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It chanced that at this very same time there was in the Mysian
Olympus a huge monster of a boar, which went forth often from this
mountain country, and wasted the corn-fields of the Mysians. Many a
time had the Mysians collected to hunt the beast, but instead of doing
him any hurt, they came off always with some loss to themselves. At
length they sent ambassadors to Croesus, who delivered their message
to him in these words: "Oh! king, a mighty monster of a boar has
appeared in our parts, and destroys the labour of our hands. We do
our best to take him, but in vain. Now therefore we beseech thee to
let thy son accompany us back, with some chosen youths and hounds,
that we may rid our country of the animal." Such was the tenor of
their prayer.
But Croesus bethought him of his dream, and answered, "Say no more
of my son going with you; that may not be in any wise. He is but just
joined in wedlock, and is busy enough with that. I will grant you a
picked band of Lydians, and all my huntsmen and hounds; and I will
charge those whom I send to use all zeal in aiding you to rid your
country of the brute."
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