oratory, or strategy; whose ambition it is to be like Achilles, or
Ajax, Nestor, or Odysseus--one and all pay court to me, for I have all
this knowledge at my fingers' ends.

[6] Or, "his creations are all but coextensive with every mortal
thing."

Pray (interposed Antisthenes),[7] do you also know the way to be a
king?[8] since Homer praises Agamemnon, you are well aware, as being

A goodly king and eke a spearman bold.[9]

[7] Some modern critics (e.g. F. Dummler, "Antisthenica," p. 29 foll.)
maintain plausibly that the author is here glancing (as also Plato
in the "Ion") at Antisthenes' own treatises against the
Rhapsodists and on a more correct interpretation of Homer, {peri
exegeton} and {peri 'Omerou}.

[8] Or, "Have you the knowledge also how to play the king?"

[9] "Il." iii. 179. See "Mem." III. ii. 2.

Nic. Full well I know it, and full well I know the duty of a skilful
charioteer; how he who holds the ribbons must turn his chariot nigh
the pillar's edge[10]

Himself inclined upon the polished chariot-board
A little to the left of the twin pair: the right hand horse
Touch with the prick, and shout a cheery shout, and give him rein.[11]