after this fashion, in comes a
servant and tells us it was Periander's pleasure we would come in
and inform him what we thought of a certain creature brought into his
presence that instant, whether it were so born by chance or were a
monster and omen;--himself seeming mightily affected and concerned,
for he judged his sacrifice polluted by it. At the same time he walked
before us into a certain house adjoining to his garden-wall, where we
found a young beardless shepherd, tolerably handsome, who having opened
a leathern bag produced and showed us a child born (as he averred) of
a mare. His upper parts as far as his neck and his hands, was of human
shape, and the rest of his body resembled a perfect horse; his cry was
like that of a child newly born. As soon as Niloxenus saw it, he cried
out. The gods deliver us; and away he fled as one sadly affrighted. But
Thales eyed the shepherd a considerable while, and then smiling (for it
was his way to jeer me perpetually about my art) says he, I doubt not,
Diocles, but you have been all this time seeking for some expiatory
sacrifice, and meaning to call to your aid those gods whose province and
work it is to avert evils from men, as if some greet and grievous thing
had happened. Why not? quoth I, for undoubtedly this prodigy portends
sedition and war, and I fear the dire portents thereof may extend to
myself, my wife, and my children, and prove all our ruin; since, before
I have atoned for my former fault, the goddess gives us this second
evidence and proof of her displeasure. Thales replied never a word,
but laughing went out of the house. Periander, meeting him at the door,
inquired what we thought of that creature; he dismissed me, and taking
Periander by the hand, said, Whatsoever Diocles shall persuade you to
do, do it at your best leisure; but I advise you either not to have such
youthful men to keep your mares, or to give them leave to marry. When
Periander heard him out, he seemed infinitely pleased, for he laughed
outright, and hugging Thales in his arms he kissed him; then saith he,
O Diocles, I am apt to think the worst is over, and what this prodigy
portended is now at an end; for do you not apprehend what a loss we have
sustained in the want of Alexidemus's good company at supper?

When we entered into the house, Thales raising his voice inquired where
it was his worship refused to be placed; which being shown him, he sat
himself in that very place, and prayed us to