Kitap 2
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Were stooping still considering the matter,
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One said a gourd was a round vegetable;
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But others said it was a kind of grass;
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While others class'd it as a sort of tree.
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On hearing this, a certain old physician
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Coming from Sicily interrupted them
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As but a pack of triflers. They were furious,
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Greatly enraged, and all most loudly cried
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With one accord, that he insulted them;
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For that such sudden interruptions
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To philosophical discussion
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Were ill-bred and extremely unbecoming.
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And then the youths thought no more of the gourd.
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But Plato, who was present, mildly said,
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Not being at all excited by what pass'd,
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That the best thing that they could do would be
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The question to resume of the gourd's nature.
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They would not hear him, and adjourn'd the meeting.
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Alexis, that most witty poet, sets an entire course of πρόπομα before those who can understand him—
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I came without perceiving it on a place
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Which was exceedingly convenient.
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Water was given me; and then a servant
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Entered, and bore a table for my use;
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On which was laid, not cheese, or tawny olives,
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Or any dainty side-dishes and nonsense,
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Which fill the room with scent, but have no substance;
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But there was set before me a huge dish
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Redolent of the Seasons and the joyful Hours—
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A sort of hemisphere of the whole globe.
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Everything there was beautiful and good:
