ancient times, they usually asked the sacred gods about it. 2. If the
gods informed ("sciigis") them that whatever man would come to the
temple first would become their king, they immediately chose the first
comer ("la unuan veninton") king. 3. Whoever was chosen king made the
blessed gods a thank-offering, which consisted of something out of his
own possessions (227, a). 4. Gordius did not offer to the gods merely
the yoke of his wagon, but the whole wagon. 5. A knot of rope was tied
between the yoke and the pole. 6. People soon began to say, "If any one
soever can untie that knot, he will become ruler of Asia." 7. If any
other men tried to untie that rope, they failed. 8. Alexander, though
("tamen"), had scarcely arrived when he drew (out) his sword from the
scabbard, and cut the knot. 9. If you will take-a-seat, I will tell you
about the two mischievous monks, returning to the monastery. 10. Both
were breathing with difficulty, and stopped to rest. 11. Having noticed
a donkey near by, they untied it. 12. One led the long-eared dumb animal
away, while the other tied himself in its own place. 13. The credulous
(192) peasant believed everything which was told (54) him,