_B._ Indeed, I can inform you most exactly. For at the great Panathenaic feast, I saw a company of youths assembled Within the schools of the old Academy, And heard some strange and marvellous assertions. For they were nature's mysteries discussing, Drawing distinctions subtle 'tween the life Of animated things, both men and beasts, And that of trees and all the race of herbs. And then, while occupied in these discussions They turned to gourds their deep investigations, Asking their species and their character. _A._ And to what sage conclusion did they come? What was their definition, of what genus Did they decide this plant to be, my friend? I pray you tell 'em, if you know at least. _B._ At first they all stood silent for a while, And gazed upon the ground and knit their brows In profound solemn meditation: Then on a sudden, while the assembled youths Were stooping still considering the matter, One said a gourd was a round vegetable; But others said it was a kind of grass; While others class'd it as a sort of tree. On hearing this, a certain old physician Coming from Sicily interrupted them As but a pack of triflers. They were furious, Greatly enraged, and all most loudly cried With one accord, that he insulted them; For that such sudden interruptions To philosophical discussion Were ill-bred and extremely unbecoming. And then the youths thought no more of the gourd. But Plato, who was present, mildly said, Not being at all excited by what pass'd, That the best thing that they could do would be The question to resume of the gourd's nature. They would not hear him, and adjourn'd the meeting. 55. Alexis, that most witty poet, sets an entire course of πρόπομα before those who can understand him-- I came without perceiving it on a place Which was exceedingly convenient. Water was given me; and then a servant Entered, and bore a table for my use; On which was laid, not cheese, or tawny olives, Or any dainty side-dishes and nonsense, Which fill the room with scent, but have no substance; But there was set before me a huge dish Redolent of the Seasons and the joyful Hours-- A sort of hemisphere of the whole globe. Everything there was beautiful and good: Fish, goats' flesh, and a scorpion between them; Then there were eggs in half, looking like stars. On them we quickly laid our hands, and then Speaking to me, and giving me a nod, The host began to follow our example; So we'd a race, and never did I stop Till the whole dish was empty as a sieve. 56. With respect to Mushrooms.--Aristias says