The beards of both had still the first golden bloom, both were in
their earliest youth, both were pipe-players skilled, both skilled in
song. Then first Menalcas, looking at Daphnis, thus bespoke him.

'Daphnis, thou herdsman of the lowing kine, art thou minded to sing a
match with me? Methinks I shall vanquish thee, when I sing in turn,
as readily as I please.'

Then Daphnis answered him again in this wise, 'Thou shepherd of the
fleecy sheep, Menalcas, the pipe-player, never wilt thou vanquish me
in song, not thou, if thou shouldst sing till some evil thing befall
thee!'

Menalcas. Dost thou care then, to try this and see, dost thou care
to risk a stake?

Daphnis. I do care to try this and see, a stake I am ready to risk.

Menalcas. But what shall we stake, what pledge shall we find equal
and sufficient?

Daphnis. I will pledge a calf, and do thou put down a lamb, one that
has grown to his mother's height.

Menalcas. Nay, never will I stake a lamb, for stern is my father,
and stern my mother, and they number all the sheep at evening.

Daphnis. But what, then, wilt thou lay, and where is to be the
victor's gain?