16
This then, Nicarchus, is what was said on the subject of food.
17
While Solon was still speaking, Gorgus, Periander’s brother, came in; for it happened that, in consequence of certain oracles, he had been sent to Taenarum, in charge of a sacred mission to offer due sacrifice to Poseidon. After we had greeted him, and Periander had embraced and kissed him, Gorgus sat down beside his brother on the couch, and gave him a report intended apparently for him alone, and he, as he listened, seemed much affected at the story; for he appeared in some ways troubled, in some ways indignant, and oftentimes incredulous, and then again amazed. Finally with a laugh he said to us, In the circumstances I should like to tell the news which I have just heard, but I hesitate, since I heard Thales say once that what is probable one should tell, but what is impossible one should shroud in silence.
17
Thereupon Bias, interrupting, said, But Thales is responsible also for this sage remark, that one should not believe enemies even about things believable, and should believe friends even about things unbelievable; the name enemies he assigned, I think, to the wicked and foolish, and friends to the good and sensible. And so, Gorgus, he continued, it should be told to all, or rather, to compete with those newly invented dithyrambs,Probably a covert reference to Arion as the inventor of the dithyramb (Herodotus, i. 23). there should be heard the stronger notes of the story which your arrival has brought to us.
