Book 13
11
Now, after this conversation, it seemed good to the philosophers who were present to say something themselves about love and about beauty: and so a great many philosophical sentiments were uttered; among which, some quoted some of the songs of the dramatic philosopher, Euripides,— some of which were these:— Love, who is wisdom's pupil gay, To virtue often leads the way: And this great god Is of all others far the best for man; For with his gentle nod He bids them hope, and banishes all pain. May I be ne'er mixed up with those who scorn To own his power, and live forlorn, Cherishing habits all uncouth. I bid the youth Of my dear country ne'er to flee from Love, But welcome him, and willing subjects prove. It is not known from what play this fragment comes. It is given in the Variorum Edition of Euripides, Inc. Fragm. 165. And some one else quoted from Pindar— Let it be my fate always to love, And to obey Love's will in proper season. And some one else added the following lines from Euripides— But you, O mighty Love, of gods and men The sovereign ruler, either bid what's fair To seem no longer fair; or else bring aid To hapless lovers whom you've caused to love, And aid the labours you yourself have prompted. If you do this, the gods will honour you; But if you keep aloof, you will not even Retain the gratitude which now they feel For having learnt of you the way to love. From the Andromeda.
