;
deinde non ultra peregrinum ipsum circumduxit, ipsa natura, quod porro
agendum restabat, docente. "]
[Footnote 10: "Jacebit haud secus ac vulnerata, multo manens
sanguine. --Verum non est quod cruorem timeas; sed quando illam
persuaseris, ut tibi morem gerat, tunc tu illam in hunc adducit locum,
ubi, si forté clamaverit, nemo audiat, si lacrimata fuerit, nemo
videat, si cruore fœdata fuerit, fonte se abluat. "]
[Footnote 11: "cavens, ne vel illa veluti hoste conspecto clamaret,
vel tanquam dolore affecta fleret, vel sanguine fœdaretur tanquam
contrucidata. Non ità dudum namque periculum fecerat ipse, à Methymnæis
plagis affectus: ideoque à sanguine abhorrebat, sanguinemque de solo
vulnere sequi opinabatur. "]
[Footnote 12: κελευστής,(in Latin, Hortator or Portusculus) an officer
in a ship who gave the signal to the rowers, that they might keep time
in rowing. The same name was also given to the pole or hammer, by the
striking of which he regulated the motion of the oars.
"mediæ stat margine puppis,
Qui voce alternos nautarum temperet ictus,
Et remis dictat sonitum, pariterque relatis
Ad sonitum plaudat resonantia cœrula tonsis. "
Silius Italicus, VI. 360.
See Æsch Persæ. 388. ]
[Footnote 13: See Ovid, Met. iii. 356, for the legend of Echo and
Narcissus. ]
[Footnote 14: There is a painting, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, which
represents Venus as chiding Cupid for learning arithmetic. ]
[Footnote 15: See Theocritus. Idyll xxvii. ]
[Footnote 16:
"This is the prettiest low-born lass, that ever
Ran on the green-sord; nothing she does or seems
But smacks of something greater than herself,
Too noble for this place. "--Winter's Tale.
]
[Footnote 17: £122 18s. 4d. ]
[Footnote 18: Tριβόλος--a corn-drag, consisting of a thick and
ponderous wooden board, armed underneath with pieces of iron, or sharp
flints, and drawn over the corn by a yoke of oxen, either the driver or
a heavy weight being placed upon it, for the purpose of separating the
grain and cutting the straw. --Dict. of Greek and Rom. Antiq. See Virg.
Georg. i. 164. ]
[Footnote 19: μνᾶσθαι νυμφιόν--the verb μναόμαι is properly employed
only with reference to the woman, signifying to woo to wife. ]
[Footnote 20: Lamon appears to have been the ἐπίρoπos, or bailiff upon
his master's estate. ]
[Footnote 21: Ταρσοὶ--flat wicker baskets for making and stowing away
cheeses.
"Ταρσοὶ μὲν τυρῶν βρῖθον. "--Odyss. ix. 219.
. . . . "His strainers hung with cheese
Distended. ". . . --Cowper.
"Ταρσοὶ δ' ὑπερσχθἐες αἰεὶ. "--Theoc. Idyll. 37.
"My cheeses fail not in their hurdled row. "--Chapman.
Λ passage in Ovid illustrates the process of cheese-making:--
. . . . "Veluti concretum vimine querno
Lac solet; utve liquor rari sub pondere cribri
Manat, et exprimitur per densa foramina spissus. "
Met. xii. 434
]
[Footnote 22:
. . . . "Is not love a Hercules,
Still climbing trees in the Hesperides? "--Shakspeare.
]
BOOK IV.
One of Lamon's neighbours, who was a fellow serf under the same lord,
called in his way from Mitylene, and informed him that their master
intended coming just before the vintage, to see whether the incursion
of the Methymnæans had done any damage to his lands. The summer was
now closing, and autumn approaching very fast; Lamon, therefore,
immediately began to put the house in such order as might, in every
respect, please his master's eyes. He cleansed the fountains, that the
water might be pure; carried the manure out of the yard, that the smell
might not be offensive; and trimmed his garden, that all its beauty
might be seen.
His garden was indeed a beautiful one, and laid out in a princely
style. It was situated on high ground, and was five hundred feet
in length, while in breadth it contained four acres, so that one
might have supposed it an extensive plain. In it were all kinds of
trees,--the apple, the myrtle, the pear, the pomegranate, the fig,
the olive, which grew here in perfection. On one side of this garden
was a lofty vine, whose branches, laden with blackening grapes, were
suspended above the apple and pear trees, as if vying with them in
the show of fruit. Such were the cultivated trees. There were also
cypresses, laurels, planes, and pines, over which an ivy instead of
a vine stretched out her branches, with berries in size and colour
resembling grapes.
The fruit-trees occupied the interior space. Those which did not bear
fruit were ranged on the outside, serving the purpose of an artificial
fence; and the whole was inclosed by a slight hedge. All were placed
in a strict and regular order,[1] so that their trunks were perfectly
distinct one from the other, but at a certain height their branches
met, and intermingled their leaves with a regularity which, though the
work of nature, appeared to be the effect of art. Here were also beds
of various flowers, some of which were cultivated plants, and some the
spontaneous production of the soil. The rose bushes,[2] hyacinths, and
lilies had been planted by the hand of man, the violets, the narcissus,
and the pimpernel sprang naturally from the ground. There was shade for
summer, flowers for spring, fruits for autumn, and for all seasons of
the year enjoyment.
From this garden was to be had a fine view of the plains with the herds
and flocks which grazed upon them; as well as of the sea, and of the
ships, as they were sailing along, so that the prospect was no small
portion of the beauty of the place. Exactly in the middle there was a
temple and an altar, dedicated to Bacchus. An ivy encircled the altar,
and a vine extended its branches round the temple; on the interior
the events in the history of the god were represented. The delivery
of Semele, Ariadne sleeping, Lycurgus fettered, Pentheus torn in
pieces,[3] the victories over the Indians, and the metamorphosis of the
Tyrrhenian sailors. On all sides were Satyrs and Bacchantes dancing.
Nor was Pan omitted; he was represented sitting upon a rock, and
playing upon his pipe an air intended equally to regulate the motions
of the men as they trod the grapes, and of the women as they danced.
Such was the garden, which Lamon was busy in getting into order,
cutting away dead wood, and raising the branches of the vines. He
crowned the statue of Bacchus with flowers, he conducted water from
the fountain discovered by Daphnis, for the flowers, which was used
exclusively for them, and was called Daphnis's Fountain. Lamon also
charged the youth to get his goats into as good condition as possible,
since their master would certainly visit and examine them after his
long absence from the farm. Upon this head Daphnis felt confident that
he should be praised; for the herd, which he had received in charge,
was increased twofold: not one of them had been seized by a wolf, and
they were already fatter than sheep. Wishing to do everything which
might render his master favourable to his marriage, he exerted all his
care and activity, driving them to pasture very early, and returning
very late, leading them to the water twice every day, and choosing for
them the richest pastures. He also took care to provide fresh bowls,[4]
many new milk-pails, and larger cheese-racks.
[Footnote 10: ἐπ αὐτῆς τῆς ναυηχίδος, literally, in the admiral. ]
[Footnote 11: κατὰ τῆς αποβάθρας. ]
[Footnote 12: εὑφημοῦντες. Especial care was taken during a sacrifice,
that no inauspicious or frivolous words were uttered by any of the
bystanders; hence the admonitions of the priest,--εῦφημεῖτε, εὐφημία,
σιγᾶτε, σιωπᾶτε, favete linguis, and others; for improper expressions
were thought not only to pollute the sacred act, but to be unlucky
omens.
"Male ominatis,
Parcite verbis. "
Hor. iii. Od. xiv. 11.
]
[Footnote 13: υπoβεβρεγμένoι. ]
[Footnote 14: ἐγκόμβωμα. ]
[Footnote 15: See the legend in Ovid Met. i. 689. ]
[Footnote 16: άνίσους, καθ' ὃτι καὶ ὁ ἔρως ἄνισος αὐτοῖς. ]
[Footnote 17: "La Pantomime est le premier langage de l'homme; elle est
connue de toutes les nations. "--Bernardin de St. Pierre.
On the subject of the Pantomimic dance, common to Greece and Italy, see
Dict. of Greek and Rom. Antiq. p. 713. ]
BOOK III.
When the inhabitants of Mitylene heard of the descent made by the ten
vessels, and had been informed by some coming from the spot of the
plunder which had been carried off, they were of opinion that such an
injury on the part of the Methymnæans was insufferable, and immediately
raised a force of three thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry,
which they put under the command of Hippasus with orders, that he
should lead his men by land, and not embark them on board of ship, as a
voyage in the winter season would be dangerous.
The general began his march, but he did not lay waste the country of
the enemy, nor did he plunder the possessions of the husbandman, or of
the shepherd, thinking such petty warfare suitable to a captain of a
banditti, rather than to the leader of an army. He hastened his march
in order to reach the gates of the city and attack the inhabitants
while they were off their guard. When his troops approached within
eleven miles of the city, a herald came out to them with proposals for
a truce. The Methymnæans had discovered from the prisoners, that the
citizens of Mitylene were ignorant of the beginning of the affray,[1]
and that the insolence of their own young men had drawn upon them the
vengeance inflicted by the herdsmen and shepherds. They repented,
accordingly, of having acted precipitately rather than prudently
towards a neighbouring city, and were desirous to restore all their
plunder, in order that friendly intercourse by sea and land might be
restored. Although Hippasus had full powers given him of acting as he
thought proper, he ordered the herald to proceed to Mitylene, while he
pitched his camp about a mile from the enemy's city, and waited for the
answer of his fellow-citizens. In two days a messenger arrived with
orders for him to refrain from any act of hostility, to receive the
restored booty, and to return home; for since the declaration of peace
or war rested on the decision of the people, they considered peace far
preferable.
Thus did the war between Methymne and Mitylene begin and end in an
equally unexpected manner.
Winter, however, was more formidable to Daphnis and Chloe, than war
had been. On a sudden heavy falls of snow blocked up the roads, and
shut up the cottagers within doors. Impetuous torrents rushed down from
the mountains, the ice thickened, the trees[2] seemed as though their
branches were broken down beneath the weight of snow, and the whole
face of the earth had disappeared except about the brinks of fountains
and the borders of rivers.
No one led his flocks to pasture, or even ventured to stir from home;
but lighting large fires, at cock-crowing, some employed themselves in
twisting ropes, some in weaving goats' hair, and some in making snares
and nets to catch birds. At the same time they took care to supply the
oxen in their stalls with chaff, the goats and sheep in their cotes
with leaves, and the hogs in their styes with holm-berries and acorns.
As every one was of necessity confined within-doors,[3] most of the
labourers and shepherds were glad at having an interval of release
from their wonted labours, and immediately after their morning-meal
lay down, and enjoyed a lengthy sleep, winter appearing to them more
pleasant than the summer, the autumn, or even the spring. But Daphnis
and Chloe cherished in their memory the pleasures, of which they were
now deprived,--their kisses, their embraces, and their happy meals
together. They passed nights of sleeplessness and sorrow, and looked
for the return of spring as a restoration to life after an interval of
death. It was painful to them, if chance threw in their way a scrip,
from which they had eaten, or a vessel from which they had drunk, or
if they happened to cast their eyes on a pipe, now thrown aside with
neglect, which had once been bestowed and received as a token of love.
Frequent were their prayers to the Nymphs, and to Pan, to deliver them
from their troubles, and once more to let the sun shine upon them and
their herds, and while thus engaged they also endeavoured to devise
some scheme, by which they might obtain a sight of one another. Chloe
was quite at a loss, and could not contrive any plan, successfully, for
her reputed mother was always sitting near her, teaching her to card
wool and to turn the spindle, and touching upon the subject of marriage.
Daphnis, however, had greater quickness of invention, and more leisure
than the maiden, and hit upon the following scheme for getting a
sight of Chloe. Two lofty myrtle trees and an ivy grew before Dryas's
cottage, and indeed under the very cottage itself. The ivy grew between
the myrtle trees, throwing out on either side, its sprays like a vine,
and forming an arbour by intermingling its leaves with theirs. The
berries hung down in thick clusters, and were as large as grapes.
Numbers of winter birds flocked thither from want of food elsewhere;
such as blackbirds, thrushes, wood-pigeons, starlings, and a variety
of others, which live on berries. Daphnis filled his scrip with some
honeyed cakes, and quitted his home under pretence of going to catch
some of these birds. To remove all suspicion of his real design he
carried with him plenty of birdlime and snares. The distance was little
more than a mile, but the frost and the snow, which had not yet melted,
rendered the road very toilsome. To LOVE, however, all things are
passable--fire, and water, and even Scythian snows. Having soon arrived
at the cottage, he shook the snow from his legs and feet, set the
snares, spread the birdlime, and seated himself in the arbour watching
the birds, but thinking of Chloe. So many were very soon caught, that
he had abundance of occupation in collecting them together, killing
and plucking them. In the mean time, not a man, not a maiden, not even
a domestic fowl came out of the cottage: the whole family were shut
up and close around the fire. Daphnis was now utterly at a loss what
to do, and thought that he had come at an unlucky time. He determined
to knock at the door if he could find any pretext, and began to
consider what would appear most plausible. "What, if I say that I
want a light to kindle our fire? they will reply 'you have neighbours
within a stone's throw of your cottage. ' What, if I request something
to eat? --'your scrip is full of victuals. ' What, if I ask for some
wine? --'you have but lately got in the vintage. ' What, if I exclaim
that a wolf has been pursuing me? --'where are the traces of his feet? '
What, if I tell them I came to snare birds? --'why not go home again, if
you have had sport enough? ' Shall I at once say that I have come to see
Chloe? Ah! who will venture to make such a bold avowal to the father
and mother of the maiden? My pleas will be all exhausted and I shall
be reduced to silence. Since none of these excuses will pass free from
suspicion, it were better to hold my tongue. It seems decreed by the
Fates that I shall not see my Chloe during the winter; I must wait with
patience until the spring. "
After indulging in some such thoughts as these, he took up his game,
and was preparing to depart, when, as if Love took pity on him, the
following occurrence happened.
The family within had spread their table: the meat was portioned out;
a slice of bread was placed for each, and the goblet was ready mixed.
One of the sheep-dogs, who had watched his opportunity, when no person
was observing him, seized a piece of meat, and made his escape. Dryas
(for the stolen meat happened to be his portion) snatched up a club,
and pursued the thief, following him up like a second dog. Daphnis
had thrown the birds over his shoulder, and was just about hurrying
away when Dryas espied him. At the sight of Daphnis he immediately
forgot both meat and dog, called out after him, "Good morrow, my son! "
ran to him, embraced him, took him by the hand, and led him into the
house. When the lovers saw each other, they were very near sinking
to the ground; however, they continued to support themselves, while
they saluted and embraced: indeed their embrace acted as a stay, and
prevented them from falling.
Having thus contrary to his expectation obtained an interview with his
Chloe and a kiss, Daphnis drew nearer to the fire, and sat down: then
taking the wood-pigeons and thrushes from his shoulder threw them upon
the table, while he related to the family the weariness which he felt
from so long and tedious a confinement at home, the eagerness with
which he set out in pursuit of some sport, and the manner in which he
caught the birds, some with a snare, some with birdlime, when they
came in search of the myrtle and ivy berries. The family praised his
activity, and compared him to "Apollo the far-darting;" and urged him
to partake of what the dog had fortunately left; desiring Chloe in the
mean time to pour him out wherewithal to drink. She cheerfully complied
and handed the goblet to all the others first, last of all to Daphnis,
pretending to be affronted with him, for having come thither and
intending to go away without asking to see her: nevertheless, before
holding the beaker out to him, she sipped[4] a little from it, and then
presented it; upon which he, although thirsty, drank as leisurely as
possible, in order to prolong his pleasure, by protracting his draught.
The table was soon cleared of the fragments of bread and meat: after
which, as they were sitting by the fire, they began to inquire after
Myrtale and Lamon, who were pronounced fortunate in having such an
excellent provider for their old age. Daphnis was delighted at having
these commendations pronounced upon him in the hearing of Chloe, and
when her parents proceeded to insist upon his remaining with them
till next day, when they intended to sacrifice to Bacchus, he was
very nearly adoring them in lieu of the god. He immediately produced
his store of honeyed cakes from his scrip, together with the birds,
which he had caught, which they dressed for supper. A second goblet
was mixed; and a second fire was lighted. Night soon came on, when
they partook of a hearty meal; and at its conclusion, after telling
stories, and singing songs, they retired to rest. Chloe slept with her
mother, and Daphnis with Dryas. Chloe's only pleasure was the thought
of seeing Daphnis the next morning; Daphnis enjoyed a kind of hollow
satisfaction, even from sleeping with Chloe's father, whom he hugged
and kissed, dreaming all the while, that the embraces were being
bestowed upon Chloe.
When the day broke the cold was intense, and the sharp north wind was
parching up every thing. Dryas and his family arose, sacrificed a ram
of one year old to Bacchus, and lighted a large fire to boil the meat.
Nape made the bread, while Dryas attended to the meat, and, while
they were thus engaged, Daphnis and Chloe proceeded to the ivy-covered
arbour, where they set snares and spread birdlime, and again caught
no small quantity of birds. Kisses and delightful converse were
continuously interchanged between them.
"I came hither entirely on your account, Chloe. "
"I know it, my dear Daphnis. "
"On your account it is that these poor blackbirds now perish; what
place have I in your affections? Do think of me! "
"I do think of you, my Daphnis, I swear it by the Nymphs whom I once
invoked in that Grotto, whither we will repair again so soon as the
snow shall have melted. "
"The snow lies very thick; I fear that I shall melt away, before it
does. "
"Do not despair, Daphnis, the sun is very warm. "
"Would that it were as warm as the fire which burns my heart! "
"You are in jest: you are deceiving me, Daphnis. "
"No! I am not; I swear it by the goats, whom at your bidding I invoked. "
Chloe's reply was an echo to what Daphnis said. Nape now calling them,
they hurried into the house with a much larger supply of game than
Daphnis had taken the day before. First pouring out a libation to
Bacchus, from the goblet, they sat down to their banquet with chaplets
of ivy on their heads. When it was time to part, after loudly shouting
in honour of the god, Daphnis took his leave, Dryas and his wife having
filled his bag with meat and bread, and insisting upon his carrying
the wood-pigeons and thrushes home to Lamon and Myrtale; for, as they
said, they should be able to catch as many as they pleased so long as
the cold lasted and the ivy berries did not fail. At length Daphnis
bade them farewell, and at his departure gave each of them a kiss,
but he saluted Chloe last of all, that her kiss might remain pure and
unalloyed upon his lips.
He frequently found out pretences for paying them fresh visits; so that
the winter did not pass by altogether without an interchange of love.
In the opening of spring, when the snow was melted, the face of
the earth again uncovered and the grass beginning to grow,[5] the
shepherds and herdsmen led forth their flocks to the pastures, but
Daphnis and Chloe were earlier than the others, inasmuch as they were
under the guidance of a mightier shepherd (Love). The first place to
which they hastened, was the grotto of the Nymphs; the next was the
pine-tree, where stood the statue of Pan; they then proceeded to the
oak, under which, sitting down, they watched their feeding flocks, and
kissed and embraced each other. Wishing to crown the statues of the
deities, they sought for flowers: these were but just beginning to come
out under the mild influence of the zephyr, and the genial warmth of
the sun; but they found the violet, the narcissus, and the pimpernel,
and all the other firstlings of the year: with these they crowned the
statues, and then poured out libations of new milk drawn from the
ewes and the she-goats. After this ceremony they began to tune their
pastoral pipes, as though challenging the nightingales to resume their
song: these answered softly from the thickets, and gradually became
perfect in their plaintive strains, as if recalling them slowly after
so long a silence. [6]
The sheep were heard bleating, while the lambs were seen to frisk
about, or stooping under their mothers drew the teat; the rams pursued
and leaped upon those which had never lambed. The he-goats did the
like, contending for their mates, each making choice of his own, and
guarding her from the approach of a rival.
All these objects might have kindled love even in hoary age; they who
were in the bloom of youth, full of vigour, and long since warmed by
desire, were inflamed by such sounds, melted at such sights, and
longed for something beyond a kiss and an embrace.
Especially was this the case with Daphnis. He had passed the whole
winter in the house, and in a state of inactivity, he therefore was
more impetuous than ever in his desire for kissing and embracing Chloe,
and became bolder and more inquisitive in all love matters. He urged
her to grant him all his wishes; and proposed that they should lie side
by side, naked, since of the precepts given by Philetas for curing
love, this remained untried. She inquired what there possibly could be
besides kisses, embraces, and reclining side by side; why did he wish
that they should recline together naked?
"I wish," said he "to follow the example of the rams and ewes; of
the male goats and their females. --After their amorous sport, the
females no longer flee, and the males no longer pursue; but both feed
quietly together, as if they felt a mutual pleasure. There must be
some gratification in what they do; something which cures the sting of
love. "[7] "But," returned Chloe, "the postures of the sheep and goats
are very different from ours; the males leap upon the females from
behind; this is out of the question with us; besides, you wish me to
lie beside you naked, whereas they have a thick covering given them by
nature. "
Daphnis admitted the reasonableness of this; so after lying by her
side, as usual, for a considerable time, ignorant how to gratify his
passions, he got up and actually shed tears, at being less expert in
love than a silly sheep.
They had a neighbour named Chromis, who farmed some land of his own. He
was growing old, but his wife, who came from the city, was young, good
looking, and superior in manners to the common rustics; her name was
Lycænium. Seeing Daphnis driving his goats past her house, conducting
them to pasture in the morning, and home again in the evening, she was
very desirous of enticing him into love by means of presents.
Upon one occasion, watching until he was alone, she gave him a pipe,
a honeycomb, and a scrip of deer-skin. She did not say anything at
the time, suspecting his affection for Chloe, by seeing him always in
her company. Hitherto, however, her knowledge of the fact was founded
only upon having seen nods and laughter exchanged between them. Not
long after, pretending to Chromis in the morning that she was going to
visit a neighbour in the pains of childbirth, she followed the lovers,
and concealed herself in a thicket, in order to avoid discovery; from
thence she saw and heard everything which passed between them, and
was a witness of the tears shed by Daphnis under his disappointment.
Commiserating their trouble, and conceiving the present a good
opportunity to promote their wishes, and to gratify her own desires,
she had recourse to the following expedient.
The next morning, under cover of the same excuse as on the previous
day, she went straight to the oak where Daphnis and Chloe were sitting
together; then admirably counterfeiting a state of great alarm, she
exclaimed, "Come to my aid, I entreat you, Daphnis, an eagle has
carried off the finest among my twenty geese; and unable to bear it to
yonder high rock, has fallen with it in the neighbouring low wood. In
the name of Pan and the Nymphs come into the wood and rescue my goose,
I am afraid to enter it by myself. Do not let me have my number made
imperfect; besides you may perhaps kill the eagle, and will then no
longer be in dread of having your lambs carried away. --Chloe will, in
the meantime, mind your flocks, the goats know her as well as they do
you, from your being always in company. "
Daphnis, having no suspicions of her motives, got up and followed
Lycænium, who led him as far as possible from Chloe; upon arriving in
the thickest of the wood, near a fountain, she bid him sit down beside
her. --"You are in love, Daphnis," she said; "the Nymphs informed me of
this, last night; they told me of the tears which you shed yesterday,
and have commanded me, for the sake of your relief, to teach you love's
mysteries. These are not limited to kisses and embraces, and the doing
what is done by the rams and goats;[8] they result in much greater
pleasure, and are longer in duration. If, therefore, you wish to be
freed from your pains, and to make trial of the sweets which you so
long for, you must become my willing pupil, and out of regard to the
Nymphs I will be your instructress. " Daphnis could scarcely contain
himself for joy, but rustic as he was, a goatherd, young and in love,
he threw himself at Lycænium's feet, entreating her to teach him with
all speed the art of gratifying his passion for Chloe. --Moreover, as if
about to learn something very mysterious and wonderful, he promised to
reward her pains with a kid, some cheeses made of the first new milk,
and the she-goat herself. Finding the young shepherd so liberal in his
offers, she began to tutor him. She made him sit close to her, bidding
him kiss and embrace her, and lastly lie down beside her, as was his
wont with Chloe. After this, seeing his amorous ardour, she received
him into her arms, and, aided by nature, led him to the wished-for
consummation. [9]
When this amorous lesson was concluded, Daphnis, in his simplicity, was
upon the point of hurrying back to Chloe, to put in practice what he
had learnt, for fear lest through delaying he might forget it. Lycænium
however stopped him, saying,--"You have something more yet to learn,
Daphnis,--I am a full grown woman, and have felt no inconvenience
from what has taken place; I was instructed in this art by another
man, who received my maidenhead as his reward;--but Chloe, when she
engages in this amorous contest, will cry out, and shed tears, and
suffer inconvenience; however, you must not mind all this; so when
you find her in a compliant humour, bring her to this wood, where you
will be free from all intrusion,--and remember, that you have had me
for your instructress previous to Chloe. "[10] Lycænium, after giving
him this advice, retired to another part of the wood as if still in
search of the lost goose. Daphnis, reflecting upon what she had said,
restrained his former impetuosity,[11] fearing to be the cause of any
pain and inconvenience to Chloe; and determining to solace himself with
her only in the accustomed manner, he issued from the wood. Upon his
return he found her weaving a chaplet of violets; so, pretending that
he had delivered the goose from the talons of the eagle, he threw his
arms around her and embraced her, since in this at least there could
be no danger. She placed the chaplet upon his head, and kissed his
hair, which, in her estimation was far preferable to the violets. Then
producing from her scrip a cake of figs and bread, she gave him some,
then snatching the morsels from his mouth, eat them herself, like the
youngling of a bird.
While they were at their meal, which, however, consisted more of kisses
than of food, a fishing boat was seen proceeding along the coast.
There was no wind stirring; a perfect calm prevailed: so having taken
to their oars, the crew were rowing vigorously, their object being to
carry some newly caught fish to a rich man in the city. They dipped
their oars, doing what sailors usually do to beguile their toil. The
boatswain[12] sung a sea-song, and the rest joined in chorus at
stated intervals. When they were in the open sea, the sound was lost,
their voices being dispersed into the air, but when running under a
headland they came into any hollow and crescent-shaped bay, the sound
became much louder, and the song of the boatswain was distinctly
heard on shore. A deep valley here sloped down from the plain above,
which received into it the sound, as into an instrument of music, and
repeated with the most perfect imitation every note which was uttered.
There could be heard the distinction between the dash of the oars, and
the voices of the sailors; and a very pleasing sound it was; beginning
on the sea, the duration of its echo upon shore was proportioned to its
greater lateness in commencing.
Daphnis, understanding the nature of the echo, turned his attention
solely to the sea, and was delighted with viewing the boat as it
glided by the shore quicker than a bird could fly. At the same time
he endeavoured to store up some of these strains in his memory, that
he might play them on his pipe. Chloe, who had never, till now, heard
what is called an echo, turned first to the sea, and listened to
the boatmen, as they sang, and then looked round to the woods, in
expectation of seeing those, who (as she thought) were singing in
responsive chorus.
At length the rowers were out of sight, and all was silent, even in
the valley; when Chloe inquired of Daphnis whether there was another
sea behind the hill, and another boat, and other sailors, who all sang
the same strain, and who all left off together. Daphnis sweetly smiled
upon her, and gave her a still sweeter kiss, and putting the chaplet of
violets on her head, proceeded to relate to her the legendary tale of
Echo, upon condition of receiving ten kisses for his pains.
"There are various classes of the Nymphs, my love;--the Melians, who
dwell among the ash-groves, the Dryads, who preside over the oaks, and
the Elæan, who are guardians of the lakes. Echo[13] was the daughter
of one of these Nymphs: as her mother was beautiful, so was she, but
as her father was a mortal, she also was the same. She was brought up
by the Nymphs, and was taught by the Muses to play upon the pipe, the
flute, the lyre, and the harp, in short she was instructed in every
species of music; so that when the maiden arrived at the flower of her
youth, she danced with the Nymphs, and sang with the Muses. Attached to
the state of maidenhood, she shunned the sight of all males, whether
men or gods. This roused the indignation of Pan; jealous of her skill
in music, and irritated by her refusal of his advances, the god
inspired the shepherds and herdsmen with such frenzy, that they rushed
upon her like so many hounds or wolves, tore her in pieces, and threw
in every direction, her limbs, yet sending forth melodious sounds.
Earth, in order to gratify the Nymphs, covered the maiden's limbs, but
preserved to her the gift of song; and, by the will of the Muses, she
still has the power of utterance, and, as when alive, still imitates
all sounds; the voices of the gods--of men--of instruments--of animals,
even of Pan himself when playing on his pipe. He, when he hears the
sound, springs up, and rushes in pursuit over the mountains, not in
order to bend her to his wishes, but to find out who can be this his
hidden pupil. "
When Daphnis had finished his tale, Chloe, instead of giving him ten
kisses only,[14] bestowed upon him a thousand; and Echo repeated every
kiss, as if in testimony that Daphnis had not added anything to her
history, which was not true.
The heat of the weather daily increased, since spring was departing,
and summer was approaching. The new delights, which this season brings,
again returned to them. Daphnis swam in the rivers, and Chloe bathed
in the fountains; he played upon the pipe, vying with the murmuring
pine-trees; she sang, and emulated the nightingales with her melody:
they chased the noisy locusts, they caught the chirping grasshoppers,
they gathered posies, or shook down the fruit from the trees, and ate
it. Sometimes, also, they lay side by side, covered with a goat-skin;
but fearing lest passion might carry him away, Daphnis would not often
permit her to display all her beauties; at which she in her innocence
was astonished, but said nothing.
During the summer, Chloe had many suitors, who came to Dryas, and
entreated him to bestow his daughter in marriage. Some brought with
them a gift, and some made great promises. Nape, elated with hope,
advised her husband to marry Chloe forthwith, and not to keep a maiden
of her age any longer at home, lest, while pasturing her flocks, she
should some day lose her virtue, and take to herself a partner upon
the strength of a present of fruit or flowers;[15] the best course was
to secure for her a good match, and to keep all the presents of her
suitors for the infant son who had been lately born to them.
Dryas was sometimes almost persuaded by her arguments, for the gifts
promised by each wooer, were far beyond what a mere shepherdess had
reason to expect; but, on the other hand, he reflected[16] that the
maiden was far too good for common lovers, and that, if ever her real
parents should be discovered, she would be the means of making them
rich for life.
For these reasons he declined giving a decided answer, and postponed
from time to time, meanwhile, receiving presents of no small value.
Chloe, as soon as she knew of this, was overwhelmed with grief;
but for a considerable time concealed its cause from Daphnis, for
fear of giving him pain. He, however, was earnest and persevering
in his inquiries as to the subject of her sorrow, and evidently
felt more miserable at having the truth concealed from him, than he
would do if he knew it; accordingly she acquainted him with every
circumstance--with the fact of the suitors being numerous and wealthy,
with Nape's arguments for immediate marriage, with the hesitation of
Dryas in refusing, and his resolution to postpone matters until the
next vintage-season should begin.
Daphnis, almost beside himself at hearing her relation, sat down
and wept bitterly, exclaiming, that, were he deprived of Chloe as a
companion in the pastures, it would prove his death, and not his death
only, for that his sheep would die upon losing such a master. After
this burst of sorrow, recovering himself, he resolved to take courage,
bethought him of endeavouring to persuade Chloe's father to receive him
as her suitor, flattering himself that he should be far superior to the
others, and would be preferred before them. There was one obstacle,
which gave him uneasiness--Lamon was not rich: this reflection alone
rendered his hopes of success slender. Nevertheless he determined to
declare himself a suitor, and Chloe approved of his design.
He did not venture to declare his intention to Lamon, but taking
courage, communicated his love to Myrtale, and spoke also of the
marriage; she imparted everything to her husband at night. Lamon
treated her intercession for Daphnis very harshly, and rebuked his wife
for thinking of marrying to a mere shepherd's daughter, a youth who
by the tokens found upon him, seemed to give promise of a much higher
fortune, and who, should he ever find his relatives, would not only
procure the freedom of his foster-father and mother, but also make them
master and mistress of a much larger estate.
Myrtale, fearing lest the youth, blighted in his hopes of marrying
Chloe, should make an attempt upon his own life, gave him a different
reason for the opposition on her husband's part. "We are poor, my son,
and we require a girl who will bring a portion with her; they, on the
other hand, are rich, and expect rich suitors. However, go and persuade
Chloe, and get her to prevail upon her father, not to look for too
great a match, but to let you take her for a wife. The girl herself, I
am sure, dearly loves you, and would certainly prefer sharing her bed
with a handsome youth, however poor, than with an ugly ape, however
rich. "
Myrtale had no expectation that Dryas, who had so many richer suitors
applying to him, would ever agree to the wishes of Daphnis, and
considered herself to have offered very plausible arguments for
disposing of the subject of the marriage.
Daphnis could not in justice find fault with what she said; but, as
needy lovers generally do, he burst into tears; and again invoked the
assistance of the Nymphs.
As he slept at night, they again appeared to him in the same dress and
form, as they had done before, and the eldest of them thus addressed
him.
"Chloe's marriage is under the superintendence of another deity: as
for yourself we will furnish you with gifts which shall soften Dryas,
and win his consent. The boat belonging to the young men of Methymna,
whose vine-branch cable your goats devoured, was that same day carried
far out to sea by the violence of the wind: at night the gale blowing
from the sea, it was driven towards the land and dashed upon some
rocks, there it was wrecked and everything in it lost. A purse of three
thousand drachmas[17] was thrown ashore, and lies covered with seaweed
near a dead dolphin, the putrid stench of which is so offensive that
no one will approach it but hastens by as fast as he can. Go, take
this money, and offer it to Dryas. It is enough at present to make you
appear not absolutely poor; the time will come, when you will be very
rich. "
After speaking to this effect, they disappeared, and with them the
darkness of the night; day dawned, and Daphnis leaping from his bed
with joy, drove his goats to pasture with boisterous eagerness. After
kissing Chloe, and paying his adorations in the grotto, he went down
to the sea, pretending that it was his intention to bathe, and then
walked along the sands close to the beach, seeking the three thousand
drachmas. The search required little labour: the dolphin lay rotting
in his path, and yielding a "most ancient and fish-like smell," which
served to guide him on his way. He immediately approached it, and upon
removing the weeds found the purse full of silver, which he put into
his scrip; but before quitting the spot he uttered blessings upon the
Nymphs and upon the ocean likewise; for although a shepherd he now
thought the sea more delightful than the land, since it contributed to
promote his marriage with Chloe.
Having got possession of this sum, he thought himself not merely
richer than his neighbours, but the richest man upon the earth, and
immediately hastened to Chloe, related his dream to her, shewed her
the purse, and desired her to tend the herds till he came back: then,
hurrying with all speed to Dryas, whom he found with Nape busied in
beating out corn upon the threshing floor, he boldly entered upon the
subject of the marriage.
"Give me Chloe for a wife. I can play well on the pipe; I can prune
vines; I can plant; I can plough; and I can winnow. To my skill as
a herdsman Chloe can bear witness: fifty she-goats were given to my
charge, and their number is now doubled. Formerly we used to send
our females to a neighbour's males; but now I have reared large and
handsome he-goats of our own. I am young; and, as I have been your
neighbour, you know me to have a blameless character. A goat, moreover,
nursed me, as a ewe did Chloe. Being on so many points superior to
other suitors, you will not find me their inferior in my gifts. They
will offer their goats and their sheep, or a yoke of mangy oxen,
or corn not fit to feed even dunghill fowls! I will give you three
thousand drachmas! --only let no one know what I have offered--not even
Lamon, my father! " So saying, he presented the money and threw his arms
round the neck of Dryas.
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 procure
Lamon's consent to the match. Nape remained with Daphnis, and drove
the oxen round the floor, while by means of the threshing-machine,[18]
she separated the grains. Dryas, in the meantime, laid by the money
carefully, in the place where the tokens were stored up, and hastened
to Lamon's house upon the novel errand of asking[19] a husband for his
daughter. He found Lamon and Myrtale measuring some barley, which had
been just winnowed, and in very bad spirits at finding it yield little
more than the seed which had been put into the ground, and endeavoured
to console them by saying, that this season the complaint was general.
He then asked Daphnis in marriage for Chloe. "Others," said he, "would
willingly make me handsome presents, I however will accept nothing
from you, but, on the contrary, will give you of my own substance. The
two young people have been brought up together, and from feeding their
flocks in company they have contracted a mutual fondness which cannot
easily be dissolved, and they are now of sufficient age to consummate a
marriage. "
These and many more arguments he urged with all the eloquence of one
who had received three thousand drachmas for his guerdon. Lamon was no
longer able to plead his poverty, since Dryas entertained no objections
upon that head; nor could he object to the age of Daphnis, for he was
by this time a young man; but even now he did not explain the real
cause of his unwillingness, which was, that Daphnis was of too good
birth for such a match.
After remaining sometime silent he replied as follows. "You act justly,
Dryas, in preferring your neighbours before strangers, and in not
thinking wealth superior to honest poverty. May Pan and the Nymphs
reward you with their friendship for this! I myself am eager for the
marriage: I who am halfway on the road to old age, and begin to feel
the want of assistance on my farm, should indeed be crazy, were I to
refuse a connection with your family; this in itself would be a great
advantage, and Chloe, too, is most desirable on account of her beauty,
youth, and goodness. At the same time you must consider that I am only
a serf on this estate:[20] I am owner of nothing here: it is necessary
that my master should be acquainted with the business, and that we
should have his consent. Suppose, then, that we defer the marriage till
the autumn: persons from the city have informed me, that he intends
coming hither at that time. They shall then be man and wife; for the
present let them love each other like brother and sister. I will only
farther say, friend Dryas, that you are seeking as son-in-law one who
is superior to us all. " He added no more, but embraced Dryas, and
handed him some drink, it being mid-day and very hot, and wishing to
shew him every mark of kindness, accompanied him part of his way home.
The last expression of Lamon was not lost upon Dryas, but as he went
along he thought within himself,--"Who can Daphnis be? He was suckled
by a she-goat, as if under the providential care of the deities
themselves; he is very handsome, and bears no resemblance to the
flat-nosed Lamon, or the bald-headed Myrtale; he is master, also, of
three thousand drachmas,--few goatherds can call so many pears their
own! Was he exposed by the same person who exposed Chloe? Did Lamon
find him, as I found her? were tokens left with him like those which I
found? If, Ο Pan, and ye Nymphs, it be so, whensoever he finds his own
relatives, he may throw some light upon the secret history of Chloe
also! "
Thus he proceeded, thinking and dreaming, until he reached the
threshing-floor. There he found Daphnis on the tiptoe of expectation
to learn his tidings. Dryas relieved his mind by addressing him as
son-in-law; he promised him that the nuptials should take place in the
autumn, and gave him his right hand in confirmation that Chloe should
be the wife of no other.
Swifter than thought, without stopping to eat or drink, away ran
Daphnis to Chloe. He found her engaged in milking and making cheese,
told her the good news of their approaching wedding, kissed her
openly, as though she were already his wife, and not by stealth as he
used to do, and began to assist her in her work, by milking the goats
and ewes into the pails, setting the cheeses upon the racks,[21] and
placing the lambs and kids under their dams. When their labours were
concluded, they washed themselves, ate and drank, and then went out
in search of some ripe fruit. Of this there was abundance, it being
the most fruitful season of the year. There were pears, both wild
and cultivated, and all sorts of apples, some of which were lying on
the ground, and some still hanging upon the branches. Those upon the
ground smelt sweeter; those upon the boughs were brighter in colour;
the former were as fragrant as new wine, the latter shone like gold.
One tree had been entirely stripped; its branches were bare; it had
neither leaves nor fruit, except a single apple, which grew upon the
top of the highest branch. This apple was very large and beautiful, and
its solitary perfume surpassed the united fragrance of many others. The
gatherer had either been afraid of climbing to the summit of the tree,
or he had preserved this beautiful fruit for some love-sick shepherd.
Daphnis, as soon as he espied it, began to climb the tree, giving no
heed to Chloe, who endeavoured to prevent him, and who finding herself
disregarded hurried away pettishly after her herds. Daphnis climbed
the tree, succeeded in seizing the apple, carried it as a present to
Chloe, and presented it to her, with these words:--"Maiden, this fruit
was produced and cherished by the beauteous hours; the sun matured it
with his beams, and fortune has preserved it; unless blind, I could
not leave it either to fall on the ground, where cattle, as they
grazed, might tread on it, or where the snake might crawl over it, and
defile it with his slime; or where time might rot it as it lay; still
less could I do this when it had been seen and praised by you. Venus
received an apple as the prize of beauty; the same prize I adjudge to
you. Paris and I are equally fitted to be umpires: he was a shepherd, I
am a goatherd. "
With these words he placed the apple in her bosom, and she, upon his
drawing near, bestowed on him a kiss; so that Daphnis did not repent of
having ventured to climb[22] to such a height; for the kiss which he
received was more precious to him than a golden apple.
[Footnote 1: The reading here followed is that of
Villoisin. --ὑβρίζοντας τoὺς νεανίσκους. ]
[Footnote 2:
"nec jam susteneant onus
Silvæ laborantes, geluque
Flumina constiterint acuto. "--Hor. i. Od. ix. 2.
]
[Footnote 3: Compare Virgil's description of the way of passing a
northern Winter.
"Ipsi in defossis specubus secura sub altâ
Otia agunt terrâ, congestaque robora totasque
Advolvere focis ulmos, ignique dedere.
Hie noctem ludo ducunt, et pocula læti
Fermento atque acidis imitantur vitea sorbis. "
G. iii. 376.
]
[Footnote 4:
"Fac primus rapias illius tacta labellis
Pocula: quaque bibit parte puella, bibe. "
Ovid de Art. Am. i. 575.
]
[Footnote 5:
"Diffugere nives, redeunt jam gramina campis
Arboribusque comæ. . . .
Mutat terra vices. "--Hor. iv. Od. vii. 1.
]
[Footnote 6:
"----The gay troops begin,
In gallant thought to plume the painted wing
And try again the long forgotten strain,
At first faint warbled--
. . . . . .
Then, all at once alive, then joy o'erflows
In music unconfined. "--Thomson.
Should the reader wish to see the song of the Nightingale represented
by a series of words, he is referred to p. 108 of Paget's Warden of
Berkingholt, where he will find the imitation by the learned Doctor
Bechstein, of Walterhausen. ]
[Footnote 7: "Recti illi faciunt, rectæ contra istæ patiuntur alteri,
nempe insilientes, alteræ vero dorso impositos admittentes. Tu a me
petis, ut unà recumbam, idque nuda? Atqui illas me, licet vestibus
amicta, quanto aunt hirsutiores? Paret Daphnis, et concumbens cum eadem
jacuit; nesciusque quidquam eorum agere, quorum gratiâ tanta libidinis
impetu concitabatur, illam erigit, et a tergo hircos imitande illi
adhæsit. "]
[Footnote 8: Saltus hi longe illis dulciorea; habent enim longieris
temporis voluptatem. ]
[Footnote 9: "Edocta eum ad patrandum non solum fortem esse, verum
etiam libidine turgere, ab reclinatione in latus factâ, ipsum erexit,
seque tum perite substernens, ilium ad viam duci quæsitam direxit;
deinde non ultra peregrinum ipsum circumduxit, ipsa natura, quod porro
agendum restabat, docente. "]
[Footnote 10: "Jacebit haud secus ac vulnerata, multo manens
sanguine. --Verum non est quod cruorem timeas; sed quando illam
persuaseris, ut tibi morem gerat, tunc tu illam in hunc adducit locum,
ubi, si forté clamaverit, nemo audiat, si lacrimata fuerit, nemo
videat, si cruore fœdata fuerit, fonte se abluat. "]
[Footnote 11: "cavens, ne vel illa veluti hoste conspecto clamaret,
vel tanquam dolore affecta fleret, vel sanguine fœdaretur tanquam
contrucidata. Non ità dudum namque periculum fecerat ipse, à Methymnæis
plagis affectus: ideoque à sanguine abhorrebat, sanguinemque de solo
vulnere sequi opinabatur. "]
[Footnote 12: κελευστής,(in Latin, Hortator or Portusculus) an officer
in a ship who gave the signal to the rowers, that they might keep time
in rowing. The same name was also given to the pole or hammer, by the
striking of which he regulated the motion of the oars.
"mediæ stat margine puppis,
Qui voce alternos nautarum temperet ictus,
Et remis dictat sonitum, pariterque relatis
Ad sonitum plaudat resonantia cœrula tonsis. "
Silius Italicus, VI. 360.
See Æsch Persæ. 388. ]
[Footnote 13: See Ovid, Met. iii. 356, for the legend of Echo and
Narcissus. ]
[Footnote 14: There is a painting, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, which
represents Venus as chiding Cupid for learning arithmetic. ]
[Footnote 15: See Theocritus. Idyll xxvii. ]
[Footnote 16:
"This is the prettiest low-born lass, that ever
Ran on the green-sord; nothing she does or seems
But smacks of something greater than herself,
Too noble for this place. "--Winter's Tale.
]
[Footnote 17: £122 18s. 4d. ]
[Footnote 18: Tριβόλος--a corn-drag, consisting of a thick and
ponderous wooden board, armed underneath with pieces of iron, or sharp
flints, and drawn over the corn by a yoke of oxen, either the driver or
a heavy weight being placed upon it, for the purpose of separating the
grain and cutting the straw. --Dict. of Greek and Rom. Antiq. See Virg.
Georg. i. 164. ]
[Footnote 19: μνᾶσθαι νυμφιόν--the verb μναόμαι is properly employed
only with reference to the woman, signifying to woo to wife. ]
[Footnote 20: Lamon appears to have been the ἐπίρoπos, or bailiff upon
his master's estate. ]
[Footnote 21: Ταρσοὶ--flat wicker baskets for making and stowing away
cheeses.
"Ταρσοὶ μὲν τυρῶν βρῖθον. "--Odyss. ix. 219.
. . . . "His strainers hung with cheese
Distended. ". . . --Cowper.
"Ταρσοὶ δ' ὑπερσχθἐες αἰεὶ. "--Theoc. Idyll. 37.
"My cheeses fail not in their hurdled row. "--Chapman.
Λ passage in Ovid illustrates the process of cheese-making:--
. . . . "Veluti concretum vimine querno
Lac solet; utve liquor rari sub pondere cribri
Manat, et exprimitur per densa foramina spissus. "
Met. xii. 434
]
[Footnote 22:
. . . . "Is not love a Hercules,
Still climbing trees in the Hesperides? "--Shakspeare.
]
BOOK IV.
One of Lamon's neighbours, who was a fellow serf under the same lord,
called in his way from Mitylene, and informed him that their master
intended coming just before the vintage, to see whether the incursion
of the Methymnæans had done any damage to his lands. The summer was
now closing, and autumn approaching very fast; Lamon, therefore,
immediately began to put the house in such order as might, in every
respect, please his master's eyes. He cleansed the fountains, that the
water might be pure; carried the manure out of the yard, that the smell
might not be offensive; and trimmed his garden, that all its beauty
might be seen.
His garden was indeed a beautiful one, and laid out in a princely
style. It was situated on high ground, and was five hundred feet
in length, while in breadth it contained four acres, so that one
might have supposed it an extensive plain. In it were all kinds of
trees,--the apple, the myrtle, the pear, the pomegranate, the fig,
the olive, which grew here in perfection. On one side of this garden
was a lofty vine, whose branches, laden with blackening grapes, were
suspended above the apple and pear trees, as if vying with them in
the show of fruit. Such were the cultivated trees. There were also
cypresses, laurels, planes, and pines, over which an ivy instead of
a vine stretched out her branches, with berries in size and colour
resembling grapes.
The fruit-trees occupied the interior space. Those which did not bear
fruit were ranged on the outside, serving the purpose of an artificial
fence; and the whole was inclosed by a slight hedge. All were placed
in a strict and regular order,[1] so that their trunks were perfectly
distinct one from the other, but at a certain height their branches
met, and intermingled their leaves with a regularity which, though the
work of nature, appeared to be the effect of art. Here were also beds
of various flowers, some of which were cultivated plants, and some the
spontaneous production of the soil. The rose bushes,[2] hyacinths, and
lilies had been planted by the hand of man, the violets, the narcissus,
and the pimpernel sprang naturally from the ground. There was shade for
summer, flowers for spring, fruits for autumn, and for all seasons of
the year enjoyment.
From this garden was to be had a fine view of the plains with the herds
and flocks which grazed upon them; as well as of the sea, and of the
ships, as they were sailing along, so that the prospect was no small
portion of the beauty of the place. Exactly in the middle there was a
temple and an altar, dedicated to Bacchus. An ivy encircled the altar,
and a vine extended its branches round the temple; on the interior
the events in the history of the god were represented. The delivery
of Semele, Ariadne sleeping, Lycurgus fettered, Pentheus torn in
pieces,[3] the victories over the Indians, and the metamorphosis of the
Tyrrhenian sailors. On all sides were Satyrs and Bacchantes dancing.
Nor was Pan omitted; he was represented sitting upon a rock, and
playing upon his pipe an air intended equally to regulate the motions
of the men as they trod the grapes, and of the women as they danced.
Such was the garden, which Lamon was busy in getting into order,
cutting away dead wood, and raising the branches of the vines. He
crowned the statue of Bacchus with flowers, he conducted water from
the fountain discovered by Daphnis, for the flowers, which was used
exclusively for them, and was called Daphnis's Fountain. Lamon also
charged the youth to get his goats into as good condition as possible,
since their master would certainly visit and examine them after his
long absence from the farm. Upon this head Daphnis felt confident that
he should be praised; for the herd, which he had received in charge,
was increased twofold: not one of them had been seized by a wolf, and
they were already fatter than sheep. Wishing to do everything which
might render his master favourable to his marriage, he exerted all his
care and activity, driving them to pasture very early, and returning
very late, leading them to the water twice every day, and choosing for
them the richest pastures. He also took care to provide fresh bowls,[4]
many new milk-pails, and larger cheese-racks.
