45
Many, therefore, in accordance with this usage had poured their libation, made their request, and enumerated their kingdoms and treasures. Then, last of all, Arsacomas asked for the cup. He did not make libation, for it is not our custom to pour out our wine; on the contrary, we hold that to be an offence to the god. Instead, he drank it out at a single draught, and said: “O King, give me your daughter Mazaea for my wife, since I am a much better match than these men, at least in point of wealth and property.”” Leucanor was surprised, for he knew that Arsacomas was poor and just an ordinary Scythian, and he asked: “How many cattle and how many wagons have you, Arsacomas, since they constitute the wealth of your people?” “Why,’ said he, “I own no wagons or herds, but I have two noble friends, such as no other Scythian has.”
45
Well, at the time they laughed at him on account of this remark and ignored him, thinking that he was drunk; Adyrmachus was preferred, and in the morning was to take away his bride along Lake Maeotis to the Machlyans.
46
But Arsacomas returned home and informed his friends how he had been dishonoured by the king and laughed at in the banquet because he was considered poor. “And yet,” said he, “I told him what riches I possess in you two, Lonchates and Macentes, and that your devotion was better and more lasting than sovereignty over the people of Bosporus. But in spite of my saying this, he ridiculed and contemned us, and gave the maiden to Adyrmachus the Machlyan to take away, because he was said to own ten golden goblets, eighty four-bunk wagons, and many sheep and cattle. So far above brave men did he value great flocks and herds, artistic drinking-cups, and heavy wagons.
