PART l] the STORY of ATYS. 7
Atys urges him to let him go, and gives an explanation of the dream.
24.Again the young man spoke as follows: ‘You saw me pierced with an iron weapon. But what hands has a boar, pray, or what iron weapon? Nothing was said of an injury received from teeth. Wherefore, allow me to depart, my father.’
Oroesus at length gives way.
25.Then said Croesus, ‘My son, you overcome me, explaining the meaning of the dream. Therefore, I give you permission to go hunting.’
And gives him in charge to Adrastus.
26.After saying this, (he) summoned Adrastus, (and) addressed him as follows: ‘Adrastus, I purified thee when involved in guilt, and received thee into my house. Now, therefore, for thou oughtest to deserve well of me, be the guardian of my son (who is) going out to hunt.’ Admstus replied: ‘I am ready to perform your order. Thy son, king, with me for a guardian, will return safe.’
Adrastus kills Atys by accident, and fulfils the dream.
27.So they set out with chosen youths and hounds. Having found the beast, they attack it with javelins. By accident, Adrastus strikes the son of Croesus. Therefore, the latter, being struck by a weapon, fulfils the warning of the dream.
Croesus pardons him, but he commits suicide.
28.Croesus was horror-stricken when the death of his son was announced. Adrastus gave himself up to Croesus. ‘Slay me,’ said he, ‘over the dead body of thy son.’ To him (said) Croesus: ‘I pardon thee, Adrastus. You did it by accident (lit. unwillingly). Thou art not the originator of this evil, but some one of the gods. A dream told this to me long ago.' Adrastus, however, slew himself with his own hand (lit himself) over the tomb. But Croesus, bereaved of his son, remained in great grief for two years.
