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"That remains to be proven," Lukeios thought, knowing he had been able to break down any man of reputation in Iolkos--proof to him that all men were liars and imposters.
Taking a place nearest to the seer, Lukeois prepared for his first testing. He thought he had the right question, and when the opportunity came, he leaped.
"Tell me, friend, will we lack for fish now that you have joined with Orpheus on board?" Mopsos, taken aback, could not ignore this challenge and he responded, his eyes squinting, "What do you mean?" Lykeios smiled broadly. "I mean, with the wonderful harpster, who has the reputation of being able to charm birds and even the wild beasts, and now you, who can make old graybeards weep and hang their heads in shame with your great wisdom, we can simply call the big fish to the ship and they will even jump on board without our having to haul out the nets!"
Lukeios had to wait quite a while, as Mopsos eyed him narrowly. Finally, Mopsos said with a pitying tone, "You know nothing about it, yet you make fun of divine things."
My, that stung, and Lukeios would have drawn his sword if he had been wearing it and so barely controlled his rage over this insulting rebuke from an inferior. Managing to keep his exterior calm, he replied, "True, I know nothing, sir, so that is why I am asking you to explain what you just said."
That worked. Mopsos's expression changed, from blank, inscrutable wall to a half-opened shuttered window. He explained, as a father would speak to a child, how Wisdom created all things in the beginning, and he gave some examples, and Lukeios realized he was losing the contest and begged Mopsos to tell him more at another time--since his head was already splitting with so much knowledge.
Mopsos smiled this time. "All right," he said. "But tonight, if you are still wanting to know Wisdom, I will show you the source of my wisdom. It is available to all men who truly seek it." Intrigued, a little mystified despite the sneer that was always hovering on his lips, Lukeios wondered if Mopsos would be able to make good on his claim. Just in case Mopsos would fall flat on his common, impudent face, Lukeios decided to go along with Mopsos when they cast anchor for the night.