gift of natural existence is unhappy,as it so often proves

Therefore I came to consult the oracle of the god, not on my own

account, for my unfortunate life is nearing its end, but for my only

son; I wanted to ask Apollo if it was necessary for him to become a

thorough knave and renounce his virtuous principles, since that seemed

to me to be the only way to succeed in life.

And with what responding tones did the sacred tripod resound?

You shall know. The god ordered me in plain terms to follow the

first man I should meet upon leaving the temple and to persuade him to