Book 10
58
Plato, in his Phaon, relating how many things happen to women because of wine, says— Come now, ye women, long ago have I Pray'd that this wine may thus become your folly; For you don't think, as the old proverb goes, That there is any wisdom at a vintner's. For if you now desire to see Phaon, You first must all these solemn rites perform. First, as the nurse of youths, I must receive A vigorous cheesecake, and a pregnant mealcake, And sixteen thrushes whole, well smear'd with honey, Twelve hares, all taken when the moon was full; But all the other things may be got cheaply. Now listen. Three half-measures of fine onions; These for Orthanna. For Conisalus And his two mates, a plate of myrtleberries, Pluck'd with the hand: for the great Gods above Dislike the smell of lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for the dogs and huntsmen. A drachma for Lordon; for Cybdasus, Three obols; for the mighty hero Celes, Some hides and incense. Now if you bring These things, you'll certainly obtain admittance; But if you don't, you'll knock in vain, and long In vain to enter, and get nothing by it. And Axionicus says, in his Philinna— Just trust a woman to drink only water.
