7
Yes, said Aesop, that is because you have not yet written a law that slaves Aesop, now received as an equal among people of the highest standing, had been a slave in his earlier years, and does not hesitate to joke about the fact. shall not get drunk, which would be a similar law to fit this case, as at Athens you wrote a law that slaves shall not have any love-affair and shall not rub down like athletes. A reason for the prohibition is given in Plutarch’s Life of Solon, chap. i. (p. 79 A).
7
Solon laughed at this and Cleodorus the physician said, Nevertheless rubbing down dry is similar to talking when soaked with wine in that it is most agreeable.
7
And Chilon, interrupting, said, The more reason then for refraining from it.
7
I could swear, said Aesop, speaking again, that Thales appeared to bid a man to grow old as fast as possible. So as to obtain happiness; Aesop twists Thales’ remark made a few moments before (supra, 152 A).
8
Periander at this burst out laughing, and said, We are fittingly punished, Aesop, for becoming involved in other subjects before introducing all of those from Amasis, to which we gave precedence. I beg, Neiloxenus, that you will look at the rest of the letter and take advantage of the fact that the men are all here together.
