Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 2 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"Plutarch
Philosophy
Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 2 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"
Plutarch
Classical literature; Essays; Ethics; Philosophy
_Solution._ Was this the reason, that the women of Samos, by
lasciviousness and bawdry falling into great debauchery, were reformed
by Dexicreon, a mountebank, using some charms towards them? Or was it
because Dexicreon, being the master of a ship, and sailing to Cyprus on
a trading voyage, and being about to take in his lading, was commanded
by Venus to lade with water and nothing else, and sail back with all
possible speed? Being persuaded hereto, he took in much water and
set sail immediately; still winds and a calm detaining him, he sold
his water to merchants and seamen distressed with thirst, whereby he
gathered up much money; from which he erected a statue to Venus, and
called it by his own name. If this story be true, it is manifest that
the Goddess intended not only the enriching of one man, but the saving
of many alive by one man.
_Question 55._ What is the reason that amongst the Samians, when
they sacrifice to Mercury the munificent, they suffer a man to filch
and steal garments if he will?
_Solution._ Because, when at the command of the oracle they
transplanted themselves from that island into Mycale, they lived ten
years upon robbery; and after this, sailing back again into their
island, they conquered their enemies.
_Question 56._ Whence is that place in the island Samos called
Panaema (Πάναιμα)?
_Solution._ Was it because the Amazons, flying before Bacchus
from the coasts of Ephesus, fell upon Samos, and thereupon Bacchus
rigging up his ships wafted over, and joining battle slew abundance of
them about that place, which, by reason of the plenty of blood spilled
there, the beholders by way of admiration called Panaema? Some say
that this slaughter was about Phloeum, and show their bones there; but
others say also that Phloeum was rent off from Samos by the dreadful
and hideous cry that was uttered at their death.
_Question 57._ Upon what account was the Andron in Samos called
Pedetes?
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