Deipnosophistae
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4.4
He who drinks most will be the happiest.
4.6
What could the Greeks, of sparing tables fond,
4.6
Eaters of salads, do? where you may get
4.6
Four scanty chops or steaks for one small penny.
4.6
But among the ancestors of our nation
4.6
Men roasted oxen, deer, and lambs entire,
4.6
And last of all the cook, outdoing all
4.6
His predecessors, set before the king
4.6
A roasted camel, smoking, hump and all.
4.6
A. Then he received me, and to dinner ask'd me,
4.6
And set before us whole fat oxen roasted.
4.6
B. Who ever saw a roasted ox? The braggart!
4.6
A. I'll take my oath he likewise put on table
4.6
A bird three times as burly as Cleonymus;
4.6
Its name, I well remember, was Th' Impostor.
4.7
If you do this as I bid you,
4.7
You will ask us all to a supper,
4.7
Not to such as that in Thrace,
4.7
Given by Iphicrates—
4.7
Though, indeed, they say that
4.7
Was a very noble feast.
4.7
For that all along the market
4.7
Purple carpets there were spread
4.7
To the northern corner;
4.7
And a countless host of men
4.7
With dirty hands and hair uncomb'd
4.7
Supped on butter. There were too,
4.7
Brazen goblets, large as cisterns,
4.7
Holding plenty for a dozen
4.7
Of the hardest drinkers known.
4.7
Cotys, too, himself was there,
4.7
Girt around, and bearing kindly
4.7
Rich soup in a gold tureen;
4.7
Tasting all the brimming cups,
4.7
So as to be the first to yield
4.7
Of all the guests t' intoxication.
4.7
There was Antigenides
4.7
Delighting all with his soft flute,
4.7
Argas sung, and from Acharnæ
4.7
Cephisodotus struck the lyre,
4.7
Celebrating Lacedæmon
4.7
And the wide land of the Heraclidæ,
4.7
And at other times they sung
4.7
Of the seven-gated Thebes,
4.7
Changing thus their strain and theme.
4.7
Large was the dowry which 'tis said
4.7
Fell to the lucky bridegroom's share:
4.7
First, two herds of chestnut horses,
4.7
And a herd of horned goats,
4.7
A golden shield, a wide-neck'd bowl,
4.7
A jar of snow, a pot of millet,
4.7
A deep pit full of leeks and onions,
4.7
And a hecatomb of polypi.
4.7
This they say that Cotys did,
4.7
King of Thrace, in heartfelt joy
4.7
At Iphicrates's wedding.
4.7
But a finer feast by far
4.7
Shall be in our master's houses;
4.7
For there's nothing good or fine
4.7
Which our house does stand in need of.
4.7
There is scent of Syrian myrrh,
4.7
There is incense, there is spice;
4.7
There are delicate cakes and loaves,
4.7
Cakes of meal and polypi,
4.7
Tripe, and fat, and sausages,
4.7
Soup, and beet, and figs, and pease,
4.7
Garlic, various kinds of tunnies,
4.7
Ptisan, pulse, and toast and muffins,
4.7
Beans, and various kinds of vetches,
4.7
Honey, cheese, and cheesecakes too,
4.7
Wheat, and nuts, and barley-groats,
4.7
Boasted crabs, and mullets boil'd,
4.7
Roasted cuttle-fish, boiled turbot,
4.7
Frogs, and perch, and mussels too,
4.7
Sharks, and roach, and gudgeons too,
4.7
Fish from doves and cuckoos named,
4.7
Plaice, and flounders, shrimps, and rays.
4.7
Then, besides these dainty fish
4.7
There is many another dish,—
4.7
Honeycombs and juicy grapes,
4.7
Figs and cheesecakes, apples, pears,
4.7
Cornels, and the red pomegranate,
4.7
Poppies, creeping thyme, and parsley,
4.7
Peaches, olives, plums and raisins,
4.7
Leeks and onions, cabbages,
4.7
Strong smelling assafœtida,
4.7
Fennel, eggs, and lentils cool,
4.7
And well-roasted grasshoppers,
4.7
Cardamums and sesame,
4.7
Ceryces, salt, and limpets firm,
4.7
The pinna, and the oyster bright,
4.7
The periwinkle, and the whelk;
4.7
And besides this a crowd of birds,
4.7
Doves and ducks, and geese and sparrows,
4.7
Thrushes, larks, and jays, and swans,
4.7
The pelican, the crane and stork,
4.7
Wagtails and cousels, tits and finches;
4.7
And to wash all these dainties down
4.7
There's wine, both native and imported,
4.7
White and red, and sweet and acid,
4.7
Still or effervescent.
4.8
A. Yon cook, the man who makes the sacrifice
4.8
And seeks now to receive me as my host,
4.8
Is one of Rhodes. And I, the guest invited,
4.8
Am call'd a citizen of fair Perinthus.
4.8
And neither of us likes the Attic suppers;
4.8
For melancholy is an Attic humour;
4.8
May it be always foreign unto me.
4.8
They place upon the table a large platter
4.8
Holding five smaller plates within its space,
4.8
One full of garlic, while another holds
4.8
Two boil'd sea-urchins; in the third, a cake;
4.8
The fourth displays ten cockles to the guest,
4.8
The last has caviar.—While I eat this,
4.8
He falls on that: or while he dines on this,
4.8
I make that other dish to disappear.
4.8
But I would rather eat up both myself,
4.8
Only I cannot go beyond my powers;
4.8
For I have not five mouths, nor twice five lips.
4.8
True, these detain the eyes with various sights,
4.8
But looking at them is not eating them:
4.8
I but appease my eyes and not my belly.
4.8
What shall I do then? Have you oysters? Give me
4.8
A plate of them, I beg; and that a large one;
4.8
Have you some urchins.
4.8
B. Here's a dish of them
4.8
To which you're welcome; this I bought myself;
4.8
And paid eight obols for it in the market.
4.8
A. Put then this dish on table by itself,
4.8
That all may eat the same at once. and not
4.8
One half the guests eat one thing, half another.
4.9
A. What is the number of the guests invited
4.9
To this fine marriage feast? And are they all
4.9
Athenian citizens, or are there some
4.9
Foreigners and merchants?
4.9
B. What is that to you,
4.9
Since you are but the cook to dress the dinner?
4.9
A. It is the first part of my art, O father,
4.9
To know the taste of those who are to eat.
4.9
For instance, if you ask a Rhodian,
4.9
Set a fine shad or lebias before him,
4.9
Well boil'd and hot, the moment that he enters.
4.9
That's what he likes; he'll like it better so
4.9
Than if you add a cup of myrine wine.
4.9
A. Well, that idea of shads is not a bad one.
4.9
B. Then, if a Byzantine should be your guest,
4.9
Steep all you offer such a man in wormwood.
4.9
And let your dishes taste of salt and garlic.
4.9
For fish are all so plenty in their country,
4.9
That the men all are full of rheum and phlegm
4.9
A. This feast is for a guest's reception.
4.9
B. What guest? whence comes he? for those points, believ me,
4.9
Do make a mighty difference to the cook.
4.9
For instance, if some guests from the islands come
4.9
Who always feed on fish of every sort
4.9
Fresh from the sea, such men like not salt dishes,
4.9
But think them make-shifts. Give such men their fool
4.9
Well-season'd, forced, and stuff'd with choicest spices.
4.9
But if you ask a guest from Arcady
4.9
He is a stranger to the sea, and loves
4.9
Limpets and shell-fish;-but the rich Ionian
4.9
Will look at nought but Lydian luxuries,
4.9
Rich, stimulating, amatory meats.
4.10
Old man, do you like flabby courtesans,
4.10
Or tender maidens, firm as well-cured olives?
4.10
A. What did you think, I pray, of that boiled fish?
4.10
B. He was but small; do'st hear me? And the pickle
4.10
Was white, and much too thick; there was no smell
4.10
Of any spice or seasoning at all,
4.10
So that the guests cried out,—How pure your brine is!
4.10
How can you, in God's name, like grasshoppers,
4.10
Catching them with a reed, and cercopes?The cercope, or monkey-grasshopper, was so called from having a long tail like a monkey (κέρκωψ).
4.10
I never saw, not even a cercope
4.10
A greater chatterer than you, O woman,
4.10
Nor jay, or nightingale, or dove, or grasshopper.
4.10
The first, a mighty dish shall lead the way,
4.10
Holding an urchin, and some sauce and capers,
4.10
A cheesecake, fish, and onions in rich stuffing.
4.11
The rape is a mix'd breed from radishes;
4.11
It's grown in garden beds, both long and stiff;
4.11
One sort they wash and dry in the north wind,
4.11
A friend to winter and to idle servants:
4.11
Then it revives when soak'd in water warm.
4.11
Cut thou the roots of rape, and gently scrape
4.11
The not yet juiceless rind in shavings thin;
4.11
Then dry them in the sun a little while,
4.11
Then dip them in hot water, and in brine,
4.11
And pack them closely; or at other times
4.11
Pour in new wine and vinegar, half and half,
4.11
Into one vessel, and put salt on the top.
4.11
And often 'twill be well to pound fresh raisins,
4.11
And add them gently, scattering in some seeds
4.11
Of biting mustard; and some dregs of vinegar,
4.11
To reach the head and touch the vigorous brain:
4.11
A goodly dish for those who want a dinner.
4.11
Have you now any sharp fresh vinegar?
4.11
I think, too, we've some fig-tree juice, my boy.
4.11
In these I'll press the meat as tight as may be;
4.11
And some dried herbs I'll spread around the dish;
4.11
For of all condiments these do most surely
4.11
The body's sensitive parts and nerves excite.
4.11
They drive away unpleasant heaviness,
4.11
And make the guests sit down with appetite.
4.12
A. For this now is a common native practice.
4.12
At the divine and all accomplish'd Athens.
4.12
They all rise up and dance together when
4.12
The first sweet scent of wine doth reach their nostrils.
4.12
B. You tell me of a strange and novel custom.
4.12
A. So you would say, indeed, if unexpected
4.12
You on a sudden dropp'd in at a feast;
4.12
And beardless boys are sure to meet with favour;
4.12
But when I see that rogue Theodotus,
4.12
Or some impure and cheating parasite,
4.12
Affecting nice and delicate airs, such loathing
4.12
Does seize me, that I'd gladly seize the man,
4.12
And nail him to the vilest cross.
4.12
Do you not see that eunuch capering,
4.12
Waving his hands, no signs of shame he shows;
4.12
He who was lecturing us on Heraclitus,
4.12
The only master of Theodectes' school,
4.12
The spouter of Euripides's proverbs.
4.12
For 'tis an ancient proverb, and a wise one;
4.12
That old men seek for wine to make them dance,
4.12
Spite of their age, against their will, my father.
4.12
They drank in picnic fashion, only seeking
4.12
For some excuse to dance. There was the name
4.12
Of meat and vegetables; fish, and crabs,
4.12
Gudgeon and tench, and similago fine.
4.13
The feast for much and varied food renown'd,
4.13
Given by Xenocles, O Muse, resound;See Pope's Homer for his version of the different parts parodied. Odyss. i. 1.
4.13
For when at Athens he his cards sent round,
4.13
I went invited, hungry as a hound.
4.13
What loaves I saw, how large, how round, how fine,Iliad, x. 436.—
4.13
So white, on them alone one well might dine!
4.13
Boreas, enamour'd of the well-baked train,
4.13
Gazed on them fondly;lb. xx. 223. while along the plain
4.13
The stately Xenocles survey'd the ground,
4.13
And placed the guests the goodly board around.
4.13
Near him the parasite Chærephoon stood,
4.13
And like a cormorant gazed upon the food,Odyss. v. 51.
4.13
Ever at other's cost well pleased to eat:
4.13
Meanwhile the cooks prepared the dainty treat,
4.13
The skilful cooks, to whom is given all sway
4.13
The sumptuous feast to quicken or delay.
4.13
Then all the rest the herbs and greens did seize,
4.13
But me the solid meats did rather please;
4.13
Rich oysters guarded in their solid shell,
4.13
While to Phœnician-brine I said farewell;
4.13
And threw away the urchin's tasteless meat,
4.13
Which rattled falling at the servant's feet,
4.13
Loud as the waves the rocky shore which flout,Iliad, xxiii. 51.
4.13
While they in fun the prickly spines pull'd out.
4.13
There came th' anchovy of Phaleric race
4.13
Holding a dirty veil before its face,Odyss. i. 334.
4.13
Friend of the Triton, to the Cyclops dear;
4.13
* * * * *
4.13
And pinna's sweet, and cockles fat were there
4.13
Which the wave breeds beneath its weedy bed
4.13
The gristly turbot, and the mullet red.
4.13
First in the fray on them I laid my hand,
4.13
And called on Phœbus, by his slave to stand;
4.13
But when Stratocles, scorning fear, I saw
4.13
Hold in his hand the mullet's luscious jaw,
4.13
I seized it too, and while it came apart,
4.13
Quick with the dainty bit rejoiced my heart.
4.13
There, too, the silver-footed Thetis came,
4.13
The fair-hair'd cuttle-fish, the mighty dame,
4.13
Fairest of Nereus' daughters, none but she
4.13
Of fish can both with black and white agree.This was a Greek proverb. See Aristophanes, Eq. 1279.
4.13
There, too, the conger, Tityos of the main,
4.13
Lay on nine tables and o'erspread the plain.Odyss. xi. 575.
4.13
Next came the eel, who charm'd the mighty Jove,
4.13
And soften'd his stern soul to tender love.
4.13
So mighty that two wrestlers, of the days
4.13
Of old Astyanax, could scarcely raise
4.13
Her from the ground and place her on the board,
4.13
Nine fathoms long, and full nine cubits broad.
4.13
Up stairs, down stairs the busy cooks did haste,
4.13
While more fresh dishes on the board they placed.
4.13
Next forty large black pots appear'd in view,
4.13
And forty platters from Eubœa too.
4.13
Then various Iris, Jove's commands to bear,
4.13
In shape of cuttle-fish flew through the air.
4.13
The shining perch, the black tail next appear'd;
4.13
A mortal fish to join immortals dared.
4.13
Alone, apart in discontented mood,
4.13
A gloomy dish, the sullen tunny stood;lb. xi. 543.
4.13
For ever sad with proud disdain he pined,
4.13
And the lost arms for ever stung his mind.
4.13
The shark, to masons and upholders dear,
4.13
Good nurse of youth, though rough its skin appear;lb. ix. 27.
4.13
Nor do I know on earth a nicer food,
4.13
Though what came next is very near as good,
4.13
A roasted cestreas; nor alone it lay,
4.13
For twelve fine sargi came the self-same way.Iliad, ii. 745.
4.13
And a dark amias, of every sea
4.13
Who knows the depths, great Neptune's comrade he.
4.13
And squills the minstrels of Olympian Jove,
4.13
Whom none to look at, all to taste of, love.
4.13
The chrysophrys, for shining beauty famed,
4.13
The crab's hard shell refusing to be tamed.
4.13
All these, and many more besides, I saw
4.13
Crush'd in each hungry guest's devouring jaw.
4.13
The royal sturgeon led the second band,
4.13
Towards whom, though nearly full, I stretch'd my hand;
4.13
He like ambrosia to my senses look'd,
4.13
Which I had always thought for gods alone was cookd.
4.13
Then came alamprey, large and richly fed,
4.13
As when he seeks the dragon's daughter's bed.
4.13
And next, (the goddesses such sandals wear,)
4.13
Of mighty soles a firm and well-match'd pair.
4.13
Then the sea thrushes young and fierce, who dive
4.13
Mid the deep rocks and tear their prey alive.
4.13
The sargus, mormyrus, hippurus, spar,
4.13
The shad, the gale; so countless fishes are.
4.13
The feast to view the guests' eyes joyful beam'd,
4.13
And all the house with the rich odour steam'd.
4.13
The host bade all sit down: myself, I thought
4.13
This woman's food, and something solid sought.
4.13
Large in the centre lay a vacant space,
4.13
Which herbs and salads did with verdure grace.
4.13
Then a sea blackbird came, a morsel nice,
4.13
And disappear'd, devoured in a trice.
4.13
Then came a ham, t' its foes a helpless prey,
4.13
And while it lasted none could keep away.
4.13
But when the feast was o'er I wept with sorrow
4.13
To think I could not eat on till to-morrow,
4.13
But must fall back on barley-meal and cheese.
4.13
* * * * * *
4.13
Black broth subdued him and boil'd pettitoes;
4.13
Then came some ducks from Salamis, sacred isle,
4.13
Borne by the cook, who with a cheerful smile,
4.13
Marshall'd them where the Athenian phalanx stood;
4.13
And Chærephon survey'd the various food,
4.13
That he might know to choose and eat the best;
4.13
Then like a lion leapt he on the feast,Odyss. ix. 292.
4.13
And seized a mighty leg of turkey hot,
4.13
To make his supper when he home had got.
4.13
Then groats which Vulcan made into a cake,
4.13
And in Attic pan full thirteen months did bake
4.13
But when our wish for food was satisfied,
4.13
We wash'd our hands in ocean's foaming tide;
4.13
One beauteous slave came round with rich perfume,
4.13
Another garlands strew'd around the room.
4.13
Then foam'd around old Bacchus' rosy tide,
4.13
And each guest merrily with his fellow vied.
4.13
Then the dessert was served; the juicy pear,
4.13
The apple and pomegranate too were there.
4.13
The grape, the nurse of Bacchus, and the plum,
4.13
And fig, and medlar on the table come.
4.13
But I ate nought, I was so full before,
4.13
Till I that lovely child of Ceres saw,
4.13
A large sweet round and yellow cake; how then
4.13
Could I from such a dish, my friends, abstain?
4.13
Had I ten mouths, aye, and as many hands,
4.13
A brazen stomach within brazen bands,Iliad, ii. 489.
4.13
They all would on that lovely cake have sprung.
4.13
And so the feast of Stratocles I've sung.
4.14
I wish that I could get a brace of cooks,
4.14
The cleverest in their art in all the city.
4.14
For he who a Thessalian would invite,
4.14
Lust never stint his fare in Attic fashion,
4.14
Nor practise over strict economy;
4.14
But have in all things a well-order'd feast.
4.14
It is not Corinth now, nor Lais here,
4.14
Nor any feast of sumptuous Thessalians,
4.14
Whose habits well I know.
4.14
The cakes were baked.
4.16
Tell me, I pray you, is it true that all
4.16
The strangers in that country, who arrive,
4.16
May banquet at the Copis at their pleasure
4.16
And at their parties do there hang around
4.16
Cakes fix'd on pegs, that every one who will,
4.16
Young men and old, may take a bite at them?
4.16
And let a Copis be this day prepared.
4.16
For some one of his own accord has ask'd you to an αἶκλον,
4.16
And do thou gladly go in haste of your accord to eat it.
4.17
When I shall bear a copis to the fane
4.17
Of sacred Amyclæ, then many baraces,
4.17
And loaves, and luscious sauce shall show my coming:
4.17
At the mill and also at the suppers (ταῖς συναικλείαις),
4.17
Alcman prepared an ἄϊκλον.
4.17
You will eat the leaves meant for supper,
4.17
And this belongs to the figures which . . .
4.21
If you should live in Lacedæmon's walls,
4.21
You must comply with all their fashions there.
4.21
Go to their spare phiditia for supper,
4.21
And feast on their black broth; and not disdain
4.21
To wear fierce whiskers, and seek no indulgence
4.21
Further than this; but keep the olden customs,
4.21
Such as their country doth compel.
4.27
Then we do not in these matters act as we should do
4.27
When to the gods we sacrifice; for then we go and buy
4.27
A sheep, an offering for the gods, for scarce ten drachmas' price.
4.27
And then we send for flute players, and ointments, and perfumes,
4.27
And harps, and singing women, eels, and cheese, and honey too;
4.27
And ample jars of Thasian wine; but these can scarcely come,
4.27
When all together reckon'd up, to a small talent's sum.
4.27
See how these housebreakers do sacrifice!
4.27
Bearing such beds and couches, not to please
4.27
The gods, but their own selves. Incense is pious,
4.27
So is the votive cake; and this the god
4.27
Receives well-baked in the holy fire.
4.27
But they when they have offered the chump end
4.27
Of a lean loin, the gall bladder, and bones,
4.27
Not too agreeable or easy to eat,
4.27
Unto the gods, consume the rest themselves.
4.28
And then two slaves brought in a well-rubb'd table,
4.28
And then another, and another, till
4.28
The room was fill'd, and then the hanging lamps
4.28
Beam'd bright and shone upon the festive crowns,
4.28
And herbs, and dishes of rich delicacies.
4.28
And then all arts were put in requisition
4.28
To furnish forth a most luxurious meal.
4.28
Barley-cakes white as snow did fill the baskets,
4.28
And then were served up not coarse vulgar pots,
4.28
But well-shaped dishes, whose well-order'd breadth
4.28
Fill'd the rich board, eels, and the well-stuffd conger,
4.28
A dish fit for the gods. Then came a platter
4.28
Of equal size, with dainty sword-fish fraught,
4.28
And then fat cuttle-fish, and the savoury tribes
4.28
Of the long hairy polypus. After this
4.28
Another orb appear'd upon the table,
4.28
Rival of that just brought from off the fire,
4.28
Fragrant with spicy odour. And on that
4.28
Again were famous cuttle-fish, and those
4.28
Fair maids the honey'd squills, and dainty cakes,
4.28
Sweet to the palate, and large buns of wheat,
4.28
Large as a partridge, sweet, and round, which you
4.28
Do know the taste of well. And if you ask
4.28
What more was there, I'd speak of luscious chine,
4.28
And loin of pork, and head of boar, all hot;
4.28
Cutlets of kid, and well-boil'd pettitoes,
4.28
And ribs of beef, and heads, and snouts, and tails.
4.28
Then kid again, and lamb, and hares, and poultry,
4.28
Partridges and the bird from Phasis' stream.
4.28
And golden honey, and clotted cream was there,
4.28
And cheese, which I did join with all in calling
4.28
Most tender fare. And when we all had reach'd
4.28
Satiety of food and wine, the slaves
4.28
Bore off the still full tables; and some others
4.28
Brought us warm water for to wash our hands.I have only attempted here to extract a few of the sentences and words which appeared a little intelligible. The whole quotation is perhaps the most hopelessly corrupt in all Athenæus. Schweighauser says,—Even the most learned men have given up the whole extract in despair, and that it is only a very few words from which he can extract any sense by the greatest freedom of conjecture.
4.41
And on the heroes twain, the sons of Œdipus,
4.41
Has savage Mars descended; and they now
4.41
Seek the arena dread of single combat.
4.41
The man who never went to sea has never shipwreck 'd been,
4.41
But we have been more miserable than μονομαχοῦντες (gladiators in single combat).
4.44
Am almost become a mullet from the extremity of hunger.
4.44
For it is not a bad thing to eat supper at a proper season.
4.44
But it is now, O father, altogether noon,
4.44
When it is right for the young men to sup.
4.44
I swear to you most solemnly, my friends,
4.44
I swear to you, O men, by the god himself,
4.44
From whom the joys of drunkenness and wine
4.44
Do come to mortal men, that I prefer
4.44
This happy life which here is mine at present,
4.44
To all the splendid pomp of king Seleucus.
4.44
'Tis sweet to eat e'en lentils without fear,
4.44
But sad to sleep on down in daily terror.
4.45
And much pulse porridge then we ate, but more did still flow in.
4.45
Jove, may the man who made these lentils grow,
4.45
Never escape thy notice or thy memory.
4.45
May a lentil deity and a lentil fate seize you.
4.45
A. A flowery supper very sumptuous,
4.45
A bowl quite lull of pulse for every man.
4.45
B. That first part is not flowery.
4.45
A. After that
4.45
Let a saperdes dance into the middle,
4.45
A little strong to smell.
4.45
B. That is a flower
4.45
Which soon will drive the thrushes all away.
4.47
For lentils are a tragic food,
4.47
Orestes ate when he had recover'd from his sickness,
4.47
And a man who knows not how to cook a lentil wisely.
4.47
Add to the lentils a twelfth part of coriander.
4.47
Do not prefer a dainty dish to lentils,
4.47
And so cause factious quarrels in our party.'
4.47
Eat not an olive when you have a nettle;
4.47
But take in winter lentil-macaroni—
4.47
Bah! bah!
4.47
Lentil-macaroni's like ambrosia in cold weather.
4.47
You're teaching him to boil porridge or lentils.
4.47
You who revile the lentil, best of food.
4.47
And then a dish of lentils was boil'd up.
4.47
Things go on well. Do you now boil some lentils,
4.47
Or else at least now teach me who you are.
4.48
I could not bear to eat a common loaf,
4.48
Seeing a large high brazen pile of lentils.
4.48
The corn of Ceres and a draught of water?
4.48
And they are here, and able to support us.
4.48
But we are not with plenty such as this
4.48
Contented, but are slaves to luxury
4.48
And such contrivances of other food.
4.48
The moderate fare shall me content
4.48
Of a plain modest table;
4.48
And I will never seek nor e'en admit
4.48
Whatever is out of season and superfluous.
4.48
This man is Capancus, a man who had
4.48
Abundant riches, but no pride therefrom
4.48
Lodged in his, more than in a poor man's bosom.
4.48
But those who boasted of their luxury
4.48
He blamed, and praised the contented spirit.
4.48
For virtue did not, as he said, consist
4.48
In eating richly, but in moderation.
4.49
Oh gold, the choicest of all gifts to men!
4.49
For no fond mother does such raptures know,
4.49
Nor children in the house, nor any father,
4.49
Such as do flow from you, and are enjoy'd
4.49
By those who own you. If like yours the face
4.49
Of Venus, when she rose up from the sea,
4.49
No wonder that she has ten thousand lovers.
4.49
Speak not of wealth; that god I worship not,
4.49
Who comes with ease into a bad man's power.
4.49
A. But from what country does this person come?
4.49
B. From Richland; and by general consent
4.49
The natives of that land are counted noble;
4.49
Nor can one find a noble beggar anywhere.
4.50
A. Come now, I'll sit me down; and bring me here,
4.50
O slave, a table, and a cup of wine,
4.50
That I may eat to flavour what I drink.
4.50
B. Here is a cup, a table, and some lentils.
4.50
A. No lentils bring to me, I like them not:
4.50
For if one eats them, they do taint the breath.)—
4.50
The Teian barley-cakes do please me not,
4.50
Nor e'en the Lydian sauces: but the Greeks,
4.50
And their dry lentil soup, delight me more
4.50
Than all that painful luxury of excess.
4.50
We came to Eretria, for its white meal famed;)
4.51
I wish to give you both some good advice:
4.51
When you boil lentils, pour no perfume o'er them.
4.51
Ulysses, king of Ithaca—'Tis perfume
4.51
On lentils thrown: courage, my noble soul!
4.51
A little lentil soup (κόγχιον), a slice of sausage.
4.51
I too, in imitation of those men,
4.51
Have vow'd a fiery sacrifice to the gods—
4.51
Three of these secretly enroll'd logicians.
4.51
And now that I have heard your company
4.51
Philosophise and argue subtlely,
4.51
Persisting firmly, I will bring a test,
4.51
A certain proof of all your arguments:
4.51
First smoking you. And if then any one
4.51
When roasted shrinks and draws away his leg,
4.51
He shall be sold to Zeno for his master
4.51
For transportation, as bereft of wisdom.
4.52
Some miserable Pythagoreans came
4.52
Gnawing some salt food in a deep ravine,
4.52
And picking up such refuse in a wallet.
4.52
First, like a pupil of Pythagoras,
4.52
He eats no living thing, but peels some husks
4.52
Of barley which he's bought for half an obol,
4.52
Discolour'd dirty husks, and those he eats.
4.52
For, as we hear, the pupils of Pythagoras
4.52
Eat no good meat nor any living thing,
4.52
And they alone of men do drink no wine.
4.52
But Epicharides will bitches eat;
4.52
The only one of all the sect; but then
4.52
He kills them first, and says they are not living.
4.52
A. Shreds of Pythagoras and subtleties
4.52
And well-fill'd thoughts are their sufficient food.
4.52
Their daily meals are these-a simple loaf
4.52
To every man, and a pure cup of water.
4.52
And this is all.
4.52
B. You speak of prison fare.
4.52
A. This is the way that all the wise men live.
4.52
These are the hardships that they all endure.
4.52
B. Where do they live in such a way?
4.52
A. Yet they procure
4.52
Dainties after their sort for one another;
4.52
Know you not Melanippides and Phaon,
4.52
Phyromachus and Phanus are companions?
4.52
And they together sup on each fifth day
4.52
On one full cotyla of wheaten meal.
4.52
A. The banquet shall be figs and grapes and cheese,
4.52
For these the victims are which the strict law
4.52
Allows Pythagoras' sect to sacrifice.
4.52
B. By Jove, as fine a sacrifice as possible.
4.52
One must for a short time, my friend, endure
4.52
Hunger, and dirt, and cold, and speechlessness,
4.52
And sullen frowns, and an unwashen face.
4.53
What? do we think, I ask you in God's name,
4.53
That these philosophers of olden time,
4.53
The pupils of Pythagoras, went thus
4.53
In dirt and rags all of their own accord?
4.53
I don't believe one word of such a thing.
4.53
No; they were forced to do so, as they had not
4.53
A single farthing to buy clothes or soap.
4.53
And then they made a merit of economy,
4.53
And laid down rules, most splendid rules for beggars.
4.53
But only put before them fish or meat;
4.53
And if they do not their own fingers bite
4.53
For very eagerness, I will be bound
4.53
To let you hang me ten times over.
4.53
Men drawing up your eyebrows, and depressing
4.53
Your scornful nostrils till they reach the chin,
4.53
Wearing your beards in sacks, strippers of dishes,
4.53
Wearing your cloak outside, with unshod feet
4.53
Looking like oil, and eating stealthily
4.53
Like hungry vagrants 'neath night's friendly cover,
4.53
Cheaters of youth, spouters of syllables,
4.53
Pretenders to vain wisdom, but pretending
4.53
To make your only object Virtue's self.
4.55
Oh you mad dinner hunter, with the eyes
4.55
Of a dead corpse, and heart both bold and shameless
4.55
Here I most miserable Virtue sit
4.55
By Pleasure's side, and cut my hair for grief,
4.55
Crnsh'd in my spirit; for profane Delight
4.55
Is judged by all my better, and my chief.
4.55
Now I invite those moderate philosophers,
4.55
Who ne'er allow themselves a single pleasure,
4.55
Who keep on looking for the one wise man
4.55
In all their walks and conversations,
4.55
As if he were a slave who'd run away.
4.55
O wretched man, why, when you have a ticket,
4.55
Will you refuse to drink? Why dost thou now
4.55
Do so much wrong to the Gods? why dost thou make
4.55
Money of greater value than the rate
4.55
Which nature puts on it? You drink but water,
4.55
And so must be a worthless citizen;
4.55
For so you cheat the farmer and the merchant;
4.55
But I by getting drunk increase their trade.
4.55
Then you at early dawn bear round a cruet,
4.55
Seeking for oil, so that a man must think
4.55
You have an hour-glass with you, not a bottle.)
4.56
Than which no part more shameless can be found—
4.56
There are but few so happy as to know
4.56
This godlike food, nor do men covet it
4.56
Who have the silly souls of common mortals.
4.56
They fear because it is an animal
4.56
Which living preys on man. But every fish
4.56
Loves human flesh, if it can meet with it.
4.56
So that 'tis fit that all who talk such nonsense
4.56
Should be confined to herbs, and should be sent
4.56
To Diodorus the philosopher
4.56
And starve, and so pythagorize with him.
4.57
A branded lot, all knaves and parasites.
4.57
Lin. Come here, and take whatever book you please,
4.57
And read it carefully, when you have scann'd
4.57
The titles, and the subjects well consider'd.
4.57
There's Orpheus here, and Hesiod, and plays,
4.57
Choerilus, Homer, Epicharmus too,
4.57
All sorts of works. For thus your choice will show me
4.57
Your nature, and your favourite pursuit.
4.57
Her. I will take this.
4.57
Lin. First show me what it is.
4.57
Her. A cookery book, as says the title-page.
4.57
Lin. You're a philosopher, that's very plain,
4.57
Who passing over all these useful books,
4.57
Choose out the art of Simus.
4.57
Her. Who is Simus
4.57
Lin. A very clever man; now he has turn'd
4.57
To tragic studies; and of all the actors
4.57
Is, the most skilful cook, as those who eat
4.57
His dishes do declare. And of all cooks
4.57
By far the cleverest actor.
4.57
Her. He's a man
4.57
Of noble appetite; say what you wish;
4.57
For be of this assured, that I am hungry.
4.58
Have you seen the Thasian brine,The term ἅλμη, brine, seems used here of a troublesome fellow; something in the same spirit as we call a person a pickle. and heard how he does bark?
4.58
How speedily the fellow did revenge himself, and thoroughly;
4.58
It does not seem a case of one blind speaking to a deaf man:
4.58
Melodies out of time, and tuneless cymbals:
4.58
That Chærephon has always got some trick,
4.58
And now he's looking for some feast to share
4.58
Where he himself will not be call'd upon
4.58
For any contribution. For wheresoever
4.58
A pot, such as is let to cooks, does stand,
4.58
Thither he goeth at the earliest dawn;
4.58
And if he sees one come to hire it
4.58
For any feast, he asks the cook the name
4.58
Of him who gives the feast, and then as soon
4.58
As the door opens, in he walks the first.
4.58
Chærephon comes to Corinth for a supper,
4.58
Though he has never had an invitation;
4.58
But still he flies across the sea, so sweet
4.58
It is to eat of what another pays for.
4.58
Well said Euripides, "It is not bad
4.58
For a rich man to dine at other's cost."
4.59
Is is the hardest work of all to guard against such men;
4.59
For they do carry always at their finger's end a sting,
4.59
The misanthropic flower of youth; and then they fawn on all
4.59
With carefully selected sweetness of expression,
4.59
Always the forum haunting when the citizens are seated;
4.59
And then they lacerate with wounds severe and unexpected
4.59
Those whom they have been fawning on, and hide themselves and laugh.
4.59
You shall know this for true; nor is it mine
4.59
χαριτογλωσσεῖν.
4.59
Diodorus, most extravagant of men,
4.59
In two brief years did make his patrimony
4.59
Into a football, with such headlong speed
4.59
Did he devour everything.
4.59
You tell me of a very slow proceeding;
4.59
For in five days the little Epicharides
4.59
Made ducks and drakes of all his father's property,
4.59
So quickly and entirely did he swallow it.
4.60
If Chabrias's son, the young Ctesippus,
4.60
Had not become a friend of Phædimus,
4.60
I should have brought a wholesome law forward
4.60
To cause his father's monument to be finished.
4.60
That each of all the citizens should give
4.60
A stone of size to fill a waggon, and
4.60
I say that that would not be much for him.
4.60
Ctesippus, the fine son of Chabrias,
4.60
Has ceased to shave himself three times a-day.
4.60
A great man among women, not with men.
4.60
And I too once was a young man, O woman,
4.60
Nor did I then five several times a-day
4.60
Bathe, as I now do bathe; nor at that time
4.60
Had I a soft cloak, such as now I have,
4.60
Nor such perfumes as now; now I will paint myself,
4.60
And pluck my hair, by Jove. Aye, I will be
4.60
Ctesippus, not a man; and in brief time
4.60
I too, like him, will eat up all the stones,
4.60
For I'll not be content with earth alone.
4.60
O dearest mother of all mortals, Earth,
4.60
How kind you are to all possess'd of sense;
4.60
How worthy of all honour! Sure that man
4.60
Who like a spendthrift eats his patrimony,
4.60
Should be condemn'd to sail about for ever
4.60
And never reach the shore; that he might feel
4.60
To what great good he'd been insensible.
4.61
Here Pythodelus comes, who is surnamed
4.61
Isoballion, greediest of men,
4.61
And on his steps does follow that wise woman
4.61
Ischas, bearing a drum, and very drunk.
4.61
A. You shall be call'd a bird.
4.61
B. Why so, by Vesta?
4.61
Is it because I ate my patrimony
4.61
Like that most fashionable Polyeuctus?
4.61
A. No, but because you, though you were a man,
4.61
Were torn in pieces by the women so.
4.66
Drink two entire days in every day,
4.66
Shaking their heads through their too mighty draughts.
4.66
Having three heads, like to Diana's statue.
4.67
He will not e'en have time to ease himself,
4.67
Nor to turn to an ἀσώτιον, nor e'en,
4.67
If a man meets him, to converse with him.
4.68
Bring me a ladle and a dozen spits,
4.68
A flesh-hook, and a mortar, and a cheese-scraper,
4.68
A cylinder, three troughs, a knife, four choppers.
4.68
Will you not, O man hated by the gods,
4.68
Make haste and put the kettle on the fire
4.68
And are you now still dawdling at that dish?
4.68
And with that largest chopper?
4.68
Warm now the κακκάβη of the preceptor.
4.68
To bring the κακκάβη from thence.
4.68
We now have everything; for that fine eel
4.68
From Thebes, a namesake of the one in-doors,
4.68
Mingling within the hollow κακκάβη,
4.68
Is warm, and leaps, is boiled, and bubbles up.
4.68
Then came a polypus all cut in pieces,
4.68
And boiled ἐν βατανίοισιν.
4.68
But I when sojourning in Sicily,
4.68
Learn'd to cook with such dexterity,
4.68
That I make all the guests with eagerness
4.68
Invade the dishes (βατάνια) with their teeth at times.
4.68
πατάνια, beet, and assafœtida,
4.68
Dishes and candles, coriander and onions,
4.68
And salt and olives, and round dishes too.
4.68
Here let the cook of dainty dishes (πατανίων) come.
4.68
He seems to have more pupils for his dishes
4.68
Than even Stratonicus had.
4.68
A. Another bulky man, large as a table,
4.68
And nobly born, will come besides this man.
4.68
B. Whom do you mean?
4.68
A. A new Carystian,
4.68
Born of the earth and warm.
4.68
B. Tell me his name,
4.68
Or else begone.
4.68
A. I mean a κάκκαβος,
4.68
But you, perhaps, would call it merely dish.
4.68
B. What do I care what name you give to it?
4.68
Whether men like to call it κάκκαβος
4.68
Or σίττυβος, I know the thing you mean.
4.68
Round dishes, and βατάνια, and caccabia,
4.68
And Iopadia, and πατάνια, in crowds
4.68
Countless, I could not tell you half their names.
4.69
A. Let me have no excuses, no I have not.
4.69
B. But tell me what you want—I will take all.
4.69
A. Quite right. Go first of all and take some sesame.
4.69
B. There's some within.
4.69
A. Take some grapes dried and cut,
4.69
Some fennel, anise, assafœtida,
4.69
Mustard and cabbage, some dry coriander,
4.69
Sumach and cummin, capers, marjoram,
4.69
Leeks, garlic, thyme, sage, seseli,
4.69
Some new-made wine boil'd down, some rue and spinach.
4.69
I must run round, and bawl for what I want;
4.69
You'll call for supper when you home return,
4.69
And I have got no vinegar, nor anise,
4.69
Nor marjoram, nor fig-leaves, nor sweet oil,
4.69
Nor almonds, nor the lees of new-made wine,
4.69
Nor garlic, no, nor leeks, nor onions,
4.69
No fire, no cummin seed, no salt, no eggs,
4.69
No wood, no trough, no frying-pan, no rope;
4.69
No pail, no cistern, neither well nor pitcher;
4.69
Here I stand useless with but knife in hand,
4.69
Girt and prepared for action all in vain.
4.69
First of all take a dish of goodly size,
4.69
And put in marjoram and pounded herbs,
4.69
Steep'd to a fair extent in vinegar,
4.69
Colour'd with new made wine, and flavoured with
4.69
Plenty of potent assafœtida.
4.69
τύριον ἐπεσθίοντα, eating cheese.
4.69
Wishing to eat (ἐπιφαγεῖν) of nothing
4.69
But just an onion and three pickled olives.
4.69
Once, out of poverty, he ate up (ἐπήσθιεν) everything.
4.70
Hither I come, and bring this table-setter,
4.70
Who soon shall wash the cloths, and trim the lamps,
4.70
Prepare the glad libations, and do every thing
4.70
Which to his office may pertain.
4.70
Now for to-morrow I must get a flute-player,
4.70
A table-setter, and a workman too.
4.70
This was my master's reason for despatching me
4.70
On this commision from his country seat.
4.70
There is no need of long deliberation
4.70
About the kitchen, for the table-setter
4.70
Is bound to look to that; that is his office.
4.70
How little now is left of the ἐπιτραπεζώματα.
4.70
He was a thrifty and a moderate buyer (ἀγοραστής):
4.70
How the purveyor (ὀψώνης) seems to delay our supper.
4.71
A. Why then do not the magistrates receive
4.71
The prytanea on the new-moon's day,
4.71
But on the day before?
4.71
B. They seem to me
4.71
To act like tasters (πρότενθαι) who in hopes to take
4.71
The prytanea with all possible speed,
4.71
Taste them on this account all on one day.
4.71
Do not you marvel; we are of the number
4.71
Of skilful tasters (προτένθων), but you know us not.
4.71
Must I then tell you who I am to-day?
4.71
I am that taster called Dorpia.
4.71
First the old woman here shall taste your drink.
4.72
Holloa, you cook, why do you sulky seem?
4.72
'Tis the third time you've asked me what's the number
4.72
Of tables which will be required to-day.
4.72
We go to sacrifice one little pig.
4.72
Eight tables are required, or two, or one;
4.72
What can that be to you?—I want but one.
4.72
May we not make some candyliThe candylus or candaulus was the name of a Lydian dish. and dishes
4.72
Such as you're used to season; honey, eggs,
4.72
And semilago; but now everything
4.72
Is contrary; the cook makes cakes in moulds,
4.72
Roasts cheesecakes, and boils groats, and brings on table
4.72
After the salted meats fig-leaves and grapes.
4.72
And for the sweetmeat-makers, they, with duties
4.72
Turn'd upside down, roast joints of meat and thrushed
4.72
Instead of delicate confections; thus
4.72
He who believes he sups doth feed on dainties,
4.72
And when perfumed and crown'd, again doth feast
4.72
On honey'd cheese-cakes interspersed with thrushes.
4.72
Four female flute-players do have their wages,
4.72
Twelve cooks, and just as many sweetmeat-makers,
4.72
Asking for plates for honey.
4.72
A. What now is this, my boy, for you, by Jove,
4.72
Have come in a most business-like set fashion.
4.72
B. Yes, for we are inventing fine inventions,
4.72
And all the night long we've been hard at work,
4.72
And even now we have much left unfinish'd.
4.72
Bring gifts unto the maiden, cakes of cesane,
4.72
And groats, and cakes of oil and honey mixed,
4.72
And other kinds of pastry, and fresh honey.
4.72
Who with the spear excell'd his fellows all,
4.72
Hurling beyond the eddying Anauros
4.72
From the grape-famous Iolcos.
4.72
For thus did Homer and Stesichorus
4.72
Sing to the nations.
4.72
Amphiaraus gain'd the prize in leaping,
4.72
And with the dart the godlike Meleager.
4.73
But when he roasted the meat, and placed it ἐν ἐλεοισῖν.
4.73
When we had forced this great Phœnician,
4.73
The master of a well-provided purse,
4.73
Though captain of the ship, to stay in harbour,
4.73
And * * * two ships
4.73
To come to Delos from Piræus' port;
4.73
He heard from all men that this place alone
4.73
Seem'd to have three good things for a parasite,
4.73
A well-stored market, a large population
4.73
From every country, and the native Delians,
4.73
Themselves a tribe of parasites of the god.
4.74
I see the sauce-makers, and spit on them.
4.74
But O thou Phœbus, thou who sharpenest
4.74
The Delphian knives, and with an early warning
4.74
Givest instruction to thy ministers.
4.74
Why do you stay conceal'd,
4.74
Namesake of all the knives which cooks employ
4.76
A. And I have got that admirable gingras.
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B. What is the gingras.
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A. 'Tis a new invention
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Of our countryman, which never yet
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Has been exhibited in any theatre,
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But is a luxury of Athenian banquets.
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B. Why then not introduce it to this people?
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A. Because I think that I shall draw by lot
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Some most ambitious tribe; for well I know
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They would disturb all things with their applause.
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For they are both so sick with love
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Of the melodious strains of soft Euripides,
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That every other music seems to them
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Shrill as the gingras, and a mere misfortune.
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Nor is the noise of the Sidonian nabla,
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Which from the throat doth flow, at all impair'd.
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Among the instruments of harmony
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The nablas comes, not over soft or sweet;
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By its long sides a lifeless lotus fix'd
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Sends forth a breathed music; and excites men,
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Singing in Bacchic strain a merry song.
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A. There should, O Parmeno, be here among us
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A nablas or a female flute-player.
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B. What is a nablas?
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A. Don't you know? you idiot!
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B. Indeed I don't.
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A. What, do not know a nablas l
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You know no good; perhaps a sambucistria
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You ne'er have heard of either?
4.78
For all the tuneful melodies of pipes (πήκτιδες)
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Are lost, the lyre, and monaulos too.
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But he, can you believe it? seized at once
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On the monaulos, and leapt lightly forth.
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I the monaulos took, and sang a wedding song.
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A. What have you done, you Syrian, with your monaulos?
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B. What monaulos?
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A. The reed.
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And then he sang a song on the monaulos.
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Beneath this mound the tuneful Theon lies,
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Whom the monaulos knew its sweetest lord;
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Scirpalus' son; age had destroy'd his sight,
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And when he was a child his sire him call'd
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Eupalamus in his first birthday ode,
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Showing that he was a choice bouquet where
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The virtues all had met. For well he sung
4.78
The Muses' sports amid their wine-glad revels;
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He sang to Battalus, an eager drinker
4.78
Of unmix'd wine, and Cotalus and Pæncalus.
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Say then to Theon with his calamaules,
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Farewell, O Theon, tune fullest of men.
4.79
What lust has now seized thus upon your mind,
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To wish to dance to tender half-bored flutes?
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But very soon the greater swallows up
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The lesser and the half-bored flute.
4.80
I will speak like a magadis, both loudly and gently
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Nor did they hang it upon pegs where hung
4.81
The sweet scindapsus with its fourfold strings,
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Joy of the woman who the distaff hates.
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Shaking the large and lyre-toned scindapsus,
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Made of young tamarisk, in his skilful hand.
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But I was making three-string'd barbiti,
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Pectides, citharæ, lyres, and scindapsi.
4.81
The pectis, proud of its barbaric muse,
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With its two strings was placed within my hand.
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But Semele doth dance and he doth sing
4.81
Tunefully on his pariambis lyre,
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And she rejoices at the rapid song.
4.82
The constant music of the Phrygian
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Tender triangle, and the concerted strains
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Of the shrill Lydian pectis sounded too.
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Who plays the drum with wondrous skill,
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And strikes the strings of the triangle.
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I who am wasted quite away
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In the study of flutes and harps,
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Am I now to be sent to dig?
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But were not you the man who taught him once
4.84
To play upon the flute and well-strung harp?
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The cock then sang the Greeks a Lydian hymn.
4.84
The pipe, th' Idæan cock, precedes your steps.
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I made a noise, bringing the deep-toned flute
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With fluent rhythm.