The Deipnosophists; or, Banquet of the Learned of Athenæus, Vol. 3 (of 3)Athenaeus, of Naucratis
Philosophy
The Deipnosophists; or, Banquet of the Learned of Athenæus, Vol. 3 (of 3)
Athenaeus, of Naucratis
Civilization, Greco-Roman; Dinners and dining -- Greece; Greece -- Social life and customs; Homosexuality -- Greece
For men were compelled to undertake the regular office of chief of the
Peripatetic school. And the duties of this office were, to superintend
all the novices for thirty days, and see that they conducted themselves
with regularity. And then, on the last day of the month, having
received nine obols from each of the novices, he received at supper
not only all those who contributed their share, but all those also
whom Lycon might chance to invite, and also all those of the elders
who were diligent in attending the school; so that the money which was
collected was not sufficient even for providing sufficient unguents
and garlands. He also was bound to perform the sacrifices, and to
become an overseer of the Muses. All which duties appeared to have
but little connexion with reason or with philosophy, but to be more
akin to luxury and parade. For if any people were admitted who were not
able to spend money on these objects, they, setting out with a very
scanty and ordinary choregia . . . . and the money was very much out of
proportion . . . . For Plato and Speusippus had not established these
entertainments, in order that people might dwell upon the pleasures
of the table from daybreak, or for the sake of getting drunk; but in
order that men might appear to honour the Deity, and to associate with
one another in a natural manner; and chiefly with a view to natural
relaxation and conversation; all which things afterwards became in
their eyes second to the softness of their garments, and to their
indulgence in their before-mentioned extravagance. Nor do I except the
rest. For Lycon, to gratify his luxurious and insolent disposition, had
a room large enough to hold twenty couches, in the most frequented part
of the city, in Conon's house, which was well adapted for him to give
parties in. And Lycon was a skilful and clever player at ball."
70. And of Anaxarchus, Clearchus the Solensian writes, in the fifth
book of his Lives, in the following manner—"Anaxarchus, who was one of
those who called themselves Eudæmonici, after he had become a rich man
through the folly of those men who supplied him with means out of their
abundance, used to have a naked full-grown damsel for his cup-bearer,
who was superior in beauty to all her fellows; she, if one is to look
at the real truth, thus exposing the intemperance of all those who
employed her. And his baker used to knead the dough wearing gloves
on his hands, and a cover on his mouth, to prevent any perspiration
running off his hands, and also to prevent him from breathing on his
cakes while he was kneading them." So that a man might fairly quote to
this wise philosopher the verses of Anaxilas the lyric poet—
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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