Then all the rest of the Immortals, in order of rank and birth, did he
honour, the splendid son of Zeus, telling duly all the tale, as he struck
the lyre on his arm. But on Apollo's heart in his breast came the stress
of desire, who spake to him winged words:

"Thou crafty slayer of kine, thou comrade of the feast; thy song is worth
the price of fifty oxen! Henceforth, methinks, shall we be peacefully
made at one. But, come now, tell me this, thou wily Son of Maia, have
these marvels been with thee even since thy birth, or is it that some
immortal, or some mortal man, has given thee the glorious gift and shown
thee song divine? For marvellous is this new song in mine ears, such as,
methinks, none hath known, either of men, or of Immortals who have
mansions in Olympus, save thyself, thou reiver, thou Son of Zeus and
Maia! What art is this, what charm against the stress of cares? What a
path of song! for verily here is choice of all three things, joy, and
love, and sweet sleep. For truly though I be conversant with the
Olympian Muses, to whom dances are a charge, and the bright minstrel
hymn, and rich song, and the lovesome sound of flutes, yet never yet hath
aught else been so dear to my heart, dear as the skill in the festivals
of the Gods. I marvel, Son of Zeus, at this, the music of thy
minstrelsy. But now since, despite thy youth, thou hast such glorious
skill, to thee and to thy Mother I speak this word of sooth: verily, by
this shaft of cornel wood, I shall lead thee renowned and fortunate among
the Immortals, and give thee glorious gifts, nor in the end deceive
thee."

Then Hermes answered him with cunning words:

"Shrewdly thou questionest me, Far-darter, nor do I grudge thee to enter