I do not sing of ancient themes, For all that's new far better seems. Jove's the new king of all the world; While anciently 'twas Saturn hurl'd His thunders, and the Heavens ruled; So I'll no longer be befool'd With dotard's ancient songs. And Antiphanes says, in his Alcestis-- Dost thou love things of modern fashion? So too does he; for he is well assured That new devices, though they be too bold, Are better far than old contrivances. And I will prove to you, that the ancients were acquainted with the water which is called dicoctas, in order that you may not be indignant again, when I speak of boiled and spiced water. For, according to the Pseudheracles of Pherecrates-- Suppose a man who thinks himself a genius Should something say, and I should contradict him, Still trouble not yourself; but if you please, Listen and give your best attention. But do not grudge, I entreat you, said Ulpian, to explain to me what is the nature of that Bull's water which you spoke of; for I have a great thirst for such words. And Cynulcus said,--But I pledge you, according to your fancy; you thirst for words, taking a desire from Alexis, out of his Female Pythagorean, A cup of water boil'd; for when fresh-drawn 'Tis heavy, and indigestible to drink. But it was Sophocles, my friend, who spoke of Bull's water, in his Ægeus, from the river Taurus near Trœzen, in the neighbourhood of which there is a fountain called Hyoëssa. 96. But the ancients did also at times use very cold water in their draughts before dinner. But I will not tell you, unless you first teach me, whether the ancients were in the habit of drinking warm water at their banquets. For if their cups got their name[203:1] from what took place in reference to them, and if they were set before the guests full of mixed liquors, then they certainly did not contain warm drink, and were not put on the fire like kettles. For that they were in the habit of drinking warm water Eupolis proves, in his Demi-- Warm for us now the brazen ewer quick, And bid the slaves prepare the victims new, That we may feast upon the entrails. And Antiphanes says, in his Omphale-- May I ne'er see a man Boiling me water in a bubbling pail; For I have no disease, and wish for none. But if I feel a pain within my stomach, Or round about my navel, why I have A ring I lately gave a drachma for To a most skilful doctor. And, in his Anointing Woman, (but this play is attributed to Alexis also,) he says-- But if you make our shop notorious, I swear by Ceres, best of goddesses, That I will empt the biggest ladle o'er you, Filling it with hot water from the kettle; And if I fail, may I ne'er drink free water more.