“How, then, shall we handle the situation?” said Macentes. “Let us divide the task between us,” Lonchates replied; “I engage to bring Arsacomas the head of Leucanor, and you must fetch his bride home to him.” “Very well,” said the other; “and in the meantime, Arsacomas, as it is likely that we shall presently need to take the field and go to war, you, awaiting us here, should collect and make ready arms, horses, and a very large force. You might very easily enlist many, since you yourself are brave and we have plenty of relatives, and it would be especially easy if you should sit on the ox-hide.” Those plans were approved, and Lonchates, just as he was, made straight for Bosporus, while Macentes headed for the Machlyans, both of them mounted. Arsacomas, remaining at home, held conferences with his comrades and armed a force recruited from his relatives; then at last he sat upon the hide.
