Translation of Text 5a

While Myrrhine and Melissa are absent, grandfather is working in the garden and the boy and Argos are walking towards the sheepfold: Argos is a dog, both big and strong; he guards the house and also the flocks. When boy and dog are walking up the road, Philip sees a hare in the field; he therefore lets the dog loose and, "go on, Argos, he says, give chase." And so Argos barks and chases the hare and the hare flees up the road. They run so fast that it is soon impossible to see either dog or hare.

So Philip hurries after them and shouts: "Come here, Argos; come back, you scoundrel dog." But the dog still gives chase. Philip therefore runs to the top of the hill but doesn't see his dog. So he shouts loudly and calls, but Argos doesn't hear. Finally the boy despairs and walks down the hill.

When he approaches the garden, his grandfather sees him and, "What are you doing, child, he says; where are you coming from and where is Argos?" And Philip, "I'm coming from the sheepfold, granddad; and Argos is somewhere in the hills: for he's chasing a hare." And grandfather, " Go on, child; why are you not looking for him? Don't be so lazy." And Philip, "I'm not lazy, granddad, nor am I to blame. For I shout loudly and call, but the dog doesn't listen." And his grandfather says: "Come here, boy." Thus he speaks and takes his stick and hurries together with the boy up the road.