Kitap 15
The Cottabus Garlands Dyes Perfumes Libations Scolia Parodies Torches.
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E'en should the Phrygian God enrich my tongue With honey'd eloquence, such as erst did fall From Nestor's or Antenor's lips, This is one of the fragments of unknown plays of Euripides. as the all-accomplished Euripides says, my good Timocrates— I never should be able to recapitulate to you the numerous things which were said in those most admirable banquets, on account of the varied nature of the topics introduced, and the novel mode in which they were continually treated. For there were frequent discussions about the order in which the dishes were served up, and about the things which are done after the chief part of the supper is over, such as I can hardly recollect; and some one of the guests quoted the following iambics from The Lacedæmonians of Plato— Now nearly all the men have done their supper; 'Tis well.—Why don't you run and clear the tables But I will go and straight some water get For the guests' hands; and have the floor well swept; And then, when I have offer'd due libations, I'll introduce the cottabus. This girl Ought now to have her flutes all well prepared, Ready to play them. Quick now, slave, and bring Egyptian ointment, extract of lilies too, And sprinkle it around; and I myself Will bring a garland to each guest, and give it; Let some one mix the wine.—Lo! now it's mix'd Put in the frankincense, and say aloud, Now the libation is perform'd. The original text here is very corrupt, and the meaning uncertain. The guests Have deeply drunk already; and the scolium Is sung; the cottabus, that merry sport, Is taken out of doors: a female slave Plays on the flute a cheerful strain, well pleasing To the delighted guest; another strikes The clear triangle, and, with well-tuned voice, Accompanies it with an Ionian song.
