Such another was Hippomedon, third of this band; from his very boyhood he refrained from turning towards the allurements of the Muses, to lead a life of ease; his home was in the fields, and gladly would he school his nature to hardships
[885]
with a view to manliness, always hastening to the chase, rejoicing in his steeds or straining his bow, because he would make his body useful to the city. Next behold the huntress Atalanta's son, Parthenopaeus, a youth of peerless beauty;
[890]
from Arcady he came to the streams of Inachus, and in
Argos spent his boyhood. There, when he grew up, first, as is the duty of strangers settled in another land, he showed no pique or jealousy against the state, became no quibbler, chiefest source of annoyance
[895]
citizen or stranger can give. But he took his stand amid the army, and fought for
Argos as he were her own son, glad at heart whenever the city prospered, deeply grieved if ever reverses came. Although he had many lovers among men and women,
[900]
yet he was careful to avoid offence.
Of Tydeus next the lofty praise I will express in brief; [He was no brilliant spokesman, but a clever craftsman in the art of war, with many a cunning plan.] [Inferior in judgment to his brother Meleager,
[905]
yet through his warrior skill lending his name to equal praise, for he had found in arms a perfect science;] his was a richly ambitious nature, a spirit equal to deeds, not words. From this account then do not wonder,
[910]
Theseus, that they dared to die before the towers; for noble nurture carries reverence with it, and every man, when once he has practised virtue, scorns the name of villain. Courage may be learned, for even a baby learns
[915]
to speak and hear things it cannot comprehend; and whatever someone has learned, this it is his wont to treasure up till he is old. So train up your children in a virtuous way.
