THE CHOICE OF HERACLES 359
thy rabble rout ? Ill indeed are thy revellers to look upon, young men impotent in body, and old men wit- less in mind : in the heyday of life they batten in sleek idleness, and wearily do they drag through an age of wrinkled wretchedness : and why ? they blush with shame at the thought of deeds done in the past, and groan for weariness at what is left to do. Dur- ing their youth they ran riot through their sweet things, and laid up for themselves large store of bit- terness against the time of eld. But my compan- ionship is with the gods ; and with the good among men my conversation ; no bounteous deed, divine or human, is wrought without my aid. Therefore am I honored in Heaven preeminently, and upon earth among men whose right it is to honor me ; as a be- loved fellow-worker of all craftsmen ; a faithful guard- ian of house and lands, whom the owners bless ; a kindly helpmeet of servants ; a brave assistant in the labors of peace ; an unflinching ally in the deeds of war ; a sharer in all friendships indispensable. To my friends is given an enjoyment of meats and drinks, which is sweet in itself and devoid of trouble, in that they can endure until desire ripens, and sleep more delicious visits them than those who toil not. Yet they are not pained to part with it ; nor for the sake of slumber do they let slip the performance of their duties. Among my followers the youth delights in the praises of his elders, and the old man glories in the honor of the young ; with joy they call to memory their deeds of old, and in to-day's well-doing are well pleased. For my sake are they dear in the sight of God, beloved of their friends and honored by the country of their birth. When the appointed goal is reached they lie not down in oblivion with dishonor.
