Book 5
Banquets Baths Banquets The Banquets described by Homer Banquets The Palaces of Homer's Kings Conversation at Banquets Customs in Homer's Time Attitudes of Guests Feast given by Antiochus Extravagance of Antiochus Ptslemy Philadelphus Procession of Ptolemy Philadelphus A large Ship built by Ptolemy The Ship of Ptolemy Philopator Hiero's Ship Banquet given by Alexander Athenio The Valour of Socrates Plato's account of Socrates Socrates The Gorgons
1
BUT since, O Timocrates, we have now had a great deal of conversation on the subject of banquets in all that has been hitherto said; and since we have passed over those things in them which are most useful and which do not weigh down the soul, but which cheer it, and nourish it by variety of food, as the divine Homer incidentally teaches us, I will also mention what has been said concerning these things by that most excellent writer Masyrius. For we, as the beautiful Agathon says— Do what is more than needful as if needful, And treat our real work as if it were superfluous. The poet accordingly says, when he is speaking of Menelaus— At the fair dome the rapid labour ends,Odyss. iv. 3. Where sat Atrides 'midst his bridal friends, With double vows invoking Hymen's power To bless his son's and daughter's nuptial hour:— as it was a custom to celebrate banquets at marriages, both for the sake of the gods who preside over marriage, and as it were for a testimony to the marriage; and also, the king of Lycia instructs us what sort of banquet ought to be given to foreigners, receiving Bellerophon with great magnificence— There Lycia's monarch paid him honours due,Iliad, vi. 174. Nine days he feasted, and nine bulls he slew.
