THE FORTUNE OF CRESUS. 81

wields no such weapon. Had the dream said I was
to die pierced by a tusk, then you might well be
alarmed; but it said a weapon. We do not propose
now to fight men, but to hunt a wild beast. I pray
you, therefore, let me go with the party.”

“You have the best of me there,” said Croesus.
“Your interpretation of the dream is better than
mine. You may go, my son.”

At that time there was at the king’s court a
Phrygian named Adrastus, who had unwittingly
slain his own brother and had flown to Sardis,
where he was purified according to the customs of
the country, and courteously received by the king.
Croesus sent for this stranger and asked him to go
with the hunting party, and keep especial watch
over his son, in case of an attack by some daring
band of robbers.

Adrastus consented, though against his will, his
misfortune having taken from him all desire for
scenes of bloodshed. However, he would do his ut-
most to guard the king’s son against harm.

The party set out accordingly, reached Olympus
without adventure, and scattered in pursuit of the
animal, which the dogs soon roused from its lair.
Closing in a circle around the brute, the hunters
drew near and hurled their weapons at it. Not the
least eager among the hunters was Adrastus, who
likewise hurled his spear; but, through a frightful
chance, the hurtling weapon went astray, and
struck and killed Atys, his youthful charge. Thus
was the dream fulfilled: an iron weapon had slain
the king’s favorite son.

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