Book 6
44
Machon also mentions Archephon the parasie, and says— There was a parasite named Archephon, Who, having sail'd from Attica to Egypt, Was ask'd by Ptolemy the king to supper. Then many kinds of fish which cling to rocks Were served up, genuine crabs, and dainty limpets; And last of all appear'd a large round dish With three boil'd tench of mighty size, at which The guests all marvell'd; and this Archephon Ate of the char, and mackerel, and mullets, Till he could eat no longer; when he never Had tasted anything before more tender Than sprats and worthless smelts from the Phalerum; But from the tench he carefully abstain'd. And this did seem a most amazing thing, So that the king inquired of Alcenor, Whether the man had overlook'd the tench. The hunchback said; No, quite the contrary, He was the first to see them, Ptolemy, But still he will not touch them, for this fish Is one he holds in awe; and he's afraid And thinks it quite against his country's rules That he, while bringing nothing to the feast, Should dare to eat a fish which has a vote.
