Book 13
39
And Machon the comic poet, in his play entitled the Chriæ, speaks thus:— But as Leæna was by nature form'd To give her lovers most exceeding pleasure, And was besides much favour'd by Demetrius, They say that Lamia also gratified The king; and when he praised her grace and quickness, The damsel answer'd: And besides you can, If you do wish, subdue a lioness (λέαιναν.) But Lamia was always very witty and prompt in repartee, as also was Gnathæna, whom we shall mention presently. And again Machon writes thus about Lamia:— Demetrius the king was once displaying Amid his cups a great variety Of kinds of perfumes to his Lamia: Now Lamia was a female flute-player, With whom 'tis always said Demetrius Was very much in love. But when she scoff'd At all his perfumes, and, moreover, treated The monarch with exceeding insolence, He bade a slave bring some cheap unguent, and He rubbed himself with that, and smear'd his fingers, And said, "At least smell this, O Lamia, And see how much this scent does beat all others." She laughingly replied: "But know, O king, That smell does seem to me the worst of all." But, said Demetrius, "I swear, by the gods, That 'tis produced from a right royal nut."
