Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 3 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"Plutarch
Philosophy
Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 3 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"
Plutarch
Classical literature; Essays; Ethics; Philosophy
1. At the Pythian games Callistratus, procurator of the Amphictyons,
forbade a piper, his citizen and friend, who did not give in his name
in due time, to appear in the solemnity, which he did according to the
law. But afterwards entertaining us, he brought him into the room with
the chorus, finely dressed in his robes and with chaplets on his head,
as if he was to contend for the prize. And at first indeed he played a
very fine tune; but afterwards, having tickled and sounded the humor
of the whole company, and found that most were inclined to pleasure
and would suffer him to play what effeminate and lascivious tunes he
pleased, throwing aside all modesty, he showed that music was more
intoxicating than wine to those that wantonly and unskilfully use it.
For they were not content to sit still and applaud and clap, but many
at last leaped from their seats, danced lasciviously, and made such
gentle steps as became such effeminate and mollifying tunes. But after
they had done, and the company, as it were recovered of its madness,
began to come to itself again, Lamprias would have spoken to and
severely chide the young men; but as he feared he should be too harsh
and give offence, Callistratus gave him a hint, and drew him on by this
discourse:—
2. For my part, I absolve all lovers of shows and music from
intemperance; yet I cannot altogether agree with Aristoxenus, who says
that those pleasures alone deserve the approbation “fine.” For we call
viands and ointments fine; and we say we have finely dined, when we
have been splendidly entertained. Nor, in my opinion, doth Aristotle
upon good reason free those complacencies we take in shows and songs
from the charge of intemperance, saying, that those belong peculiarly
to man, and of other pleasures beasts have a share. For I am certain
that a great many irrational creatures are delighted with music, as
deer with pipes; and to mares, whilst they are horsing, they play a
tune called ἱππόθορος. And Pindar says, that his songs make him move,
As brisk as Dolphins, whom a charming tune
Hath raised from th’ bottom of the quiet flood.
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