--- In
cybalist@yahoogroups.com, Piotr Gasiorowski
<piotr.gasiorowski@...> wrote:
> OK, just this once.
>
> (I'm back)
>
from Plutarch: Life of Lucullus
There was in Mithridates's camp one Olthacus, a chief of the
Dandarians, a barbarous people living near the lake Maeotis, a man
remarkable for strength and courage in fight, wise in council, and
pleasant and ingratiating in conversation. He, out of emulation, and
a constant eagerness which possessed him to outdo one of the other
chiefs of his country, promised a great piece of service to
Mithridates, no less than the death of Lucullus. The king commended
his resolution, and, according to agreement, counterfeited anger, and
put some disgrace upon him; whereupon he took horse, and fled to
Lucullus, who kindly received him, being a man of great name in the
army. After some short trial of his sagacity and perseverance, he
found way to Lucullus's board and council. The Dandarian, thinking he
had a fair opportunity, commanded his servants to lead his horse out
of the camp, while he himself, as the soldiers were refreshing and
resting themselves, it being then high noon, went to the general's
tent, not at all expecting that entrance would be denied to one who
was so familiar with him, and came under pretence of extraordinary
business with him. He had certainly been admitted had not sleep,
which has destroyed many captains, saved Lucullus. For so it was, and
Menedemus, one of the bedchamber, was standing at the door, who told
Olthacus that it was altogether unseasonable to see the general,
since, after long watching and hard labour, he was but just before
laid down to repose himself. Olthacus would not go away upon this
denial, but still persisted, saying that he must go in to speak of
some necessary affairs, whereupon Menedemus grew angry, and replied
that nothing was more necessary than the safety of Lucullus, and
forced him away with both hands. Upon which, out of fear, he
straightway left the camp, took horse, and without effect returned to
Mithridates. Thus in action as in physic, it is the critical moment
that gives both the fortunate and the fatal effect.
cf. from Appian: Mithridatica
XII, 79
"
... At this junture, a Scythian, named Olcaba, who had been deserted
to Lucullus some time before and had saved the lives of many in the
recent cavalry fight, and for that reason was deemed worthy to share
Lucullus' table, his confidence, and his secrets, came to his tent
while he was taking his noonday rest and tried to force his way in.
He was wearing a short dagger in his belt as was his custom. When he
was prevented from entering he became angry and said that there was a
pressing need that the general should be aroused. The servants
replied that there was nothing more needful to Lucullus than his
safety. Thereupon the Scythian mounted his horse and went immediately
to Mithridates, either because he had plotted against Lucullus and
now thought that he was suspected, or because he considered himself
insulted and was angry on that account. He exposed to Mithridates
another Scythian, named Sobadacus, who was meditating to Lucullus,
and Sobadacus was accordingly arrested.
"
and ibd.
XVII, 117
"
Before Pompey himself, at the head of the procession, went the
satraps, sons, and generals of the kings against whom he had fought,
who were present (some having been captured and others given as
hostages) to the number of 324. Among them were ... . Olthaces, chief
of the Colchians, was also led in the procession, ....
"
from Gylfaginning
"
Then High One said: 'It would take a vast amount of knowledge to go
over them all. It will, however, be quickest to tell you that most of
these names have been given him because the many different nations in
the world, all speaking different tongues, felt the need of
translating his name into their several languages in order to worship
and pray to him. Some incidents giving rise to these names, however,
took place on his journeys, and these have been made into tales, and
it will be impossible for you to be called a well-informed person if
you cannot relate some of these great events.'
"
And one of the names was 'Veratýr'. Cf. V&r&Tragna.
So there! Done.
Torsten