76. And this is what I have got to say to you about the hydraulic organ, O Ulpian. For the Phœnicians used a kind of flute called the gingras, according to the account of Xenophon, about a span in length, and of a very shrill and mournful tone. And the same instrument is used also by the Carians in their wailings, unless, indeed, when he says Phœnicia he means Caria; and indeed you may find the name used so in Corinna and in Bacchylides. And these flutes are called gingri by the Phœnicians from the lamentations for Adonis; for you Phœnicians called Adonis Gingres, as Democlides tells us. And Antiphanes mentions the gingri flutes, in his Physician; and Menander does so too, in his Carina; and Amphis, in his Dithyrambus, saying-- _A._ And I have got that admirable gingras. _B._ What is the gingras? _A._ 'Tis a new invention Of our countryman, which never yet Has been exhibited in any theatre, But is a luxury of Athenian banquets. _B._ Why then not introduce it to this people? _A._ Because I think that I shall draw by lot Some most ambitious tribe; for well I know They would disturb all things with their applause. And Axionicus says, in his Phileuripides-- For they are both so sick with love Of the melodious strains of soft Euripides, That every other music seems to them Shrill as the gingras, and a mere misfortune. 77. But how much better, O most sagacious Ulpian, is this hydraulic organ, than the instrument which is called nabla; which Sopater the parodist, in his drama entitled Pylæ, says is also an invention of the Phœnicians, using the following expressions-- Nor is the noise of the Sidonian nabla, Which from the throat doth flow, at all impair'd. And in the Slave of Mystacus we find-- Among the instruments of harmony The nablas comes, not over soft or sweet; By its long sides a lifeless lotus fix'd Sends forth a breathed music; and excites men, Singing in Bacchic strain a merry song. And Philemon says, in his Adulterer-- _A._ There should, O Parmeno, be here among us A nablas or a female flute-player. _B._ What is a nablas? _A._ Don't you know? you idiot! _B._ Indeed I don't. _A._ What, do not know a nablas? You know no good; perhaps a sambucistria You ne'er have heard of either?