One day, making his way along a rocky path, he found a swineherd guarding his flock.
'Good-morrow!' said the man, and asked Amyntas whither he was bound.
'God knows!' answered Amyntas. 'I am wandering at chance, and know not where I go.'
'Well, youth, stay the night with me, and to-morrow you can set out again. In return for your company I will give you food and shelter.'
Amyntas accepted gratefully, for he had been feeding on herbs for a week, and the prospect of goat's milk, cheese and black bread was like the feast of Trimalchion. When Amyntas had said his story, the herdsman told him that there was a rich man in the neighbouring village who wanted a swineherd, and in the morning showed him the way to the rich man's house.
'I will come a little way with you lest you take the wrong path.'...
They walked along the rocky track, and presently the way divided.
'This path to the right leads to the village,' said the man.
'And this one to the left, swineherd?'
The swineherd crossed himself.