My third case, Mnesippos, shall be the friendship of Makentes, Lonchates, and Arsakomas.
This Arsakomas fell in love with Mazaia, daughter of Leukanor, king of the Bosporians, when he
went as an envoy in the matter of the tribute
which the Bosporians pay us periodically, and
which was then three months overdue. Mazaia
was a tall, beautiful girl, and Arsakomas, seeing
her at dinner, became enamored and fell into a
bad way about her. He had finished the business
of the tribute, and the king had given him his
answer, and was feasting him by way of dismissal. Now it is the custom on the Bosporos for
suitors to propose for girls at dinner, stating the
qualifications which render them desirable parties. On this occasion there happened to be a
great many aspirants at the dinner, kings and
kings' sons, and Tigrapates was there, the monarch of the Lazians, and Adyrmachos, the ruler
of Machlyëne, with many others. Each suitor
is obliged to announce himself and tell why he
has come a-wooing, and then to eat his dinner
In accordance with this custom many had poured
out the libation and made their proposals, counting up their kingdoms and riches; and last of all
Arsakomas called for a glass, and instead of pouring out a libation-for it is not our practice to
pour out our wine, indeed it is held an impiety
towards the god - he emptied the glass at a
draught, and said:
"Your majesty, give me your daughter Mazaia
to hold as my wife. I am a better match than
these others as far as wealth and possessions go."
Leukanor was amazed, for he knew that Arsakomas was poor, and a commoner of the Scythians, and he inquired:
"How much cattle have you, Arsakomas, or
how many wagons? For these are the things you
Scythians are rich in.”
"Nay," said Arsakomas, “I have neither wagons nor herds, but I have two friends so noble
and brave that no other Scythian can match
them."
A shout of laughter rose at these words, and
no account was taken of his offer, for they thought
he was drunk. In the early morning Adyrmachos,