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THE ATHENIAN SOCIETY'S 
 PUBLICATIONS 
 
 III 
 
250 Copies of this work have been privately 
 printed on ordinary paper solely for distribution 
 amongst the Members of the Athenian Society, 
 None of these copies are for sale. 
 
 5 Special Copies have also been privately 
 printed on Japanese Vellum, None of these copies 
 are for sale. 
 
 The Council of the Society pledge themselves 
 never to reprint nor to re-issue in any form» 
 
 This Copy is No, 
 
 ^6 
 
ALCIPHRON 
 
 t LITERALLY AND COMPLETELY TRANSLATED 
 
 I FROM THE GREEK, WITH INTRODUCTION 
 
 \ AND NOTES 
 
 ATHENS: PRIVATELY PRINTED FOR THE 
 ATHENIAN SOCIETY: MDCCCXCVI 
 
A3 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 Alciphron was a Greek sophist, 
 and one of the most eminent of the 
 Greek epistolographers. We have no 
 direct information of any kind respect- 
 ing his life or the age in which he 
 lived. Some assign him to the fifth 
 century a.d. ; others, to the period 
 between Lucian and Aristaenetus 
 (170-350 A.D.) ; while others again 
 are of opinion that he lived before 
 Lucian. The only circumstance that 
 suggests anything in regard to the 
 period at which he lived is the fact 
 that, amongst the letters of Aristae- 
 netus, there are two which passed be- 
 tween Lucian and Alciphron ; and, as 
 Aristaenetus is generally trustworthy. 
 
vi INTRODUCTION 
 
 we may infer that Alciphron was a 
 contemporary of Lucian, which is not 
 incompatible with the opinion, true or 
 false, that he imitated him. 
 
 It cannot be proved that Alci- 
 phron, any more than Aristaenetus, 
 was a real name. It is probable that 
 there was a well-known sophist of 
 that name in the second century a.d., 
 but it does not follow that he wrote 
 the letters. 
 
 The letters, as we have them, are 
 divided into three books. Their ob- 
 ject is to delineate the characters of 
 certain classes of persons by intro- 
 ducing them as expressing their pe- 
 culiar sentiments and opinions upon 
 subjects with which they are familiar. 
 For this purpose Alciphron chose 
 country people, fishermen, parasites, 
 and courtesans. All are made to ex- 
 press themselves in most elegant and 
 graceful language, even where the 
 
INTRODUCTION vii 
 
 subjects are low and obscene. The 
 characters are thus to some extent 
 raised above the ordinary standard, 
 without any great violence being done 
 to the truth of the reality. The form 
 of these letters is very beautiful, and 
 the language in which they are written 
 is the purest Attic. The scene is, 
 with few exceptions, Athens and its 
 neighbourhood; the time, some period 
 after the reign of Alexander the 
 Great, as is clear from the letters of 
 the second book. The New Attic 
 comedy was the chief source from 
 which Alciphron derived his mate- 
 rial, and the letters contain much 
 valuable information in regard to the 
 characters and manners he describes, 
 and the private life of the Athenians. 
 We come across some remarkably 
 modern touches, as the thimble-rigger 
 at the fair and the claqueurs at the 
 theatre. Alciphron perhaps imitated 
 
viU INTRODUCTION 
 
 Lucian in style ; but the spirit in 
 which he treats his subjects is very 
 different, and far more refined. 
 
 In the great majority of cases the 
 names in the headings of the letters, 
 which seem very clumsy in an English 
 dress, are fictitious, and are purposely 
 coined to express some characteristic 
 of the persons between whom they 
 are supposed to pass. 
 
 In the volume of "Lucian" in this 
 series some account has been given 
 of the courtesans of Athens. It will 
 here be interesting to describe briefly 
 another curious class of personages, 
 the parasites — a word which has had 
 a remarkable history. 
 
 Originally, amongst the Greeks, 
 the parasites were persons who held 
 special functions. They had a right, 
 like the priests, to a certain portion 
 of the sacrificial victims, and their 
 particular duty was to look after 
 the storage and keep of the sacred 
 
INTRODUCTION ix 
 
 corn, hence their name. They en- 
 joyed an honourable position, and 
 the Athenians resigned to them even 
 the management of the temples, which 
 gave them rank next to the priests. 
 
 Soon, after the example of Apollo, 
 the richest citizens looked out for 
 witty table - companions, to amuse 
 them with jests, and flatter them in 
 proportion to their importance and 
 liberality. By degrees, however, these 
 parasites, lending themselves to ridi- 
 cule, fell into discredit and contempt. 
 The name, diverted from its etymo- 
 logical signification, was applied to 
 every haunter of the tables of the 
 rich, to every sponger for a free meal, 
 to every shameless flatterer who, in 
 order to satisfy the needs of his 
 stomach, consented to divert the 
 company and patiently endure the 
 insults which it pleased the master of 
 the house to heap upon him. 
 
 At first this was by no means 
 
X INTRODUCTION 
 
 the case with all parasites. Gaiety, 
 audacity, liveliness, good humour, a 
 knowledge of the culinary art, and 
 sometimes even a certain amount 
 of independence lent an additional 
 charm to the members of the pro- 
 fession. One of the most famous of 
 parasites was Philoxenus of Leucas, 
 of whom we read in Athenaeus. It 
 was his practice, whether at home or 
 abroad, after he had been to the bath, 
 to go round the houses of the prin- 
 cipal citizens, followed by boys carry- 
 ing in a basket oil, vinegar, fish-sauce, 
 and other condiments. After he had 
 made his choice, Philoxenus, who was 
 a great gourmand, entered without 
 ceremony, took his seat at table, and 
 did honour to the repast before him. 
 One day, at Ephesus, finding that 
 there was nothing left in the market, 
 he asked the reason. Being told 
 that everything had been bought up 
 
INTRODUCTION xi 
 
 for a wedding festival, he washed 
 and dressed himself, and deliberately 
 walked to the house of the bride- 
 groom, by whom he was well re- 
 ceived. He took his seat at table, 
 ate, drank, sang an epithalamium or 
 marriage - song, and delighted the 
 guests. ** I hope you will dine here 
 to-morrow," said the host. '^ Yes," 
 answered Philoxenus, ** if you lay 
 violent hands upon the market as you 
 have done to-day." ** I wish I had 
 a crane's neck," he sometimes ex- 
 claimed; ''then I should be able to 
 relish the flavour of the food for a 
 longer time." Dionysius, the tyrant 
 of Syracuse, who knew that he was 
 very fond of fish, invited him to 
 dinner, and, while an enormous mullet 
 was set before himself, sent his guest 
 a very small one. Without being in 
 the least disconcerted, Philoxenus took 
 up the small fry, pretended to speak 
 
xii 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 to it, and put it close to his ear, as 
 if to hear its reply. ^*Well," said 
 Dionysius, somewhat annoyed, ''what 
 is the matter?" "I was asking him 
 certain information about the sea 
 which interests me ; but he has been 
 caught too young: this is his excuse 
 for having nothing to tell me. The 
 fish in front of you, on the contrary, 
 is old enough to satisfy my curiosity." 
 Dionysius, pleased with the rejoinder, 
 sent on to him his own fish. To per- 
 petuate his memory, Philoxenus com- 
 posed a '* Manual of Gastronomy," 
 which was held in great repute. 
 
 Philoxenus, it must be admitted, 
 was a very favourable specimen of his 
 class. As a rule the parasites were 
 among the most abject and worthless 
 of men. '* Selected for their profli- 
 gacy, their impudence, or their wit, 
 they were admitted to the tables of 
 the wealthy, to promote licentious 
 
INTRODUCTION xiii 
 
 mirth. This being the case, it does 
 not seem at all unnatural that we 
 should at the same time find them 
 the friends and companions of the 
 courtesans. Such characters could 
 not but be mutually necessary to each 
 other. The courtesan solicited the 
 acquaintance of the parasite, that 
 she might the more easily obtain 
 and carry on intrigues with the rich 
 and dissipated. The parasite was 
 assiduous in his attention to the 
 courtesan, as procuring through her 
 means more easy access to his 
 patrons, and was probably rewarded 
 by them both, for the gratification 
 which he obtained of the vices of the 
 one and the avarice of the other." 
 
 The name parasite first assumed 
 a dishonourable signification in the 
 works of the writers of the Middle 
 and New Comedy. The first who so 
 used it is said to have been Alexis. 
 
xiv INTRODUCTION 
 
 In the later comedians they are stock 
 characters, whose chief object was 
 to get a dinner without paying for 
 it. They are divided into different 
 classes. There were the yeXwroTroioly 
 or jesters, who, in order to secure an 
 invitation, not only endeavoured to 
 amuse, but endured the grossest in- 
 sults and personal ill-treatment (cf. 
 Book III., Letters 6, 7, 49). They 
 had notebooks, in which they kept a 
 collection of jokes ready for use. The 
 K6\aK€9y or flatterers, endeavoured to 
 get invitations by playing upon the 
 vanity of their prospective patrons. 
 The QepairevTLKoi, or ** officious " para- 
 sites, tried to curry favour by ser- 
 vices of the lowest and most de- 
 grading character, which are detailed 
 in the sixth book of Athenaeus. 
 They haunted the markets, wrestling- 
 schools, baths, and other public places 
 in search of patrons. 
 
INTRODUCTION xv 
 
 The Romans also had their para- 
 sites. As the stern rigour of the Re- 
 pubHc relaxed and degenerated into 
 the splendour and dissipation of a 
 despotic government, the Roman 
 parasites became less respectable and 
 more profligate. But it does not 
 appear that in the most licentious 
 ages of the Empire they ever equalled 
 in meanness or in vice those worth- 
 less characters described in such lively 
 colours by Athenaeus, Alciphron, and 
 the comic poets of Greece. Frequent 
 allusions to them are found in Horace, 
 Juvenal, Plautus, and particularly in 
 Terence. 
 
 The latinized forms of the names 
 of Greek gods and goddesses (such as 
 Jupiter for Zeus) have been preserved 
 in the translation as being more 
 familiar, although, strictly speaking, 
 they cannot be regarded as correct. 
 
V 
 
 THE LETTERS 
 
 OF 
 
 ALCIPHRON 
 
AAKI^PONOS 
 
 PHT0P02 
 
 EniETOAAI. 
 
 LIBER PRIMUS 
 
 I. 
 
 ^ptja-Trjv rifxiv tj OaXacrcra TOTrffxepov elvai 
 Ttjv yakrivriv ecrTopecrev. 'Q? yap Tplnrtjp 
 
 Kara tov ireKayovq eireirveov e/c rm ctKpct)- 
 Tfjpicov ol fiopeig, koi eTre^piKei fxev ttovto^ 
 lixeXaivojULevog, tov vSarog Se acppog i^rjvOrJKei, 
 iravraxov TfJ9 OoXaarcrr)^ eTraWrjXoov eTrz/cXwyue- 
 I'cov Tcov Kv/uLarcov, ra jmev yap rah Trerpaig 
 TrpocnjpacrcreTO, ra Se e'lcrco avoiSovvra efipriy- 
 vuTO, aepyla 'TravreXyjg rjv Ka\ ra eiri rai^ ^locri 
 KaTa\a/36vT€9 KaXv/Sia, oXiya ^vXta-a/uiepoi 
 KOjjLfxaria, ocra ol vavTrrjyoi Trpwrjv €k tcov 
 
THE 
 
 LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 EuDius TO Philoscaphus. 
 
 Happily for us, the sea to-day is 
 smooth and calm again. The storm 
 lasted for three days : the north winds 
 blew violently from the headlands to- 
 wards the open ; the blackening sea grew 
 rough, the waters were white with foam ; 
 the billows everywhere broke over each 
 other, some dashing against the rocks, 
 while others swelled and burst. It was 
 utterly impossible to work : we betook 
 ourselves to the huts on the bank, col- 
 lected a few fragments of wood, the 
 remains of the oaks which had been 
 
AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE 
 
 SpVCdVy aj €^6Te/J.0V, CLTreXlTTOU, €K TOVTCOP TTVp 
 
 ava\[ravTe9 to iriKpov tov Kpv/uLov TrapejuLvOov- 
 jULcOa. TerapTfj Se avrrj eTriXafiovcra ^jmag 
 oKicvovig m oljuiai ^jmepa, ecm yap tovto 
 T(p KaOapw T^9 aWpiag reKjuLaipecrOaL, ttAou- 
 Tov aOpoop ayaOwv cSei^ev. 'Qg yap co(p6t] 
 juLCP 6 7J\i09, Trpwrrj Se aKrh eig to ireXayog 
 CLTTea-TiX^e, to Trpcotjv vecoXKrjOev UKatplSiov 
 CTTTOvSii KaTe<Tvpafxev elr evOe/mevoi to, SiKTva 
 €pywv ciXpfxeOa. MiKpov Se airtaOev rri<s ctKrfjg 
 XoXaa-avreg, <l>ev t^? evoyp-iag, ocrov IxOvwv 
 e^eiKKvcraiJ.ev' fxiKpov Ka] tou? (peWov^ eSetja-e 
 Karaarvpai v^aXov to Slktvov e^wyKco/uLevov. 
 I£iv6vg ovv oyfriJovaL TrXtjcrlov, Kal virep avTwv 
 Kara^aXovreg apyvpLov, Tct? aa-iXXa^ eirw- 
 /ULiovg aveXojULevoi, Kal Tag eKarepcoOev (TirvpiSag 
 e^apTrfcravTeg, acTTvS^ ck ^aXijpwv ^Treiyovro. 
 HacTf ^e TOVTOig jjpKecraiuLev ijimeig' Ka\ irpog 
 TOVTOig aTTtjpeyKajmeOa ya/meraig Kal TraiSioig 
 oyKov ovK oXlyov exeiv tmv XeirTOjuiepcoi/ 
 ixOvMVy OVK eig juLiap, aXX el x^^l^^^ eTriXd- 
 /3oiTOi Ka] eig TrXelovg ^/mepag e/ULipopijaaL 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 2 
 
 felled by the ships' carpenters, and 
 lighted a fire to relieve the piercing 
 cold. At last the fourth day came, a 
 truly halcyon day, as we may conclude 
 from the clearness of the air, and brought 
 us wealth and fortune in abundance. For, 
 as soon as the sun rose, and its first 
 beams glittered on the sea, we quickly 
 launched our little bark, which had lately 
 been drawn up on land, and, putting 
 our nets aboard, set to work. We cast 
 them not far from land. Ha ! what an 
 enormous haul we made ! The heavily- 
 laden net, carried under water, almost 
 dragged down the corks with it. Imme- 
 diately the fish salesmen gathered round, 
 with their yokes over their shoulders, from 
 which hung baskets on either side ; and, 
 having purchased our fish for money 
 down, hastened from Phalerum to the city. 
 We had enough to satisfy them all, and 
 besides, took back to our wives and chil- 
 dren a quantity of small fry, enough to 
 keep them not only for one, but for several 
 days, if bad weather should come on. 
 
AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 II. 
 
 T aXiJV 6 £ K.V pTODV I 
 
 M.aTrju rnuLiv iravra Troveirai, cb J^vprcou, Si 
 ^juLepa^ jULev viro r^? e^Xtjg (pXeyo/uLevoi^, vvk- 
 Twp Se VTTo Xa/ULTrao'L top /3v06v airo^voviTL. 
 Kai TO XeyoiJievov Srj tovto ei? tov twv 
 Aava'tScov Tovg a/JLcfiopeaq eKXeofxev tt'lOov 
 ovTcog OLTTpaKTa Km avrivvTa /ui.oxOovfjL€v. 
 'HjULiv juL€V yap ovSe ciKaXi^cprjg ecrrh rj ttcXco- 
 plSog €iuL7rXrj(raL rrjv yaa-repa' 6 Sea-TroTtjg Se 
 crvXXeyei Koi tov^ ixOvag icai tu Kepfxara. 
 OvK airoxpv Se avTco TOcravTa exeiv irap 
 ^jmm, 6 Se SiepevvaTai kol to orKa^lSiop cru- 
 vex^ioS' Kat irpwrjv, ot €k M.ovvvxlci9 eVe/xi/ra- 
 fiev avTM KojuiiouvTa to o\lrcoviov ^p/mcova 
 tovtovI top jmeLpaKia-KOP, criroyyovg ij/mlp eire- 
 TaTTe Kai ra e/c Trj^ 6aXa(T(rtj^ epia d (j^veTai 
 eirieiKwg ep l^vpupo/mt]^ Xl/ulpi}} ''Q? S^ 6 
 fjLep ouTTO) TavTtt Trpocra-n-iiTei, Kai 6 '^pfAOOP 
 
 1 Locus corruptus. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 
 
 II. 
 
 Galenus to Cyrton. 
 
 All our labour is in vain, Cyrton ! 
 By day we are scorched by the heat of 
 the sun, by night we explore the deep 
 by the light of torches, and yet, in the 
 words of the proverb, we are pouring 
 the contents of our pitchers into the 
 cask of the Danaides — so idle and useless 
 are our efforts ! We have not even sea 
 nettles or Pelorian mussels to fill our 
 belly; but the master collects both the fish 
 and the money. But all that he gets from 
 us is not enough for him : he is con- 
 tinually searching our little bark. Only 
 lately, when we sent the lad Hermon to 
 him from Munychia with the fish, he 
 ordered us to bring him some sponges 
 and sea-wool, which grows in fairly large 
 quantities in the pool of Eurynome. Be- 
 fore he had finished giving these orders, 
 
AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS 
 
 a^ef? TO <j)opTiov avroig ixOvcriv, a^ef? Se 
 Kai rj^ag avTW tm a-KacjieL, cpxero iwl Xe/uLJSov 
 KWTrr/poug, FoSioig Ticrl /SaXavcmoupyoh ava- 
 ^ixOelg. Kal 6 imev Sea-Trortjg oiKeT>]Py runelg 
 Se (Tvvepyov ayaOov €7rev6r}(TaiJ.ev. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 4 
 
 Hermon left his load of fishes, the boat, 
 and ourselves, and went off on a rowing- 
 boat, with some Rhodian dyers whose 
 acquaintance he had made. Thus the 
 master has to mourn the loss of a slave ; 
 we, that of a true companion. 
 
AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 III. 
 
 rx 
 
 ai/Aco? 
 
 Ta\ 
 
 areia. 
 
 j^P*j(Tt6v rj yrj Kai rj /3w\o^ clklvSwov. Ov 
 fxaTijv yovv aveicriScopav ravrrjv ovojma^ouariv 
 ^ A6t]vaiOL avielcrav Swpa, Sl &v €<ttl ^v Kat 
 (Tu>^e(rOai. ^aXeirov r] OaXaTTa Kai rj vau- 
 TtXla pfilroKLvSvvov. OpOoog eyu) tovto Kpivu) 
 Trelpa Koi SLSaarKoXla jmaOwv. II ore yap 
 oyfrov airoSoaOai ^ov\r]6ei9 tjKOvaa evog tcov 
 €v rfi TLoiklXu Siarpi^ovTwv avvTroSrJTOu koi 
 €vep6xp(*>Tog (ttlxlSlov aTro^OeyyojULevov, Ttjv 
 airovoiav twv ttXcoptcov exfo-rJ^oi/TO?, eXeye 
 Se ^Aparov Tivog ehai crofpov ra /merecopa- 
 KOL ?!/ o(rov airofj.vriij.ovevG-avTa ovx oXov 
 elirelv ^oS€ eiptj/ULevov' 'OAITON AE' AIA 
 SY'AON 'AI'-A' 'EPY'KEL T/ oh, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 
 
 III. 
 
 Glaucus to Galatea. 
 
 Happy is he who lives on land! Hus- 
 bandry involves no danger. With good 
 reason, then, do the Athenians name it 
 Aneisidora, because it bestows gifts, 
 whereby we live and enjoy health. The 
 sea is cruel, and a sailor's life is full of 
 perils. My judgment is right : I have 
 learnt this by experience and instruction. 
 I remember that, once, when I wanted to 
 sell some fish, I heard one of those 
 fellows who hang about the Painted 
 Porch, a bare -footed wretch with livid 
 features, reciting verses and declaiming 
 against the folly of sailors. He said that 
 the verses were written by a certain 
 Aratus, an astronomer. I cannot repeat 
 all that he said ; but, as far as I remem- 
 ber, one of the verses ran as follows : 
 A thin partition keeps off destruction. 
 
AAKri»PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 yvvai, ov craxppovovjuLei/, koi d^/re tov Kaipov 
 (fyeuyojULev Tr]v irpog tov Oavarov yeirvlaa-Lv, 
 Koi Tavra cttI TraiSloi^ ^covreg' oT? ei koi 
 jULrjSev yueya irapix^iv Si axpVl^f^'TLav exo/meu, 
 TaSe irape^oiJLev Kai xapLovfjieOa, to ret? TpiKu- 
 HJiLag Kat Tovg €K jSvOou KivSvvoug aypofjcraiy 
 yecopyla Se <ruvTpa<l)fivai, kol tov acrtpaXfj 
 Kai aSea /3lov aa-TracracrOai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 6 
 
 Why, then, wife, should we not be wise, 
 and, even though it be late, avoid a life 
 that is so near to death ? We have chil- 
 dren ; and, although our poverty prevents 
 us from leaving them anything con- 
 siderable, we shall at least be able 
 to leave them in blessed ignorance of 
 the stormy waves and the dangers of 
 the deep. They will be brought up to 
 an agricultural life, and will enjoy a life 
 of security, untroubled by alarm. 
 
AAKI#PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 IV. 
 
 KuyUW^O? T p ITWV iSl. 
 
 "Oo-oi/ tj OoXarra rm y^? SiaWdrrei, 
 TOCOVTOV KOL ^/JLCig ol TavTrjg epyarai tcov 
 Kara TroXeig rj Kcofiag oIkovvtwv Sia(l)€pojuL€v. 
 01 iuL€v yap rj /mepovreg eia-oo ttvXoov ra SrjjULo- 
 TLKa SiairpaTTOva-iv i] yecopyia irpocrave- 
 XOVTCS Tfjv €K T^g ficoXov TTpog SiaTpo^rjv 
 avajj-ivovariv eiriKapirlav ^juliv Se, otg 6 ^tog 
 ev vSacri, Oavarog rj yfj, KaOairep roig ixOvcriv 
 riKia-Ta SwajuLevoLg avairvelv tov aepa. T/ St] 
 ovv TraOovcra, c5 yvvai, rrjv aKT^jv cnroXnrovcra 
 KOI Ta v^jULara tov Xivov, acrrvSe Oajui^eigy 
 ^Qa'XO(p6pioL KOI Ar/vaia Taig irXovcrlaig 'A^iy- 
 vaiwv (TvveopTa^ovcra ; Ovk ecrri tovto ario- 
 tppoveiv, ovSe ay aOa Siavoeia-Qar ovx ovtio 
 Se are 6 Trarfjp €k Ttjg Aiylvrjg, ov rexOtjval 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 
 
 IV. 
 
 Cymothus to Tritonis. 
 
 There is as much difference between 
 us, toilers on the sea, and those who Hve 
 in cities and villages, as there is between 
 sea and land. They either remain within 
 the gates and occupy themselves with 
 public affairs, or, devoting themselves to 
 agriculture, wait quietly for the crops that 
 are their support ; but we, whose life is 
 spent upon the water, find land death 
 to us, even as the fishes, who are unable 
 to breathe the air. Whatever, then, is 
 the matter with you, my dear Tritonis, 
 that you leave the shore and your yarn, 
 and are constantly running into the city, 
 visiting the Oschophoria and Lenaea in 
 the company of wealthy Athenian ladies ? 
 This shows a want of prudence and 
 modesty. It was not for this purpose 
 that your father brought you up in 
 
8 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 ere Koi. Tpa<f)fjvai (rvve^yi, /mveia-Oai vir ejuLoi 
 yajuio) irapeSwKev. Et Triv irokiv acnra^ri, 
 Xar^e Kai aTriOr el Se Ta e/c 0aXaTT>j9 ayaTrag, 
 eTrapiOi, eig top avSpa, to Xwoi^ eXojmevr]. 
 Kridrj 84 croi ecTTCO jiiaKpa tcov kut olcttv 
 TovTODP airaTrjXwv Oea/maTwv. 
 
 1 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 8 
 
 Aegina and gave you to me in marriage. 
 If you are so fond of the city, farewell ; 
 go ; but, if you love the sea, return to 
 your husband; that is the best thing 
 you can do ; but forget for ever these 
 delusive city spectacles. 
 
AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE 
 
 Nai/)8aT»79 'Po^/w. 
 
 Oief juiovog irXovTetv, oti roug Trap ejuol 
 OrjrevovTag SeXca^cov ayeig w<s ceavTov irepi- 
 ovcrla juLLcrOcojuLaTwv, koi eiKOTcog. ^ol /jlcv 
 yap 6 ^oXog ijveyKe irpcorjv xpycrov KojuL/uLara 
 AapeiKov T^g eiri XaXa/ULiPi vav/maxtag 'itrcog 
 Xelyfrava, KaTaSvcrrig oi/uLat vrjog liepcriKfjg 
 avTOig avSpacTL Ka\ avTolg xprajLacnv, ore 
 67r\ Toov irpoyovodv tcou rjjmeTepcov 6 Qejuii- 
 (TTOKXrjg 6 Tov Neo/fXeoy? tjparo to fxeya 
 Kara twv M.^Scov Tpoiraiov eyoj ^e ayairw 
 Trjv TOdv avayKalwv eviroplav €k rrjg KaOrj- 
 ixepivrjg epyacrlag rm x^^P^^ Tropi^ojuepog. 
 'AXX' el TrXovreig, avv SiKaiw TrXovrer 
 yivecrOw Se croi 6 TrXovrog /mij KaKiag aXXa 
 KaXoKayaOlag virrjpeTrig. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 9 
 
 V. 
 
 Naubates to Rhodius. 
 
 You flatter yourself that you alone 
 are wealthy, because you are able to 
 entice my sailors with the offer of a 
 higher salary. And no wonder ; for only 
 recently a lucky cast brought you in a 
 quantity of golden darics, probably a relic 
 of the battle of Salamis. Perhaps a 
 Persian ship went to the bottom there 
 with the crew and all the treasures on 
 board, at the time when Themistocles, 
 son of Neocles, in the days of our fore- 
 fathers, set up his great trophy in honour 
 of his victory over the Medes. I, for my 
 part, am content if I can procure the 
 necessaries of life, by the daily work of 
 my hands. If you are wealthy, do not 
 forget what is just : let your wealth be 
 to you an assistance in performing, 
 not unjust, but good and generous 
 actions. 
 
10 
 
 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 VI. 
 
 Uav OTT tj EuOvySoXft). 
 
 Hyayoy jme, c5 l^vOv^oXe 
 
 ovSt 
 
 Tcov ucrr/iuLwv, 
 
 IUL€vr]v yuvaiKaf ovoe fjnav tcov ucrr/iuLwv, aX\* 
 €^ ayaOov fxev Trarpog, ayaOfjg Se jjujrpog 
 yeyovvlav, XwcrOevtjg 6 ^Tcipievg yv /noi 
 Trarrjpy koi AajULO(pl\r) jmyTrjp, ol /ulc ey- 
 yvtjrrjv cTriKXfjpov eirl TralScou aporw yvt]- 
 arlcov a'uvfj\l/'av aoi yaiuM. ^v Se paSiog 
 wv TO) 6<p6a\iULco, Kcu irpog iraa'av ^Sovijv 
 
 CKppoSiariMV K€XV/iJL€V09, CiTLIMacrag €/Ji6 Kal 
 
 TO. Koiva TraiSia, TaXypijv koi QaXacraricova, 
 epag Trjg '^pjuLiovlriSog ijl€tolkov, rjv ew). kukw 
 Tcop epwvTMv 6 Yleipmevg eSe^aro. Kw- 
 jULa^ovcri yap eig avrtjv rj tt/oo? 6a\a(rarav 
 peoiXala, Kai aWog aXXo Swpov aTro^eper 
 r/ Se €i(rSex€Tai Kat avaXoi ^apv/3Sem SiKrjp. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON lo 
 
 VI. 
 
 Panope to Euthybolus. 
 
 When you married me, Euthybolus, 
 you did not marry an outcast or one of 
 the common herd, but the daughter of 
 respectable parents. Sosthenes of Stiria 
 was my father : Damophile, my mother. 
 I was their sole heiress ; and they con- 
 sented to our union, in the hope of our 
 having lawful children. But, notwith- 
 standing, you are ever casting amorous 
 glances upon the women, and are ad- 
 dicted to every kind of wanton pleasure : 
 you neglect me and our children, Galene 
 and Thalassion : you are enamoured of 
 the strange woman from Hermione, who 
 has arrived in Piraeus, to the misfortune 
 of husbands and wives. The young 
 fishermen of the coast hold orgies at her 
 house : each gives her different presents ; 
 and she accepts and swallows all, like 
 
II 
 
 AKI^PONOZ PHT0P02 
 
 Su ^e virep^aivcov ra? aKievTiKa^ Scopotpopla^, 
 imaii/iSas fJ^^v ?f TpiyXa^ oure ^epeig, oure 
 OeXcL^ SiSovar oXX w? a^rjXiKecTTepo^ koI 
 yuvaiKl iraXaL (tvvwv Km TraiSlooi/ ov /maXa 
 vrjirlcov 7raTf}p, 7rapayK(iovl<racrOat tov£ avre- 
 pacrrag ^ovXofjievog, K€Kpv<paXovg M.iXri(TLovg, 
 
 KOI ^IKcXlKOV IfXaTLOV, KCU Elf aVTlp XP^^^^^ 
 
 eiarTrefJLTreig. *H ouv ireTravcTO r^? ayepwxiGL^ 
 KCU Tou Xayvo^ elvai Koi OrjXvjUiavtjg airocrxov, 
 rj 'la-Oi lULe irapa tov it are pa oixwofJieptjv, 
 o? ovS^ e/iie 7r€pi6\lr€Tai, koi ere ypa^erm 
 irapa tols SiKacrTals KaKoxrews. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON ii 
 
 Charybdis. But you, more lavish than 
 a fisherman can afford to be, are not 
 satisfied with giving her sprats or 
 mullets : although you are getting old, 
 have been married a long time, and 
 are the father of grown-up children, in 
 your desire to oust your rivals, you send 
 her Milesian hair-nets, Sicilian dresses, 
 and even gold. Either give up this 
 insulting conduct, your debauchery, and 
 your madness for women, or I tell you 
 plainly that I will go back to my father, 
 who will know how to protect me and 
 will summon you before the court for 
 your cruel behaviour towards me. 
 
 ^■x 
 
AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 VII. t 
 
 OaXacrcTfo? Hovt lo). 
 
 'E7r€yu\/ya croi \fnjrTav Kot (ravSaXioP Kot 
 K€<TTpea Kai KrjpVKa^ irevTe Km TpiuKOvra' 
 arv Se /uloi tmp epCT/mcov Sua TrejULyfrov, eireiSri 
 Ta/iia Karedyero. 'AvTiSoorig yap ^ irapa 
 <f)L\wv ets* <I>l\ov^' 6 yap Trpox^^pM? Kal 
 uapcraXeo)^ aiTwv, evStjXo^ ecrTiv wg airavTa 
 KOLva Ta irpog rovg (JytAoug Kai ra twv 
 ^lKoov ex€iv ^yovjuLcvog. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 12 
 
 VII. 
 
 Thalassius to Pontius. 
 
 I SEND you a plaice, a sole, a mullet, 
 and three dozen purple-fish: send me two 
 oars for them, for mine are broken. The 
 presents one friend makes to another are 
 simple exchanges. He who asks for a 
 thing boldly and without ceremony 
 thereby declares that he considers the 
 possessions of friends are common, and 
 that he has a right to share what be- 
 longs to his friends. 
 
AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 VIIL 
 
 ^v K o\u /UL p 09 T\av Krj. 
 
 01 rrjv yucojuit]}/ aiuL(pL/3o\oL rrjv irapa twv 
 evvoovvTcov Kpicnv cKSexovTai. Kayw tu 
 TToXXa Taig aupai^ SLaXaXrjcrag (ovSe yap 
 ovSev irpog ere eOa^povv, c3 yvvm), vvv e^a- 
 yopevco, Koi. Seo/mai to Xwov euprj/aevtjv arvjUL- 
 ^ovXevcrai. "Akovc Se wg ex^i, koi irpog 
 OTL (T€ Sel Ttjv yvcojULijv e^eveyKelv. Ta rume- 
 T€pa, cog olcrOa, iravreXwg ea-Tiv air o pa, Ka\ 
 plog KO/ULiSiJ (rrevog- Tpe<peL yap ovSev rj 
 OaXacra-a. 'O Xejui/Sog ovv ovrog, ov opag, 6 
 KOOTT^pijg, TOig TToXXoig ipeTaig KanipTv- 
 /Jievog, K.ot)pvKi6v tl (rKa<f)og, Xi](TTal Se 
 OaXao'arrjg to ev avT(p orvarTri/ULa. Ovtol /me 
 KOivcovov eOeXovai Xa^eiv tov ToXjULrj/uiaTog, 
 iropovg CK iropwv ev/neyeOeig vTricrx^ovjULevoi. 
 Upog imev ovv tov xP^^oi/, ov eirayyeXXovTai, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 13 
 
 VIII. 
 
 EUCOLYMBUS TO GlAUCE. 
 
 Those who are undecided in their 
 minds wait for some kind friend to advise 
 them. So I, who have often addressed 
 myself to the winds — since I never had 
 the courage to consult you, my dear 
 wife — have now decided to speak out, 
 and beg you to assist me with your 
 advice, if you have anything better to 
 suggest. Listen now to the state of 
 things as to which I want your opinion. 
 My affairs are, as you know, in a very 
 embarrassed condition, and I find it very 
 hard to get a living, for there are hardly 
 any fish in the sea. This rowing-boat 
 which you see, with its numerous crew, 
 is a Corycian bark manned by pirates. 
 They want me to become a partner in 
 their venture, and promise me vast wealth. 
 I confess that my mouth waters for the 
 
14 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 Kai rrjv eaS^Ta Kexw^^' CLvSpofpovo^ Se ovx 
 VTro/mevct) yevea-Oai, ovSe jULiavai XvOpio rcc? 
 X^ipag, a? ^ OaXaTTa e/c iraiSog eig Sevpo 
 KaOapag aSiKfj/uLUTcoi/ iipvXa^e' imeveip Se irevia 
 (Tv^wvTa xaXeirov kol ov (jyoprfTOv. Tovtcov 
 (TV rrju alpecriv TaXavreve- ottov yap dv 
 P^V^) w yvpai, dira^, CKet ere ciKoXouOrja-oy 
 airoKOTTTeiv yap eicoOe yv(io/uLi]g rj twv (piXwv 
 a-ujUL/BovXrj TO aiuL(pL^oXov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 14 
 
 gold and garments which they hold out 
 to me as an inducement ; but I have not 
 the heart to become a murderer and stain 
 with gore these hands of mine, which the 
 sea has kept pure from evil-doing, from 
 my childhood to the present day ; and 
 yet, on the other hand, it is hard and 
 unendurable to live in continual poverty. 
 The decision of my choice lies in your 
 hands : to whatever course you are favour- 
 ably inclined, I will follow you, dear wife ; 
 for the advice which friends give us often 
 cuts the knot of indecision. 
 
15 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 IX. 
 
 AlyiaXevg Xt p ov6 iwv i . 
 
 f » 
 
 BaXX eg fxaKapiav cog evavTioog tj/mip, Kai 
 Kara t*]V irapoi^lav cttI to, MavSpa/BovXou 
 Xoopei ra irpayjULara. To juih yap cttI Xex- 
 Twv KepiuLaroov aTroSlSoarOai Ka\ wveiarOai ra 
 eiriTYiSeLa, Xi/uirjpav ^epei Trju Trapa/uivOiav. 
 "Qpa ouu (T€ orvjuLTTpaTTOVTa ^fJLiv, w Hrpov- 
 OlooVj Tr}v Trap rjjjiwv e^ wv av ^ OaXaTTa 
 TTopl^r] Trapa/ULvOlau cKSexecrOai. ^ovXo/uLai 
 Se Trpog eva twv XaKKOirXovroov Sia crov 
 TTpo^evov t] irpog 'E/oao-f/cXea top X^^ttiov, 
 rj TTpog ^iXoarTparov top XoXa/)yea oiKelcog 
 ex^iv, w? avTog eiri (pepveicov KO/ul^eiv avTw 
 Tovg ixOvag' iravTcog yap Trpog th Kara- 
 PoXfj Tapyvpiov ea-rai Trap avrw ng Sia 
 crov TrapajuLvOLa ?/ Aiovvaloov j^ ^ ATrarovplcov 
 TeXovjULCPoov. K.ai aXXwg €k Tfjg TriKpag twv 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 15 
 
 IX. 
 
 Aegialeus to Struthion. 
 
 Confound it, how unlucky I am ! 
 All my affairs go wrong, and, as the 
 proverb says, after the fashion of Man- 
 drabulus. It is a sorry comfort to be 
 always buying and selling the necessaries 
 of Hfe for worthless bits of money! It 
 is time for you to help me, Struthion ; 
 you shall share the fruits of my labours 
 on the sea. I want, through your recom- 
 mendation, to get on familiar terms with 
 one or two of our city millionaires, such as 
 Erasicles of Sphettus or Philostratus of 
 Cholargus, that I may take my baskets 
 of fish to them in person. By this 
 means, in addition to the price of the 
 fish, I hope through your interest to get 
 some trifle at their house on the day of 
 the festival of Dionysia or Apaturia. Be- 
 sides this, they will save us from the 
 
i6 AAKI<I»P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 ayopavo/ULCDv e^eXovvrai ^julcl^ X'^^P^^^ ^'^ Kade- 
 KacTTriv ein t<w cr^eTepw KepSei eig Tovg 
 aTrpdy/uLOvag ejuL<popov(Tiv v/Speig. HoWov Se 
 SvvacrOaL rovg irapaa-iTOvg v/mag irapa roig 
 V€Oig Koi irXovarloig ov \6y09 oX\ epyov 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i6 
 
 cruel hands of the market - inspectors, 
 who, for their own profit, daily heap 
 insults upon the inoffensive. Not only 
 report, but also experience proves that 
 you parasites have great influence with 
 the young and wealthy. 
 
17 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 X. 
 KecpaXog Ilopr lm. 
 
 Trjv fiev OdXarrav, m opag, (fypiKij Kare- 
 X€i, Kol Tov ovpavov vTTO^e/SrjKev ax^v?, ^ai 
 iravTa iravraxoQev cruvvecpeXa, Kot oi ape/uLOi 
 Tpog aXXr'iXovg apaarcrojuievoi ocrov outtcd kv- 
 KYjcreLv TO TreXayof eirayyeWovTaL. 'AXXa 
 KOL ol Se\(plv€<s avaoTKipToovTeg koi rrj^ OaXar- 
 Tfj<s avotSoviuL€vr]g \eiwg €<paX\6jUL€V0iy x^^l^^^^ 
 Koi Tapaxov eiriovTa (jLtivvovci. Tavpov Se 
 (f>aariv eTTiToXrjp /car ovpavov ol tu /merewpa 
 Seivol Tavvv earavai. JloWaKig ovv arco^ov- 
 Tai vir acr^aXeiag ol Trpo/uLriOovjuevoi <pu\a^- 
 aa-Oai tov kivSvvov eia-l Se ol irapaSovTcg 
 eavTOvg dira^ tw TreXayei vtt aimrjxavlag 
 Tij T\>Xd 'TOV'S o'laKag eTriTpeTTOvari (pipecrQai. 
 "OSev CLKOvojUiev Tovg fiev kutq to MaXea? 
 aKpwTYipLOv, Tovg Se /cara tov ^ikcXikov 
 iropdfJLOVy aXXovg Se eig to Avkiukov ireXa- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 17 
 
 X. 
 
 Cephalus to Pontius. 
 
 The surface of the ocean, as you see, 
 is already rough ; a thick mist has over- 
 spread the heavens ; the sky is everywhere 
 covered with clouds. The winds, driven 
 together, threaten every moment to disturb 
 the sea. The dolphins, leaping lightly 
 over the swelling waves, herald the ap- 
 proach of stormy weather : those who are 
 skilled in astronomy say that Taurus is 
 rising in the heavens. Those who take 
 due precautions against dangers for the 
 most part come off uninjured ; but there 
 are others who, from despair, abandon 
 themselves to the waves of their own 
 free will, and leave the guidance of the 
 helm to chance. Hence we hear that 
 some are carried along by the current to 
 the promontory of Malea, and others to the 
 Sicilian strait or the Lycian Sea, dashed 
 
 3—2 
 
1 8 AAKI#PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 yog pvjULu (pepofxevovg cTroKeWeiv rj Kara- 
 SvecrOai. "E(7T£ 6e ovSev tovtcov Trpog 
 Xci/moova Ka). klvSvvov 6 IK^acprjpevg CTrieiKe- 
 (TTepog. ^AvajmelvavTeg ovv airoXfj^at to 
 kXvSwviov Ka iKaOapa valOpiav yevecrOai, irepi- 
 vocTTrjcroiuLev «XP^ '^'^^^ aurov tov ^a(prjpeot)g 
 Twv aKTwv V et ttov tl twv €k vavayiag 
 ciTroTTTva-Oev evpeOelrj (TWjjLa, tovto irepia-Tel- 
 \avTeg Ta<pri Ka\v\j^wiJiev. Ov yap a/uLicrOoi/ 
 TO ev TTOteiv, Kciv jmrj irapaxp^l^o. r^? ev- 
 epyecrlag ^ avTiSocrig (jialvriTai. Tpe^ei Se 
 ovSev tJttov Tovg avOpcoTrovg Trpog Tolg 
 eXTTi^o/uLeuoig ayaOoig, Kal Siax^t Trjv KapSlav 
 TO (TvveiSog, Ka} /uLaXicO oTav eig Tovg ojjlo- 
 ^vXovg ovK €T ovTag Tr]v eviroilav KaTa^aX- 
 XwvTai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i8 
 
 upon the rocks, and swamped. The 
 promontory of Caphareus is no better for 
 ships in stormy weather. Therefore, let 
 us wait until the sea is calm, and the 
 air has cleared, before we explore the 
 coast near this headland : perhaps we 
 may find a body thrown up, the remnant 
 of a shipwrecked crew, to which we may 
 pay the honours of burial. A good 
 action never misses its reward, even 
 though it does not follow immediately 
 upon the deed. The approval of the 
 conscience, in addition to the hope of 
 reward, supports and cheers the heart 
 exceedingly, especially when we do a 
 kindness to those of our fellows who 
 are no more. 
 
19 AAKI<l»rONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XI. 
 
 Ovvv ai o^ SfcoTreXw. 
 
 'AAC>}/coa9 oKovcr/uLaTwv ^apurarcovy u> ^k6- 
 TreXe ; ^toXov ^AOrjvaloi Siavoovvrcu TrejuLweiv 
 €19 Ttjv virepoplav, vav^axelv eOeXovre^. Kaf 
 fjStj /mev r] JlapoXos Km t) HaXajULivia at 
 /uLaXicrra Tax^voLVTova-ai TrpoSpo/noL Xvoucri 
 t(jov rjXovdov ra Trpv/uLvrja-ia, Toug /uLacrTrjpa?, 
 Of fieXXovcriv eirayyeXXeiv, Trap ov koI ore 
 Set air tevai TroXejuiria-ovTag evOejuLevai. Xpe/a 
 Tttf? Xotiraig pavarl to (rrpaTicoTiKov Tay/ma 
 Sexo/uLei/aig epcTwv ttXclovoop Koi. ovx yKiarra 
 €/j.7reip(iov ave/moig Kal Kv/nacnv airojULaxea-Oai. 
 T/ oi^v, & ^eXria-Te, SpcojuLev ; ^evyofxev rj 
 mLGVo/uLev ; ^AvSpoXoyoucri S eV Ueipaiw? koi 
 ^aXrjpoOev Kai Xovpcov koi /u^expi- tcov avTw 
 Tepaia-TO) irpoa-OLKWv opiwv rovg Trjg OaXuT- 
 Trj9 epyara^. Ilto? Se kol fj/meh, ol /nijSe 
 Tviv ayopav eiSoreg, VTro/melvaijuiev irapa- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 19 
 
 XL 
 
 Thynnaeus to Scopelus. 
 
 Have you heard the important news, 
 Scopelus ? The Athenians are thinking of 
 sending a fleet to foreign parts, to carry 
 on a naval campaign. The Paralus and 
 Salaminia, the swiftest vessels afloat, lead- 
 ing the way, are already unmoored, and 
 have taken on board the commissioners 
 who are to settle the time and starting- 
 point of the expedition. The rest of the 
 ships, which are to transport the troops, 
 require the services of a number of oars- 
 men, who have had experience in con- 
 tending with the winds and waves. What 
 are we to do then, my good friend ? 
 Shall we run away or stay ? Everywhere, 
 from Piraeus, Phalerum, and Sunium, as 
 far as the neighbourhood of Geraestus, they 
 are enlisting sailors. How should we be 
 able to remain quiet in the ranks and to 
 
20 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 TaTTearOai, Koi OTrXo/iaxot? avSpaoTLV VTrtjpe- 
 reicrOaL ; Avoiv Se ovtolv x^^^'^oiv, tov re 
 <l>€vyeiv iirl reKvoig Kal yvvaL^\, tov re 
 /meWeip ^[(pecriv ofxov koi OaXarTU irapaSi- 
 Sovai TO (TWjULa, tov fieveiv 0VT09 aXvcriTeXovs, 
 TO (f>evyeLV i^avtj XvariTcXecrTepov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 20 
 
 obey the orders of men in arms, we who 
 know nothing even about the contests of 
 the law courts ? We have a choice of 
 two evils : to leave our wives and children 
 and take to flight, or to expose our lives 
 to the perils of the sword and the sea. 
 Since it is useless to remain, flight seems 
 preferable. 
 
AAKI<I»P0N02 PHTOrOS 
 
 XII. 
 
 lAyvoovv barov eicri Tpv(p€pu koI a^po- 
 ^la Tcov ^AOr}vt](n ttXovo-lwv tu /uetpaKia. 
 ^vayxo9 Se YiajULCjiiKov /uLera toov (TvvrjXiKLO)- 
 Twv /micrOovjuievou to a-KacfylSiov, wg av exil 
 yoXtjviwvTog tov ireXayovq TrepiirXelv u/xa 
 Km (ru/uLjui.€Tex€iv rj/uLiv rfjg aypag tcov ixOvcov, 
 eyi/cov, rjXiKa auTOig ck yfjg koI OaXaTTrjg 
 TTopl^eTai TpucpyjimaTa. Ov yap dvexo/mevog 
 Twv ^uXcov Ttjg aXiaSog, eirl re TairrjTOdv 
 Tivodv ^eviKOov Koi ecftea-TplSoov KaTaKXtOelg 
 (ou yap olog re €(j>a(TKev etvai KeiaSai, wg 
 
 ol XoiTTol, eTTf TOW KaTaCTTpOJjULaTOOV, Tr]V 
 
 (javlSa olfJLaL vo/ixi^cdv XlOov TpaxvTepav), 
 }jT€i Trap' rjijiodv crKiav avTcp jUirjxo-VWatTOai, 
 Trjv TOV IcTTLOv (TivSova virepireTaaravTag, wg 
 ovSafjLwg olog re wv (pepeiv Tag ^XiaKag 
 aKTLvag. H/x?i/ Se ov julovov Toig TavTijv 
 TToiov/ULevoig Trjv epyacrlav, aXXa Ka\ Tracrii/ 
 CLTra^airXwg, ocroig /uLt] irepLovo'ia itXovtov 
 irp6(T€(TTL, crirovSa^eraL ecrTiv ov SwajuLevoig 
 
 J 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 
 
 XII. 
 
 Nausibius to Prymnaeus. 
 
 I DID not know how luxurious and 
 effeminate the sons of our wealthy Athe- 
 nians were. But, lately, when Pamphilus 
 and some of his friends hired my skiff, 
 that they might go for a sail as the sea 
 was calm and take part in a fishing-ex- 
 pedition, I learned what luxuries they 
 provided themselves with both on land 
 and sea. Finding the wooden seats in 
 the boat disagreeable, Pamphilus stretched 
 himself out upon some foreign carpets 
 and rugs, declaring that he could not lie 
 down upon the bare boards, which he 
 no doubt thought harder than stone. 
 He next asked us to make an awning 
 for him, by spreading out the linen sails 
 overhead, because he could not endure the 
 heat of the sun's rays : whereas not only we 
 sailors, but all who are only moderately 
 
22 
 
 AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 T^ etX^ OepecOar ev '[(TW yap KpvjULog Kat 
 OaXaTTa. ^epojmevcop Se ajma ov /uLOvog ovSe 
 /ULCTU jjLOVoiv Twv CTaipoov 6 JlajUL^iXo^, aWa 
 Kai yvvalwv avTcp irepiTTCOv rrjv wpav TrXrjOo^ 
 crvvelireTO, /uLouaoupyoi iraa-m (^ ytxei/ yap 
 cKaXeLTO l^pov/uLariop, kol ^v avXrirpl^' rj Se 
 E/oaro), Kal yJraXTYjpiov nierexeipl^eTO' aXXrj 
 Se EueTT^?, avrrj Se Kv/uL^aXa eireKpoTei), 
 'Eyei/ero ovv julol juLOvcriKfjg ^ cxKaTOS TrXea, 
 KOL ?i/ (fSiKov TO 7reXayo9, koi irav OvjUiijSla^ 
 avajuLecTTOv. HXrjv e/me ye ravra ovk ere/D- 
 ireVj ovSe yap ovk oXlyoi twv ojulo/Slcov koi 
 jULaXicTTa 6 TTLKpog VXavKLa? TeXxtPOs ?f fJ-oi 
 ^atTKalvcov /Sapurepo^. 'EttcJ Se top julktOov 
 TToXvi/ Kare^aXero, Tapyvpiov /ne Siexei, Kot 
 vvv eKelvov Toug eTriOaXaTTtovs ayairw kco- 
 jULOug, Koi. TOiovTov Sevrepov e-TnarrfjvaL /jlol 
 TToOw Sairavvipov Ka\ iroXureX^ veavlaKov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 22 
 
 wealthy, as a rule seek every oppor- 
 tunity of warming ourselves in the sun ; 
 for the sea and cold go together. Cer- 
 tainly Pamphilus had not merely brought 
 his male friends, but he was accompanied 
 by a number of very pretty women, all 
 musicians. The name of one was Cruma- 
 tium, who played on the flute; another, 
 Erato, was a harpist ; and Euepes beat 
 the cymbals. Thus my bark was full of 
 music, the sea resounded with song, 
 and mirth and gaiety prevailed. To me 
 alone this afforded no enjoyment. For 
 several of my fellows, especially the spite- 
 ful Glaucias, with his jealousy, caused 
 me more uneasiness than a Telchinian. 
 However, the ample payment he gave me 
 cheered me; and now I am so fond of 
 these pleasure-parties on the sea, that 
 I wish I could find another of these 
 generous and wealthy young men. 
 
23 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XIII. 
 
 A 1/ X ^ i^ * o 9 ' A p lueviM. 
 
 Et iuL€u Ti Suvaa-ai cruiuLTrpaTTeii/, Kal Srjra 
 Aeye tt/oo? /xe, ov tt/qo? erepovg eKirvara 
 TTOiuiv TOLfxa' el Se fxriSev oX6<s re el w(j)e\elv, 
 yevov nioi ravvi/ 'ApeoTrayirov (rreyavwrepog. 
 'Eyo) ^e OTT)] TTore rajuLa croi Siriytjcroiuiar 
 epoog jae ovk ea Trape/ULTrecTwv viro tov Xoyior- 
 jULOv Kv/3epva(r0ai, aWa to vfj<pov ev ejuo] 
 a-vvex(^9 v'TTO tov iraQovq ^vOl^eTai. HoOev 
 yap iroTe eig aXiea Sv(TTr]vov ayaTTtjTcog 
 Ttjv avayKalav eKiropl^ovTa 6iaTpo<l>rjv epcog 
 evea'Ktjyjye, Koi evTaKeh ovk av[t](Ttv, aXX 
 'icra Toig irXoua-ioig koi wpiKoi? veavia-KOis 
 ipXeyo/iiai ; koi o iroTe yeXwv Tovg ck Tpvipfjg 
 TrdOei SovXevovTag, oXog eijuu tov TraOovg- 
 yaiuLijcreid) vvi^, koi tov 'Y'jmevaiov eKcpaPTa- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 23 
 
 XIII. 
 
 AUCHENIUS TO ArMENIUS. 
 
 If you can help me, tell me frankly, 
 but do not talk of my affairs to anyone 
 else ; but, if you cannot, at least be more 
 secret than a member of the Areopagus. 
 Meanwhile, this is the state of affairs. 
 Love has attacked my heart, and will 
 not allow me to be guided by reason. 
 All sense is swamped within me by this 
 passion. How ever has it come to pass that 
 love has violently attacked me, a poor 
 fisherman, who was till lately quite satis- 
 fied if he could make enough to live upon ? 
 It has taken deep hold of me and will not 
 let me go, and I am as much inflamed 
 as any rich and handsome young man. 
 I, who once laughed at those whose 
 effeminacy made them the slaves of their 
 passion, am now entirely in its power; 
 I want a wife, and I can think of no- 
 
24 AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 ^ojUiai, TOP TratSa rr}^ Tepyfnxoprjg. "EorTf 
 ^e ^ Trai^, rj^ epw, to rSiv iul€toIkwv 6vyd- 
 TpLOV Toov €^ ^pjULtovrjg ovK olS^ OTTCog elg 
 TLeipaia (pOapevTwv. "AX\r}v jmev ovv Sovvai 
 irpoiKa OVK exw, e/mavTOP Se Je/^a?, otog etjULi 
 6a\aTTOvpyo<Sy el /mtj jLAaipoiTO 6 ravrtjg 
 irartip, oT/aai irape^eiv eiriTrjSeiov vvjiKpiov. 
 
 i 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 24 
 
 thing but Hymenaeus, son of Terpsichore. 
 The girl I love is the daughter of one 
 of those foreigners who, somehow or 
 other, have migrated from Hermione to 
 Piraeus, to our sorrow. I have certainly 
 no dowry to offer; but I hope, if I intro- 
 duce myself as what I am, a simple 
 fisherman, that I shall be considered an 
 eligible suitor, unless her father is mad. 
 
25 
 
 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XIV. 
 
 TToXaiOV KOI T6TpV)(WIJL6V0V SlKTVOV OTOV c'lrj, 
 
 Kai TLva TpoTTOv ovK e^oyKov/iiepov CLTrocrXKrOep, 
 ySr] Se Kai vtto xP^^^^ iraXaiOTtjTog SLefipwybg 
 aireKeiTO. 01 Se ecpacrav crov KTfjfjLa yeyovevai 
 TT/oo TovTWV TCTTapcov 6TWV, cW^ i^^aXo) irpoq- 
 ojULiX^crap Trerpa, Kara fiecrov aTrocrxioSfjvai 
 Twv irXeyjuLaTOOV <tov Se e^ eKelvov jjJ]Te qkc- 
 (jaaOai, fSA^Te aveXetjQai ^ovXrjOevTO^, /meivai, 
 /uLrjSevog twv TrepioiKowTcov cog aWorplov 
 Oiyyaveip eTrix^ipwavTog. 'Eyei/ero odv ovk 
 \e[vo)v juLOvov, aWa koi (tov tov it ore Setj- 
 TTOTOV \oi7r6v aWorpiov. Aitw ovv ere to 
 T^ (pOopa KOI T(p XP^^^ M^ ^^'^- ^^' ^' ^ 
 Trai/TeXw? aircoXeia TTpocrheiiuLag, iJKiarTa ^rj- 
 lULiov/ULevog, eroiimog ecro irpog Trjv Socriv. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 25 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Encymon to Halictypus. 
 
 I LATELY saw, on the beach at Su- 
 nium, an old net torn and full of holes. I 
 asked whose it was, and why it was lying 
 there, as it had evidently not been broken 
 by too heavy a load, but its rents were 
 the result of age. I was told that it had 
 belonged to you four years ago ; that it 
 had become entangled in a sunken reef, 
 and its meshes torn in the middle. It 
 appears that, since then, as you did not 
 care either to mend or take it .away, it 
 has remained where it is, since none of 
 the neighbours ventured to touch it, as 
 they did not consider it belonged to them. 
 Thus, not only these people, but you, 
 the former owner, have abandoned your 
 rights of possession. I therefore ask you 
 to give me what is spoilt by age, and is 
 really no longer your property. You can, 
 without any loss to yourself, hand over 
 to me that which you have already 
 doomed to destruction. 
 
 4—2 
 
26 
 
 AAKIWONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XV, 
 
 'AX/zCTl/TTO? ^^y K V /ULOV I. 
 Av(T/JL€Vr]g KOI ^a(TKaV09 O TOOV yeLTOVCOV 
 
 OipOaXjuLog, (j>rj(T\v rj irapoi/ULia. Tig yap aroi 
 Twv ijmwp (ppovTig ; t/ ^e to Trap e/uLov 
 paOvjUiLag ^^icojulcvov KTrJima aov eivai i/ojull- 
 fet?; elpye rag xeipag, /maWov Se rag clttX^- 
 CTTOvg eTriOujiilag' jurj Se ore rj roov aXXorploov 
 ope^ig aSiKOvg alreiv xctp^Ta? eK^ia^earOw. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 'Ey/cuywwj^ ' K\i KT vir M . 
 
 vK iiTrjcra ere a ex^ig, aW a jutj ex^ig. 
 'ETref Se ov ^ovXei, a /ULtj ex^ig, erepov exciv, 
 ex^ (1 jmr] ex^ig. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 26 
 
 XV. 
 
 Halictypus to Encymon. 
 
 There is a proverb : A neighbour's 
 eye is spiteful and envious. How do my 
 affairs concern you ? By what right do 
 you claim what it has pleased me to 
 neglect ? Hold your hands, or rather 
 your insatiable desires ; let not a greedy 
 longing for what belongs to others force 
 you to ask unreasonable favours. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Encymon to Halictypus. 
 
 I DID not ask you for anything that 
 is yours, but for something that is not. 
 Since you will not let anyone else have 
 it, very well; keep what you have not 
 got. 
 
27 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XVII. 
 
 OvK e? KopaKug (pOapriceTaL 6 (TKOirLoopo^ 
 6 Aea^iog ; ^pLKH (TKiepav Kara /mepog rrjv 
 OaXaTTav ISm ave/Borjarev, wg TrXrjOoug oXov 
 TrpoariovTog Ovvvwv "t] TrtjXa/ULiSoov. Kal inmeig 
 Treia-QevTeg, th crayr]vyj fjiovovovxt tov koXttov 
 oXov -rrepteXa^oiJ.ev eira avi/uLW/uLeOa, Koi to 
 ^apog jULel^ov ^v rj Kara (poprlop ixOuoov. 
 'EX7r/(5t ovp Kai Twv TrXrja-LOv Tivag CKaXov- 
 imev idLepLTag aTro^aiveiv eirayyeXXofxevoi, el 
 (TvXXapOLVTO riijuv KOL (TviuLTrovwaiep. TeXog 
 fjLoycp TToXXw SeiXrjg oyj/lag ev/uLcyeOtj Ka/mrjXov 
 i^eiXKucraiuLep /ULvScoarav rjSri koi (tkooXtj^lv cttl- 
 /3pvov(rav. Toiavra Orjpaa-ag, ovx 'ivo. eTri- 
 yeXaa-rjg eSriXwcray aXX %a fxaOrig, ah koi 
 TTOcraig /uLtjxavalg rj rvxv ^/^^ toi/ oltvx*} Kara- 
 yodVL^eTai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 27 
 
 XVII. 
 EUSAGENUS TO LiMENARCHUS. 
 
 Confound that Lesbian watcher ! 
 When he saw the sea in some parts 
 growing black and rough, he shouted 
 out, as if a large shoal of young or old 
 tunnies was approaching. Believing him, 
 we almost completely surrounded the bay 
 with our nets ; then we hauled them up, 
 and they felt heavier than is usual after 
 a catch. In a state of expectation, we 
 summoned the neighbours, promising 
 them a share in the spoil if they would 
 assist and aid us in our labours. At 
 length, after great efforts, at nightfall we 
 brought to land — an enormous camel, 
 quite rotten and alive with worms. I 
 have told you of this catch of ours, not 
 to make you laugh, but that you may 
 know how completely and by what means 
 fortune overwhelms my unlucky self. 
 
28 AAKI^^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 E^ttXoo? Q aXacra e po)T l. 
 
 „ Y-Tre/D/jiafa? t} /ne/mrji/as' aKouco yap ere 
 XvpwSov yvvaiKO^ epav, Ka\ w? €K€lv>]v (pOetpo- 
 imevov, Tracrav rrjv icp/jjuLepov aypav Karari- 
 OecrOai. ^ KirriyyeLke yap /moi tovto yeirovcov 
 6 fieXricTTos 'EcocTLag. "1£ig-tl Se rcov eTrieiKm 
 Tt]v aXi}OeLav ti/ulcovtoov, Kal ovk av irore 
 €K€ivog eig yjrevSriyopLav wXlo-Orja-ev. Outo£ 
 eKCivos EoocTLag 6 tov xPWTOV Kal rjSvv yapov 
 k\}r(i)v €K Twv XeTTTOTepcov ixOucov, ovs eyKoX- 
 TTi^eraL tu orayrjvi]. TLoOev ovv, elire juloi, 
 /m.ovo'iKfjg aroL Siarovov Kal XP^I^^'^'-'^^^ '^^^ 
 ivapjuLOviov /uLeXo^ €(ttlv, o)? avTO<s ^(paarKev 
 eTrayyeXXoov ; O/ulou yap tu copa rfjg ttul- 
 SicrKt]^ ijpacrOijg koi TOig KpovjJ.aa-L. IleVai/cro 
 eg ravTa SaTravw/ULei/og, jmy ere avrl rfjs OaXaT- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 28 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 EuPLOUs TO Thalasseros. 
 
 You must be suffering from the effects 
 of high feeding, or else you are mad. I 
 hear that you are madly enamoured of a 
 singing-woman, and that, in paying ruinous 
 visits to her, you squander all your daily 
 profits. I have heard this from our ex- 
 cellent neighbour Sosias, who has a great 
 respect for the truth, and would never 
 be betrayed into falsehood : I mean the 
 Sosias who is so skilful at making that 
 excellent savoury broth from the little 
 fish which he snares in his nets. Tell 
 me, then, what has given you the idea 
 of music, of the diatonic, harmonic, 
 and chromatic styles, as he said, when 
 he informed me about it ? You are in 
 love both with the girl's beauty and her 
 music, as it seems. Leave off spending 
 your money on such things, else you will 
 
29 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 Ti]g rj yrj vavrjyov aTrocpy/vu xl^tXcoo-acra riJov 
 XpfJfJ^uTwv, KOI yewiral <tol to Trjg \jra\TpLag 
 Karaywyiov 6 l^oXvSowiog koXttos »i to Tvp- 
 ptjviKov TreXayofj koi ^KvWa rj fjLov(Tovpyo<s, 
 ovK exovTi (TOL K-parauv eTriKoXeicrOai, ei 
 SevTepov €<popiuia. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 29 
 
 suffer shipwreck on land instead of on 
 sea; you will be stripped of your sub- 
 stance, and the abode of this singing- 
 woman will prove as dangerous to you 
 as the gulf of Calydon, the Tyrrhenian 
 sea, or Scylla the songstress, since you 
 will not be able to call upon Crataiis, if 
 she attacks you a second time. 
 
30 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Q a\ acr or e p co^ EyTrXoo). 
 
 TrjvdWm TTOieig rrjv irpoq /ulc vovQeanav, 
 c5 EwTrXoe. 'Eyo) yap ovk av airodTalriv r^? 
 auOpcoTTOv, 6e(p jULvarTaycoyovvTL irvp(p6pM kgc 
 To^o<j>6p(p TreiOonJiei/og. Kat aXXcos fjfMV to 
 epav arvyyeveg, Trjg OaXaTTiag Oeov T€Kov(Tr]g 
 TOVTO TO iraiSlov. *IL/uLeTepos ovv tt/oo? iJ-r}- 
 Tpog 6 ''Epw9, Kol VTTO TOVTOv ^XriOelg Trjv 
 KapSlav, ex^o tt/ooj OoXaTTi] Trjv Kopiju, TLavoTriJ 
 pojuiL^oov rj VaXaTcla Taig KaXXiarTevoucraig 
 Twv l^riprjlStav arvvelvai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 30 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Thalasseros to Euplous. 
 
 Your exhortations are useless, Euplous. 
 It is quite impossible for me to give up this 
 girl, now that I follow the god who has 
 initiated me into the mysteries, the god 
 who is armed with torch and bow. Be- 
 sides, love is quite natural to us toilers 
 on the sea : was not a goddess of the 
 sea the mother of the winged boy? thus 
 Love is related to us on the mother's 
 side. Smitten by him to the heart, I 
 enjoy the company of my girl on the 
 shore, and think that in her I possess a 
 Panope, or Galatea, the most beautiful 
 of the Nereids. 
 
31 AAKIWONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XX. 
 
 O e p JUL oXeTTv p og Q, k l julwp i. 
 
 SxerXm TreTTovOajULev roig yap aWoig 
 ovOap KOI fjLfJTpaL Kai rjirap Spocro) Trpocreoi- 
 Kog Sia Tr]v eK Trjq TrtoTrjTog XeTTTonyra 
 irapeKeLTO, ^juiv Se ervog f]v to PpwjJLa' Koi 
 ol fjiev ^aXv^udViOV eirivov, eKTpoirlav Se 
 rHJLeh KOL o^Lvrju. 'AAA cS juoipaioi Oeoi 
 Kot fjLOipayeTai SaijULOveg, Solrjre iraparpo- 
 irtjv Ttjg aStKOV Tavrtjg tvx^9, koi jmrj rovg 
 fjLev Sir]veK€t (pvXaTTere evTvxla, rovg Se tm 
 Xijuw avvoLKL^ere. H yap (ftopa rijg el/uLap- 
 imevrjg to. roiavra KarrjvayKaa-ev. '^ASiKa 
 Traa^oimev tt/oo? avrfjg oi Xeirrri Kai urevij 
 KCXpW^^oi Til TVXih 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 31 
 
 XX. 
 
 Thermolepyrus to Ocimon. 
 
 I HAVE been disgracefully treated ! 
 The other guests were served with sow's 
 udder and womb, and liver, which from 
 the delicacy of its fat might have been 
 compared to dew, while we had nothing but 
 pea-soup. They drank wine from Chaly- 
 bon : we had wine that had gone off, as 
 sour as vinegar. O gods and spirits, 
 who preside over and regulate our des- 
 tinies, avert from us such injustice of for- 
 tune : do not keep some in a state of 
 perpetual happiness, and give others 
 hunger for a constant companion. The 
 course of destiny has reduced humanity to 
 melancholy necessities. But we, whose 
 lot is poor and miserable, are treated by 
 her with the most cruel injustice. 
 
32 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXI. 
 
 * AvejULialovg eXTriSag ea^ov cttI tw /meipa- 
 
 KL(p HoXvKpLTM. "Ql/ULr]V yap aVTOP, €1 
 
 TeOvalrj avTw 6 Trar^p, x^^'-^ ^^ epyaa-aaOai 
 rfjg ova-lag ttoXXW) /^^ct^ aSrj^ayovvra koi 
 KaOrjSvTraOovvra /mera re ^julmv /mera re 
 Twv eraipwp, ocrai Kara rrjv wpav irpwrev- 
 ovcrip, e^avrXovvra rj to Trap ri to ttoXv 
 Trig ova lag. 'O Se, eireLStj K.pLTWV avTw o 
 yevv^a-ag aireyevsTO, ariTeiTaL fxev o^j^e Ttjg 
 ^jULcpag, Kai tovto 6\[re T^g copag rjXlov Xoiirov 
 a/ULcfH Sv(Tiv exovTog. HiTciTai Se ovSev twp 
 TToXvTcXwp, aXX apTov TOP e^ ay opag Ka) 
 orl^op, e'lTTOTe evfj/ULeplag tj/ULepap eiriTeXoirj, 
 SpvireTeig ^J ^avXlag. AtajULapTWP ovp T^g 
 OavjULacTTrjg TavTrjg eXTTiSog ovk otS' o tl 
 Kcti Spaa-ai/iAi' ei yap 6 Tpi^cop SeiTai tov 
 QpeyfroPTog, tl up enj 6 TpecpetrOai 6(j)e[Xcop ; 
 XijuLcoTTOPTa Se XiiuwTTOPTi <Tvp6ipai SiirXovp 
 TO papog. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 32 
 
 XXI. 
 
 CONOPOSPHRANTES TO ISCHOLIMUS. 
 
 My hopes of the young Polycritus have 
 deceived me. I thought that, if his father 
 should die, he would spend his money 
 freely in feasting and all kinds of pleasure 
 with us and in the company of beautiful 
 women, and that he would have got rid 
 of all his fortune, or the greater part of 
 it, in this manner. Quite a mistake ! 
 ever since his father Criton died, he 
 only takes one meal a day, and that 
 quite late, just before sunset. He eats 
 no expensive dishes, but common bread 
 from the market, and, when he wants to 
 have a regular feast, he adds some over-ripe 
 figs and half-rotten olives. Having been 
 thus deceived in my wonderful expecta- 
 tions, I do not know what I am to do. 
 For, if the supporter himself needs some 
 one to support him, what is to become 
 of him who needs to be supported ? It is a 
 double misfortune for one hungry man to 
 associate with another. 
 
 ( 
 
33 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXII. 
 
 HapeKciTO /UL6P rifjuv 6 FeXwi/o? rod ^ikc- 
 \i(joTov TrXaKOvg eirwj^uniog. Eyco ^e Kai tjj 
 Oea /uLovov irpo'i ra? Karairoo'eig evrpeiTL^o- 
 jULevog r]v(ppatv6jULr]v. MeXXjyorf? ^e ?i/ ttoXX^ 
 7r€pi(rT€(p6vT(oi/ TpayyifxaTWv ra irejuL/uLaTa' 
 i]i> Se 6 KapTTog rfjg TTKTTaKrjg Ka\ ^aXavoi 
 (potPiKoov Kai Kapva twv e\vTpo)v e^nprnxeva. 
 'Eyw ^e 7r/)09 ravra eKacrra ex^/>a pXeirMv 
 avefjievov eiracpyjcreiv ejULavrov eyxcivm' tm 
 irXaKOvvTL' ol 6e koi to evrpayeip exf jULyKiar- 
 Tov e^ereivav, Km KvXiKog avi/exeg irepicro- 
 Povjiievriq Siarpi/Bag koi juLeWrja-jULOvg eveirolovv. 
 TeXoy, coa-irep e/c arvvOrjjULaTog rrju ejmrjp avap- 
 T(jovT€<i eiriOvjuLtap, 6 fxev Tig Kap^og Xa^oop 
 e^eKaOaipe tu evi^avovTa twv ^pwjuLaTcov Toh 
 oSovcTiv ivcoSr]' o Se uTTTiacrag eavTov oTog 
 §v virvca KaTexeardai /jloKKov i] t^9 Tpaire^tjg 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 33 
 
 XXII. 
 
 EuBULUs TO Gemellus. 
 
 One of these cheese-cakes called after 
 Gelon of Sicily was set before us. The 
 very sight of it delighted me, and I was all 
 eagerness to devour it ; but this moment 
 was put off for some time, for the cakes 
 were surrounded with all kinds of sweets, 
 made of pistachios, dates, and nuts out 
 of the shell. I regarded all this with an 
 unfriendly eye ; and waited, with my 
 mouth wide open, until it should be time 
 to attack the cake. But the guests were 
 an unconscionably long time finishing the 
 sweetmeats, and the continual circulation 
 of the wine-cup caused further delay. At 
 last, as if it had been agreed to torture 
 me with suspense, one of them began to 
 clean his teeth with a piece of stick, 
 another stretched himself on his back, 
 as if he were more inclined to sleep than 
 
 5—2 
 
34 AAKIi>PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 ^povTi^eiP' elra aWog aWw SieXeyero, Km 
 iravra fxaXKov eirpaTTero, 5/ 6 ^Svg cKeivos 
 KOL iroOtjTog rjijuv ir\aKOv<s eU OLTToKavcnv 
 '4pX€T0. TeXo9, oTa eiKog, ol Oeoi KaroiKTei- 
 pavT€<i TO Kara^rjpov T^g e^^? €7rtOu/uiLag, 
 jULoXig TTore IjuLeipovra juLe tov irXaKovvrog 
 airoyevcracrOaL irapecTKevacrav. Tawra croi 
 'ypa(p(jo ov TO(TOVTOv eiri T019 rjSea-iv rj(rQei<s, 
 OG-ov eiri Trj irapoKK^ t^9 jBpaSvTrJTog 
 
 €KTaKeL9. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 34 
 
 to trouble himself about eating ; then they 
 began chattering, and nothing seemed 
 farther from their thoughts than to give 
 me a chance of enjoying the delicious 
 and longed-for cake. At last, I believe, 
 the gods had compassion upon my con- 
 suming desire, and, after long delay, pro- 
 cured me a taste of the cake I had so 
 eagerly longed for. I write this, not so 
 much with a feeling of pleasure, as of 
 weariness and exhaustion after my pro- 
 longed waiting. 
 
35 AAKI^PONOi: PHT0P02 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 IlXaTvXai niog 'E pe ^ ii/6 o\e ovtl. 
 
 OvTTMTroTe eyw Kara Trjv ^ATTiKrjv vire- 
 jmeiva tolovtov xeiiJLWva. Ov yap fjLovop ck 
 TrapaWrjXoov (pvcrcovregy juloXXov Se (pvpSrjv 
 ^epojuevoL KareKTvirovv ^/uloov ol ave/uLoi, aXA. 
 '^St] Koi \ncv irvKvri Km eiraKKriXog ^epo/meutjf 
 TTpMTOv juLev TOvSa(pog eKaXuinev eTreira ovk 
 eTTtTToX^?, aXX €ig vyjrog iipero rijg vKpaSog 
 X^J^oL TrafXTToXv, wg ay airrjTOv elvai to Ovplov 
 avol^avra Tfjg oiKiag tov cTTevwirov ISelv. 
 'E/xof ^e ovre ^vXov oure (ia-^oXog Traprjv. 
 lift)? yap t] TToOev ; o KpvjULog Se eicreSvero 
 jut-expi fJiveXwi/ avToov Ka\ ocrrecov. 'EySoi/Xef- 
 a-ajurjv ovv 'OSvcrareiov fiouXevjuia, Spajmeiv eig 
 Tovg OoXovg >/ rag Kajmivovg toov ^aXavelwv 
 aXX ovSe €Keicre avvexc^povv ol tcov ojmoTex- 
 vwv irepi Tavra KvXivSovjuLevoi' Ka\ yap avTovg 
 rj TrapaTrXijarla Oeog fjvoxXei, Tleula. *Qg ovv 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 35 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Platylaemus to Erebintholeon. 
 
 I HAVE never experienced so severe a 
 winter in Attica. Not only did the winds, 
 blowing side by side or rather rushing to- 
 gether in confusion, fall violently upon 
 us, but a steady fall of deep snow covered 
 the ground : it did not stop at the 
 surface, but rose to such a height, that, 
 when you opened the door, you could 
 hardly see the street that led to our 
 house. As you may imagine, I had 
 neither wood nor fuel, and the cold 
 pierced me to the very marrow. I then 
 bethought myself of a plan worthy of 
 Ulysses — to run to the vapour-rooms or 
 furnaces of the public baths. But even 
 there my fellow - labourers, who were 
 already assembled, refused to allow me 
 to enter, for we were all of us tormented 
 by the same goddess — Poverty. 
 
36 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 IJcrOojmrjv ovk elvai /ulol eig Tavra eicriTijTeov, 
 Spafjiwv ein. to OpaavXKov ^aXaveiov iSicoTi- 
 Ktjg oiKiag, evpov tovto kcvov koi Kara^aXwv 
 o/3o\ovg Svo, Koi. tov ^aXavea tovtoi? 'iXecoi/ 
 Karaa-Trja-ag, eOepofxrjv, axpig ov tov VKpeTOV 
 JUL€V TTtjyuXh SieSe^aTO, koi viro tov Kpvovg 
 TOV jiieTa^v Siepov irayevTog irpog aWrjXovg 
 eSeSevTO ol XlOoi. Mera ^e to airo^pacraL 
 TO Spijuiv, TrpocTfivrig 6 ijXiog eXevOepav /mot 
 Triv irpocroSov Kai TrepnraTOvg avet/uLevoog 
 OLTricjiiivev. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 36 
 
 As soon as I saw that there was no get- 
 ting in there, I ran to the private bath of 
 Thrasyllus, and this time I found nobody. 
 Having appeased the bath-keeper with a 
 couple of obols, I succeeded in warming 
 myself. After this, the snow was succeeded 
 by frost, the cold dried up the moisture, 
 and the stones on the roads became ice- 
 bound. At last, the temperature became 
 milder, and the gentle sunbeams permitted 
 me to go out again freely, and to take 
 my usual walks abroad. 
 
37 
 
 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 'A 
 
 /ULU IWV 
 
 ^l\ 
 
 o jjLOcrx^ 
 
 (Tovcra Ta X^ia, kol Xijulou (papimaKov ovSev. 
 ^QveicrOai <5' ^juliv cTraKTOvg irvpovg ovx 
 olov T€ Sia criraviv KepjULarcop. ^'E(7Tf Se oroi, 
 wg aKovco, r^g irepvarLv eveTrjplag Xeiyjrava. 
 Aaveicrov ovv /uloi [JLeSlfivovg eiKOcriv, cog du 
 exoi/ULL crco^ecrOai aiWog koi rj yvvrj koi to, 
 waiSia. Ka/OTTWi/ ^e ev(poplag yeuojmii'ijg, ck- 
 Ticrojuiev avTO to /ULerpov, koi Xwl'ov, hav Tig 
 evOrjvla yevrjTai. Mrj Sr] irepuSng ayadovg 
 yeiTOvag eig (ttcvov tov Kaipov (pOeipo/mevovg. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 37 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Amnion to Philomoschus. 
 
 A VIOLENT hailstorm has ruined our 
 crops, and I see no remedy against famine, 
 for our poverty prevents us from buying 
 imported corn. I have been told that you 
 still have something left from your abun- 
 dant harvest of last year. Lend me then 
 twenty bushels, to save the lives of my- 
 self, my wife, and my children. If I 
 have a good harvest, I will return it to 
 you ; yea, with interest, if I have an 
 abundant crop. Do not desert, in time 
 of need, such good neighbours, who are 
 for the moment in difficulties. 
 
38 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXV. 
 
 Ei/(TToXo9 1^\ ar Loov I. 
 
 OvSev iJL€ Trjg yfjg ajtxeiSoiuLevrjg twv irovwv 
 a^LOV, eyvcov cjulqutoi/ eiriSovvai OoXaTTr] koi 
 KviJia(n. Z^v lULCV yap koi reOvavai /mejuioip- 
 arai riij.lv, kol ovk ecrri to xP^^^ <pvyeiv 
 Kav €V OLKiG-K(p Tig KaOeip^ag avTov Ttjpij- 
 evapyrj<i yap rj rnxepa cKelvr], Kal to TreTrpcD- 
 jmevov acpvKTOP, ccxrTe to ^rjv ovx y^ro tovtcov 
 TokavTeveTai, aXK viro th tvxh ^pa^ev- 
 €Tai. "HSrj yap Tiveg /mev cirl y^g wKvjuLopoi) 
 eiTL OaXaTTtjg Se /maKpo^LOL KaTeBlwcrav. 
 Qcrre eiSm TavO' ovtod^ ex^iv, ctt^ vavTiXiav 
 ^aSiovjULat, Kal ave/noig ojuLiXijcrco Kal KUjULacri. 
 ILpeiTTOv yap eiravriKeiv €k Boo'tto/qol' Kal 
 UpoTTOVTiSog veoirXovTov, rj KaOrijULevou eirl 
 Taig Trjg 'ATTiKtjg ea-xcLTiaig XifjLwSeg Kal 
 avxprjpou epvyyaveiv. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 38 
 
 XXV. 
 
 EusTOLUs TO Elation. 
 
 Since the land does not sufficiently 
 repay me for my labours, I have resolved 
 to intrust my fortunes to the sea and the 
 waves. Life and death are allotted to us 
 by destiny : it is impossible for a man to 
 escape the payment of this debt, even if he 
 shut himself up in a cell. The day of death 
 is fixed inevitably, and fate is unavoid- 
 able. Life, therefore, does not depend 
 upon the profession which we choose : 
 it is subject to the arbitrament of fortune. 
 Besides, many have perished in their 
 youth on land, while others have lived 
 to a great age at sea. Convinced of the 
 truth of this, I will turn my attention to 
 a seafaring life, and will live in the com- 
 pany of the winds and waves. It is 
 better for me to return home from the 
 Bosphorus and Propontis with newly- 
 acquired wealth, than to live, in a remote 
 corner of Attica, a life of misery and 
 poverty. 
 
39 
 
 AAKT^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 'AyeAa/ax^'^*/? HvO oXaw. 
 
 Meya, c5 (plXe, kukov ol Kara rrji/ ttoXiv 
 TOKoy\v(j)Oi. 'Eyo) yap, ovk olSa ti TraOcov, 
 Seov irapa ere ? irapa Tiva aWov t(cv kut 
 aypov yeiTOVodv eXOeiu, hirei KaTecTTrjv ev 
 X/oe/a XP^I^^'^^^> ^ouX6juL€vos cttI KoXwj^w 
 TTpiacrOai x^p'''^^> ^evayrja-avTog /xe rivog rcov 
 a<TTiK(av eiri rag Bypr/a? Ovpag cKpiKOjULrjv. 
 Efra KaraXa/uL/Sdvot) Trpea-^vrtjv, S^O^vai piK- 
 vov, o-vvea-TraKOTa Ta<s ocppvg, x«/OT/^ta apxctia 
 Tiva, craTTpa Se Sia tov xpoVoj^, vtto KOpeoov 
 KOLL arrjTwv ^jULi^pcoTa, Sia x^'P^? Karexovra. 
 lEivOvg [JLev odp jULoXig /xe Trpoareiire, ^rjjuLiav 
 ^yovjuLevog rrjv irpocrriyoplav elra tov irpo^c- 
 vov (j)r)(TavTO<Sj o)? SeoljuLrjv XP^I^^'^^^> iroa-oov 
 ■^pcTO ToXdi/Toov ; 'E/ioi7 Se OavjudcravTog rhv 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 39 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Agelarchides to Pytholaus. 
 
 My good friend, usurers are a great 
 curse in the city. I do not know what was 
 the matter with me. When I might have 
 applied to you or one of my neighbours 
 in the country, when I wanted some 
 money to pay for a field which I had 
 bought at Colonus, I allowed myself to 
 be taken by one of the inhabitants of the 
 city to Byrtius's door. There I found an 
 old man, with shrivelled face and frowning 
 brows, holding in his hand some dirty 
 old pieces of paper, half eaten by bugs 
 and moths. At first, he hardly spoke to 
 me, apparently considering talking to be 
 loss of time. When my introducer told 
 him that I wanted money, he asked, 
 " How many talents ? " When I ex- 
 pressed my astonishment at the mention 
 of such a sum, he immediately put on an 
 
AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 vTrepPoXrji/, SicTTTvev evOcoo^, Koi. SfjXog rjv 
 SvcrxepalvMV' ojuLcog eSiSov Km airriTeL ypa^k- 
 jUiaTeiov, Kol eiri tm apxalw tokov ^apvv koi 
 Tfjv ovarlav vTroOecrei julijvo^ elcreTL /uLor yiteya 
 Tf KaKov ei(riv oi irepi ra? xfrrjcpov^ koi twv 
 SaKTvXcov Tag KajuLxlreig eiXivSovjuievor juljj julol 
 yevoiTO aypoiKWv ecpopoi SaijuLoveg, /uLtj Xvkop 
 €Ti, jJii] Saveia-rrjv iSeiv. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 40 
 
 air of contempt and made no secret of 
 his impatience. However, he agreed to 
 lend me the sum I wanted, and required 
 my bond, in which I promised to pay 
 him back the principal with enormous 
 interest, and my property was to be se- 
 curity for a month. I repeat it — such 
 people are a curse, who revel in the 
 occupation of counting and reckoning 
 on the fingers. O ye gods who protect 
 the husbandman, preserve me from ever 
 seeing a wolf or a money-lender again ! 
 
41 
 
 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE 
 
 XXVIL 
 
 'Av I K r]T og ^ 01 P I apfj . 
 
 ^euyeig /me, m ^oi^iavrj, (pevyeig, Koi 
 Tavra aprlcog bXov top aypov aireveyKainevr]. 
 Tf yap ov Tcov ejuLoou XaBovcra e'xetg ; ou 
 (TVKa ; ov Tvpov eK ToXapcop ; ovk aXeKTopiScov 
 ^€vyo9 ; ov Tu XoiTTu Tpv<pruuLaTa iravra 
 ea-TL (Toi h^ ejULOv ; ovTOog oXov jme avrrj Kara 
 Trjv irapoijJLLav avarpeyp^acra SovXeveip cnrt]- 
 vayKacrag. 2i; ^e ovSejuLiav copav exeig hjULOv 
 SiaKawg (pXeyojuievov. 'AXXct x^^P^ '^^^ glitlOl' 
 eyo) oe oicrw papecog /mep, oktoo oe o/mcog tjjp 
 
 CLTLfllaP. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 41 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Anicetus to Phoebiane. 
 
 You avoid me now, Phoebiane; you 
 avoid me, although you have just lately 
 robbed me of all my property. What is 
 there of mine that you have not had ? 
 Figs, fresh cheeses in baskets, a pair 
 of fowls, not to mention all the other 
 dainties ? Thus, after having, in the 
 words of the proverb, completely ruined 
 me, you have forced me to become 
 your slave. And yet you pay no heed 
 to my burning love ? Farewell : leave 
 me. I will endure your treatment with 
 sorrow, but yet with firmness. 
 
 6—2 
 
42 
 
 AAKI^PONOE PHT0P02 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 ^ o 1 13 I apr] *Av I Kt'iTM. 
 
 ^QSivovara fxe apTicog rJKCip cog eavrhv yj 
 Tov yeiTovog iuL€Te7rejui\lraT0 yvvr]- koi Sfjra 
 Ijciv apa/UL€vri ra tt/oo? rijv rex^W' ^u ^e 
 h^aTTivaloog avaarraf} eTreipoo Trjv Septjp 
 avaK\d(rag Kvcrai. Ov Trava-ri TpiKopodvov 
 Kou ToiXavTaTOv yepovriov Treipwv ra? e^' 
 ^XiKLag avOovcrag ^jiiag cog rig apri vea^eiv 
 apxojUi€vog ; ovx^ t^i^ i^cit ay pop ttovoov 
 a(j)ei(raLy aepyog tmv iSicov TrpoiCTa/ULevog ', 
 ovxi Tovirravelov koi r^g ecrxapag wg aSv- 
 varog a>v e^ewa-ai ; irm odv raKepov ^Xeireig 
 PXejULfxa KOL avaTrueig ', HeiravfTO YieKpoyfr 
 aOXie, KQL Tpeirov Kara (reavTOV, S> Trpear/Su. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 42 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 Phoebiane to Anicetus. 
 
 A neighbour, who was in labour, just 
 now sent for me, and I was on the way 
 to her with the necessary appliances, when 
 you suddenly came upon me, violently 
 held back my neck, and wanted to kiss 
 me. You decrepit and wretched old 
 man, will you never leave off persecuting 
 with your overtures, as if you were a 
 young man, us girls who are in the 
 prime of life ? Have you not been obliged 
 to give up your work in the fields, since 
 you are unable to look after your own 
 affairs ? Have you not been driven from 
 the kitchen and the hearth as incom- 
 petent ? What then is the use of these 
 tender glances, these long-drawn sighs ? 
 Stop it, you miserable Cecrops, and mind 
 your own business. 
 
AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 TXvKepa Ba/cxi<5f. 
 
 ^ievavSpog rnjuv ein Trjv twv ^IcrOiuiLoov 
 Oeav €19 rhv ILopivOov eXOeiv ^e^ovXrjTai. 
 'Eyuof jixev ov Kara vovv olSag yap olov ecmv 
 epatTTou ToiovTov Kol Ppa)(yv va-reprja-m xpo- 
 vov, airoTpeireiv Se ovk ivfjv /uLrj TroXXa/ci? 
 airoSriiJLelv elwOoTa. OvS* owco^ avrov irapey- 
 y\n](T(a fxdKKovTa eTriSrjjUL^creiv exoo, ovS^ ottw^ 
 /ui*], pov\6jUL€vov avTov (TTTOvSacrOfji/aL viro arov, 
 Ka/uLOi TLva (j)€peL ^iXoTijULiav, tovto Xoyl^o- 
 jmai, olSa yap rrjv ovcrav ^/uliv eraiplav tt/oo? 
 aXXvXay. AeSoiKa Se, w <l>LXTdTrj, ov ae 
 TOcrovTOv {xpr](TTOTepip yap '^Oei Ke')(j)rj(raL 
 Tov fiiov), oarov avrov €K€ivov. 'E/owri/co? 
 yap ecTTL Sai/uLovlw^ Kal Ba/cxt^oy ovS^ av 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 43 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Glycera to Bacchis. 
 
 Menander has made up his mind 
 to make a journey to Corinth, to see the 
 Isthmian games. I do not at all approve 
 of this idea. You know what it is to be 
 deprived of the company of a lover such 
 as he is, even for a little while ; but I 
 had no right to try and dissuade him, 
 since he is hardly ever absent. He in- 
 tends to stay in your town : I don't know 
 whether I ought to intrust him to your 
 care or not ; for I know that he is 
 anxious to win your friendship, and this 
 certainly makes me somewhat jealous. I 
 am aware of our mutual friendship, but 
 I am afraid, my dear, not so much of 
 you — for I know that your character is 
 more honourable than your manner of 
 life — as of Menander. He is terribly 
 amorous, and, besides, even the gloomiest 
 
*44 
 
 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 Twv CTKvOpWTroTaTOov Tig OLTToa-xotTO. To /mev 
 yap SoKeiv avTov ovk eXarrov rod (jol cvtv- 
 X'^tv fj Tco]/ 'IcrOfMLOOV evGKev rrjv aTroSrj/uLiav 
 TreTTOtfja-Oai, ov iravv TreiOo/Jiai. "lo'oog al- 
 TiacriJ fjie Tfjg viroyjrlag. ^vyylvcoarKe Se ratg 
 eraipLKah, c5 (piXrarr], ^rjXoTVTrlaLg. 'Eyo) 
 ^€ ov irapa jmiKpov ^yovjuiai M.€vavSpou Sia- 
 /napTeiv epacTTOv. ' AWcog re kuv [xol kvl(t- 
 fxog Tig irpog avTOv t] Siaipopa yevrirm, 
 Se/ja-ei /me ctti rtjg crKrjvfjg viro ^pejiAtjrog 
 TIV09 r] Ai<j)iXov TTtKpwg XoiSopetarOai. 'Eaj/ 
 Se eiraveXOn /uloi, olog wxero, TroXXrjp e'ta-ojuLal 
 oroi x'^P'-^- 'E/3/6w(To. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 44 
 
 of men would not be proof against the 
 charms of Bacchis. I do not feel at all 
 sure that he is not taking this journey 
 rather for the sake of making your ac- 
 quaintance than for the Olympian games. 
 Perhaps you will think me suspicious. My 
 dear friend, you must pardon the jealousy 
 which is so natural to us girls. It is 
 no trifle for me to lose a lover like 
 Menander ; especially as, if any irritation 
 or quarrel should arise between us, I 
 should be obliged to put up with the 
 railleries and insults of a Chremes or 
 Diphilus on the stage. I shall be ex- 
 tremely grateful to you, if he should 
 return to me as he started. Farewell. 
 
45 
 
 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Ba/cx'S* ^Y'tt e p is I]. 
 
 Hao-al (TOL 'larniev at eratpm X^P^^' '^"^ 
 €Ka<TTt] ye ^/mcov oux yrrov rj ^pvvrj' 6 fxev 
 yap aywv juovo? ^pvvri^, ov 6 TrajULirovrjpog 
 EuO/a? eTravelXerOi 6 Se KivSvvog airacrwv. 
 Et yap aLTOvcTai irapa twv epacrToov apyv- 
 piov ov TvyxoivoiJ.ev, rj roig SiSovariv evruy- 
 XOivovcrai aore^elag KpiOrjaroiuLeOa, ireiravcrOaL 
 
 KpeiTTOV r]IJiLV TOV ^LOV TOVTOV, KOI JULtJKeTl 
 
 exeiv irpayp-ara, /jt^Jre Tolg ofxiKovai irapk- 
 X^iv. Nw ^' ovK en to eraipeiv airiaa-o- 
 /iieOa, OTL irovrjpog Eu^/a? epacrTtj'i evpeOtj, 
 aXX' OTL e7rieiKr]g 'YTreplSrjg, ^tjXcoa-oimev. 
 HoWa Tolvvv ayaOa yevoLTO croi Trjg (piXav- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 45 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Bacchis to Hyperides. 
 
 All we girls are grateful to you : 
 there is not one of us who is not as much 
 obliged as Phryne. Certainly she alone 
 was concerned in the dangerous action, 
 which that vile Euthias brought against 
 her, but the danger threatened us all 
 alike. For, if we are to ask our lovers 
 for presents in vain, or are to be accused 
 of impiety if we bestow our favours upon 
 generous clients, it will be better to 
 give up our present mode of life, and to 
 avoid exposing ourselves and others who 
 consort with us to annoyances on our ac- 
 count. But now we shall no longer be 
 blamed on account of our profession, be- 
 cause Euthias has shown himself a disloyal 
 lover ; but, since Hyperides is just and 
 good, we shall continue it in the future 
 with increased zest. May your humanity 
 
AAKI^PONOS PH': 
 
 Spcoiria^. Ka£ yap eralpai/ XP^^'^^^ creaurcp 
 TrepieTTOiTja-a), kul ^/mag a/uL6i\l/oiiJL€pas ere am-' 
 €K€Lvt]g 7rape(rK€va(ra£. Et ^e Srj koi toi 
 Xoyoi/ ypaxJ/aLg top virep Ttjg ^pvvrj^, tote 
 av ft)? aX^/^ft)? xpt/croyi^ at eralpai ae a-ry'icrai- 
 fj.eVj OTTiy TTore ^ouXei rrj^ 'EXXacJo?. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 46 
 
 meet with its due reward. You have 
 gained a respectable mistress for your own 
 benefit, and, in her person, you have 
 saved us all ; for which our gratitude 
 is due to you. If you would only pub- 
 lish the speech which you delivered 
 on her behalf, then we girls promise to 
 erect in your honour a golden statue, in 
 whatever part of Greece you please. 
 
AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 Ov TOcrovTOv or 01 tov kivSvvov crvvr^xQeo'- 
 Orjv, cS (piXrarrj, oarov, on irovripov jaev 
 ainjWayrj^ epaarrov, XPWTOV 8e evpeg 'Y7re- 
 ptSrii/, (TVvriG-Orjv. T^i/ yap SUrjv arot koi 
 irpog evTvxi-av yey ovevm vojuli^co' Sia/36r]TOP 
 yap are ovk ev Taig ^AOrjvaig julopov, oX\a 
 Kai €v TU EXXaJf airacrri 6 aywv cKeivog 
 TreTTolrjKev. EiJ^/a? jmev yap Uavriv Tificoplav 
 Scocrei Ttjg crtjg ojuiiXiag crTepovjULevog' vtto yap 
 opyrjg jULOi SoKei KivrjOeh Sia rrjp €IJL(J>vtov 
 ajuLaOlav virepapai to /jLerpov rfjg epcoTiKr}<^ 
 ^rjXoTVTriag. Kaz vvv cKeivov epoovra jmaWou 
 €v 'ictOl t] YireplSijv. jmev yap Sta Tfjv 
 T^9 a-vprjyopiag X^P^^ SfjXog cctti cnrovSd- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 47 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 Bacchis to Phryne. 
 
 The sympathy which I felt for you in 
 your hour of danger, my dearest friend, 
 was not so great as is my present joy, now 
 that you have got rid of a worthless lover 
 and found an honest friend in Hyperides. 
 It is my opinion that this suit has been 
 very fortunate for you ; for the trial has 
 made your name famous, not only in 
 Athens, but throughout the whole of 
 Greece. Euthias will be sufficiently pun- 
 ished by the loss of your favours. Owing 
 to his natural stupidity, he appears to 
 have gone beyond the limits of the 
 jealousy of a lover in the excitement of 
 his anger ; be assured that he loves you 
 at the present moment more than Hy- 
 perides himself. The latter certainly 
 wishes to be regarded with favour by 
 you in return for having undertaken your 
 
48 AAKIi>PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 ^earOai ^ovXojmevog Kot epco/nevov eavTOV iroiwv 
 6 Se Tw airorevyixari rfjg SiKijg irapw^vvrai. 
 UpocrSexov Sr] ttoXiv Sl^ avTov Se^a-eig Kai 
 Xtravelag koi ttoXv xP^^^ov. M^ Srj KaraSiai- 
 Trjcrijg rjfxwv, w ^iXraTr], twv eraipwv /ulij 
 Se ^YireplSriv KaKwg So^ai /Se^ovXeva-Oai 
 iroLYia-ri'S, ra? Eu^/oy Uearia^ Trpocrie/ULept]' 
 /mrj Se TOig Xeyovcrl <TOi, on, el jutj tov 
 XiToavla-Kov irepipprj^a/uLevrj tu juaarrapia to?? 
 SiKacrrah ciTreSei^ag, ovSev 6 pyjTCDp wcpeXei, 
 irelOov. Kaz yap avTO tovto, %a ev Kaipw 
 yevrjTat aroi, r] eKelvov irapecrxe crvptjyopia. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 48 
 
 defence, and to gain your affection ; but 
 the passion of the other has been only 
 more violently whetted by the loss of his 
 case. You may expect from him, then, 
 fresh entreaties, supplications, and pre- 
 sents in abundance ; but, my dear girl, 
 do not prejudice our cause, or, by listen- 
 ing to the entreaties of Euthias, cause it 
 to be thought that Hyperides has done 
 wrong in taking our part. Neither believe 
 those who tell you that the orator's 
 efforts would have been unavailing, unless 
 you had rent your clothes and shown 
 your bare breasts to the judges. Why, 
 this very argument, so opportunely em- 
 ployed, was the result of his exertions on 
 your behalf. 
 
49 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Ba/cx^9 ^v fi p ivrj, 
 
 M.ij Srj Kp€iTT0V09 e'lij croL Tir)(elv epacTTOV, 
 Seariroipa ^AippoScTrj, aXX Eu^/a? croi, ov 
 pvv Trepieirei^, (TvyKaTa^icotj. TaXaiva yvvrj 
 Trj? avoia^, r]Ti9 tw toiovtw Orjplu) '7rpo<Te(p- 
 dapa-ai. UXrjv 'Icrcog tw KoXXei 7rex/o-Tef/fa9. 
 ^pvvtji/ yap virepiSwv SijXovoTi crTep^ei Mu/a- 
 plvrjv. 'AXX' eoLKaq Kvlcrai top 'YTrepiSrjv 
 /BcjSovXtjcrOai wg eXarrop ctol vvv irpoa-exovTa. 
 Kami/o? eToipav ex^i a^iav eavrov, koi ctv 
 epacTTTiv croi irpeirovTa. Atrrja-ov tl irap' 
 avTOv, Kcti oi/ret (reavrhv rj ra veoopia efxire- 
 irprjKviav, rj Tovg v6/UL0vg KaraXvovcraj/. I(r6i 
 yovv, OTL irapa iracraig tjiJ.lv raig rrjv 
 ^iXavOpcoTTorepav ^AippoSlrtjv 'TrpoTijuwa-atg 
 fxeiuLLcrrja-ai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 49 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Bacchis to Myrrhine. 
 
 No, so help me, Venus, may you never 
 find a better lover ! may you spend all 
 your life with Euthias, with whom you 
 are so infatuated ! Unhappy woman ! 
 how foolish you are to attach yourself 
 to a monster like that, merely because of 
 your confidence in your beauty ! Of course 
 he will despise Phryne and love Myrrhine. 
 No doubt your object was to irritate 
 Hyperides, who at this moment treats 
 you with neglect. He in truth possesses 
 a mistress who is worthy of him ; and 
 you have a lover who is admirably suited 
 to you. But only ask him for a present : 
 you will soon see if he does not accuse 
 you of having tried to set fire to the dock- 
 yards or of having broken the laws. To 
 tell the truth, you have made yourself 
 hateful to all of us, who have regard for 
 a more honourable attachment. 
 
 7—2 
 
50 AAKI#P0N02 PHTOPOE 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 a J"? Q erraXt]. 
 
 OvK av iroT w^Orjv ck TOcravTtjq (rvvrjOeiag 
 ecea-Oal jnoi Tiva Trpog l^v^linnjv Sia^opav. 
 K.al TO. juLev aWa, ev olg avTiJ xpW^f^^ y^' 
 yova viro tov cltto t^? Sayuoi' KaTaifKovv, 
 OVK SveiSi^ci). 'AXXa ILaiiKpiXov, yivcoa-Keig 
 TOVTO KOI (TV ocrov, ^ JUL IV SiSovTog apyvpiov, 
 OTL ravTiJ TTore evTvyxoiveiv iSoKet to /jieipd- 
 KLOv, ov TrpocLeiJiriv. 'AXXa KoKwq ^jmag avr] 
 TOVTCov rnj^elyp-aro, Tfj KaKicTa airoXovjUievi] 
 Meyapa xapl^ea-QaL OeXovcra' tt/do? eKelvrji/ 
 S* ^v Ti9 TToXaia lULOL Sia ^rparoopa virovoia. 
 'AXXa TavTriv /meu ovSev (piuLi]v iroielv irapa- 
 \oyov KttKm Xiyovarav /me. A\u>a S^ ^v, 
 KOLTTi Trjv iravvuxiSa Tracrai, wcnrep rjv ciKog, 
 irap* ^lULip. ^^Oav/ma^op Se rrjg EJ^/tttt???- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 50 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 Thais to Thessale. 
 
 I SHOULD never have believed that, 
 after so long an intimacy with Euxippe, 
 I should quarrel v^ith her. I do not re- 
 proach her with the many services I 
 have rendered her since she arrived here 
 from Samos. You know what a hand- 
 some present Pamphilus offered me; but 
 I refused to have anything to do with 
 him, because I knew that he had already 
 become acquainted with her. By way 
 of rewarding my kindness handsomely, 
 she is endeavouring to curry favour with 
 that accursed woman Megara, of whom I 
 have long had my suspicions, on account 
 of Straton. So there is nothing astonish- 
 ing in her speaking ill of me. It was 
 the festival of Ceres, and we were all 
 assembled according to custom at my 
 house, to spend the night. I was sur- 
 
51 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOX 
 
 TO fJLev yap irpwrop, Kix^^^ovcra julct eKeivrjg 
 Koi iuLCOKCoiui.€V)], Trjv Sucr/ji.eveLav eveSeiKvro, 
 elra (pavepw^ TroiriiUiaTa iJSev eig top ovk eO' 
 Tjijuv TTpoo'exoPTa epacrTtjv. KaTrt tovtol^ 
 jULcv rJTTOV T^Xyovv airavaL(rxv]nrr}(Ta(Ta Se eig 
 TO (pvKO^ jme Kol top TraiSepcoTa eV/cwTrrei/. 
 'E^o/cet Se fiOL iravv KaKcog irpaTTeiv, w? iJ.YiSe 
 KOLTOTTTpov K€KTrj(TOaL. Et yap oIScv kavTrji/ 
 XpwjULa cravSapaxm exovaav, ovk av ^/iiag eig 
 afjLopcjiLav ej8Xa(r0//^tef. 'E/xof julcp odv ^paxy 
 imeXei irep\ TOWTtt)!/, apecTKeiv yap Tolg epa- 
 (TTalg, ovx} Meyd/oa /cat Yiv^iTnrr] ^ouXo/ULai 
 Taig inOriKOLg. AeSrjXooKa Se croi, %a i^y'} ^k 
 eTL iJLeiJ.ylrii. 'AinvvovjiiaL yap avTag ovk ev 
 a-Koojui/ixaa-iv, ovS^ ev ^Xacrc/yfijULiatg, aXX' ev oTg 
 jULoXiG-Ta aviarrovTaL. Upoa-Kvvco Se tvjv 
 ^eiJ.ea-LV. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 51 
 
 prfeed at Euxippe's behaviour. At first, 
 she kept on giggling with Megara, and, by 
 mocking and mimicking me, showed her 
 spitefulness ; then she began to sing aloud 
 some verses, containing allusions to a 
 lover who had forsaken me. I did not 
 mind this so much. But, at last, she 
 lost all decency, and ridiculed my dye 
 and rouge. She seems badly off herself: 
 I don't believe she even possesses a 
 mirror. For, if she saw how like yellow 
 ochre her complexion was, she would not 
 abuse me for being ugly. However, I care 
 very little about this. I want to please 
 my lovers, not monkeys like Megara or 
 Euxippe. I have told you this, that you 
 may not blame me afterwards ; for, one 
 day, I will revenge myself upon them, 
 not with raillery or insult, but in such 
 a manner as to make them feel it. I 
 worship the goddess Nemesis. 
 
52 AAKI*P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 'E^ ov ^iXoiTOcpeiv eirevorjcrag, crejULVog Tt? 
 iyevov, Kai Tag o(ppvg virep rovg KpoTa<j>ovg 
 i-Trfjpag. Etra crx^/^o. ex^v koi ^l^XlSlov 
 jnera x^^P"? elg rrjv ^AKaStjjULiai/ cro^eh, rrjv 
 Se rj/JieTepav oiKiav w? ovSe iS(t)V irporepov 
 irapipxn- 'E/xai/>y9, EuOJJ^/xe ; ovk olSag, olog 
 ia-Tiv 6 (T0(j)L(TTri9 ovTog 6 ecTKvOpooTraKwg koi 
 Tovg OavjuLaarrovg Tovrovg Sie^icov irpog vjnag 
 Xoyoug ; 'AW' ejULol /aev Trpay/JLara, iroaog 
 eariv o'let XP^'i^o?, e^ ov Trapexei ^ovXojuLevog 
 evTux^iV' UpoG-ipOelpeTai Se ^^pirvWlSi tu 
 Meya/oay a/3pa. Tore jmev ovv avTov ov 
 Trpoa-leiuLijv, ere yap Trepi^aWoucra Koijuiaa-OaL 
 jULoXXou k^ovXofxrjVj ri to irapa Travrwv a-o- 
 (pKTTWv xpya-/oi/. 'ETref Se ere airoTpeiTeiv 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHKON 53 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 Thais to Euthydemus. 
 
 Since you have taken it into your 
 head to study philosophy, you have be- 
 come serious, and raise your eyebrows 
 above your forehead. Then, assuming the 
 philosopher's air, with a book in your 
 hand, you strut proudly towards the 
 Academy, passing by my house, as if 
 you had never seen it before. Are you 
 mad, Euthydemus ? Don't you know 
 what sort of man that scowling sophist 
 is, who has so excited your admiration 
 by his discourses ? You don't know how 
 long he has been pestering me, in order 
 to gain my favours. He is also mad 
 after Herpyllis, Megara's pet maid. At 
 that time, I refused to receive him, for 
 I preferred your kisses and embraces to 
 all the gold of philosophers. But, since 
 he seems to be the cause of your keeping 
 
53 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 €OiK€ TtJ9 fjLcO' rjiJLwv orvvijOeiag, viroSe^o/JLat 
 avTov Kai €1 pouXei, tov SiSda-KoXov tovtovI 
 
 TOV jULKTOyvVaiOV CTTlSel^Ot) (TOl PVKTOg OVK 
 
 apKoviJ.evov rah (rvwiOea-iv rjSovai^. A^pog 
 Tavra eio-l Koi TV(j)og koi epyoXd/BcLa jiieipa- 
 Kiwv, (b avorjTe. Om Se Sia<pep€iv eraipag 
 (TO(l>L(TTriv ; Tocrovrov /Vft)?, ocrov ov Sia tcov 
 avTcov €KaT€poL TreiOoua-tv iirel ev ye a/uL<j)o- 
 T€/oof9 reXos TrpoKeirai to Xa^eiv. Hoa-w 
 Se a/j.eivovg rjixel^ kol evarefiearrepaL ; Ov 
 \eyofj.ev Oeou^ ovk eTvai, 6X\a Tria-Tevojuiev 
 o^vvovG-L Toh epaa-rai^, on (piXovG-iv ^jULoig. 
 OvS' a^iov/mev dSeX^aig kol fjLrjrpdcn /x/y- 
 vva-Om Tovg avSpag, aXX' ovSe yvvm^h aXXo- 
 Tpiaig. Et /mrj, otl rag i^e^eXa? oiroOev elep, 
 Km Tag aTOfiovg oirolai, aypoovjuLev, Sia tovto 
 rjTTOvg SoKovjUiev (tol tcov cro(f>icrTwv. Kaf 
 avTr] irapa TovToig eVxoXa/ca koI iroXXoig 
 SieiXeyniai. OvSeig cTatpaig ojuliXwv Tvpavvi- 
 Sag oveipoTToXei koi cTTacna^eL to. kolvo.' 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 53 
 
 away from me, I will receive him ; and, 
 if you like, I will prove to you that this 
 wonderful teacher, this woman-hater, is 
 not satisfied with ordinary enjoyments 
 during the night. You foolish young 
 man, all this display is simple nonsense, 
 mere artifice, a trap to fleece young men. 
 Do you think there is much difference 
 between a sophist and a woman ? The 
 only difference is in their ways of per- 
 suasion ; the object of their efforts is the 
 same — to get money. Indeed, our prin- 
 ciples are far better and more religious 
 than theirs : we do not deny the exist- 
 ence of the gods, but we believe our 
 lovers, when they swear that they adore 
 us. We also prevent men from com- 
 mitting incest and adultery. Only, be- 
 cause we are ignorant of the origin of 
 the clouds and the theory of atoms, you 
 consider us to be inferior to the sophists. 
 I myself have attended their lectures, 
 and have conversed with several of them. 
 The truth is, that none of those who 
 frequent the company of women trouble 
 themselves with idle dreams of upsetting 
 
54 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 aXXa cnracra^ rov kaoOivov kol /ULeOvaSeh, elg 
 copau TpLTrjv rj TeTaprrjv Yipefxel. Ilat^ei;- 
 OfJiev Se ov x^^P^^ ^juLclg Tovg veov^. 'ETret 
 (TvyKpivov, €1 ^ovXei, ^ Kcrirao'lav Trjv eralpau, 
 Kol ^coKparrjv rov croifiLa-Triv, kol iroTepog 
 ajJLeivov avTUiv eiralSeva-ev avSpag, Xoyitrar 
 Trjg /mev yap oyp^ei /maOrjTtiv HepiKXea, tov 
 Se K/otr/ai/. Kara/^aXe rrjv /uLooptav ravrrjv 
 Kai arjSlav, 6 ijuiog epcog, YivOvSrjiULe (ov 
 irpeireL crKuOpcoTroig ehai roiovroig o/uL/ULaa-i), 
 Kai Trpog Ttjv epcojmevtjv rJKe Trjv eauTov, olos 
 eiravekOuov awo AvKeiov iroWuKig top ISpoo- 
 ra a7ro\lru)]UL€Vog, %a juLiKpa KpaiiraXria-avTeg 
 eTTiSei^wjULeOa aXX)}Xof? to koXov reXog r^? 
 ^Sovrjg. K.ai croi vvv juLaXicTTa ye (pavovniai 
 (TOffiri. Ov juaKpov SlSwo-ip 6 Sal/uLcou xpovov 
 TOV ^f]v fjLri XaOr]g tovtov eig aivlyniaTa kol 
 Xripovg auaXwarag. ''Yippaxro. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 54 
 
 the state and seizing the supreme au- 
 thority : they drink all the morning, get 
 frightfully drunk, and then sleep it off 
 till nine or ten o'clock. Again, we 
 educate young men quite as well as they 
 do. Compare, if you like, Aspasia the 
 courtesan and the famous sophist So- 
 crates ; and consider which of them pro- 
 duced the best citizens. You will find 
 that Pericles was the pupil of the former, 
 Critias of the latter. Abandon this folly, 
 shake off your disagreeable looks, my 
 darling Euthydemus : your beautiful eyes 
 were never intended to be scowling; re- 
 turn to your lady-love the same as when 
 you used to visit her on the way from 
 the Lyceum, wiping off the perspiration. 
 Let us drink moderately, and prove to 
 each other that pleasure is the aim of 
 life. Then you will confess how learned 
 I am ! Besides, the Deity only allows 
 us a short time to live ; do not waste it 
 foolishly in trying to solve riddles. Fare- 
 well. 
 
55 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 ^i jmaXloyv IleTaXj;. • 
 
 Ef fjiev ri^ovriv (rot Tiva ^epeiv tj ^iXori- 
 [xlav irp6<s TLvag tu>v SiaXeyofJiepcov o'let to 
 iroWcLKig ^jmag eTri rag Ovpag (j>OLTav, kou 
 TOig TreyUTTO/xej/Of? tt/oo? Tovg evrvxecTTepovg 
 ^jjLWP OepaTraiviSloig airoSvpecrdai, ovk aXoya>? 
 rjfXLV €VTpv(j>ag. "laQi fxiv roi {Kai tol ttoiwv 
 oiSa TTpayiJ.a acrvjUL(l)opov e/ULavTio), ovtw jul€ 
 SiaKelfjievov cog oXiyoi twv evTvyxcavovTwv ctol 
 vvv a/uieXtjOevTeg av SiareOelev. J^al rot ye 
 wfjirjv TOP oLKpaTOV earearOai /ulol irapTjyoprjiuLa, 
 ov Trap lEiv^povLO) TpLTrjp ecnrepav irokvv 
 Tiva iveipoprjcrajuLtjv, wg Srj rag irapa Trjv vvKTa 
 (ppovrlSag Siwcro/xevog- to Se apa euavrioog 
 €(rx_€v. ^AveppLTTKTe yap julov Trjv eiriOvfjiiav, 
 ib(TT€ KKalovTO. JULC KOI Ppux^fJ^evov eXeeicrOai 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 55 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 SiMALION TO PeTALE. 
 
 If you think it is any satisfaction to 
 you or that it adds to the gratification 
 of your cHents, to make me come re- 
 peatedly to your door and complain to 
 your servants who are sent to more 
 fortunate suitors, I cannot say you are 
 wrong in treating me thus contemptu- 
 ously. I know that my efforts are un- 
 availing ; but be assured that few of 
 your favoured lovers would be so deeply 
 affected by the loss of your affection as 
 I am. I flattered myself that the quantity 
 of wine I drank yesterday at Euphemius's 
 would afford me some consolation, and 
 help me to drive away my nightly cares; 
 but it had just the contrary effect. It 
 only fanned more violently the flame of my 
 passion ; I wept, I sobbed loudly, so that 
 the better disposed of those around me 
 
56 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 juLev irapa Toig eiri€iK€<rT€poi9, yeXcora Se 
 TOig aWoig irapex^Lv. M.iKpa Se eirecm /noi 
 Trapayfrvxh koi jmapaLvo/uLei/op fjSrj Trapa/mvOiov, 
 
 O fJLOL VTTO TrjV XvTTpaV TU) (rVjUL7rO(TL(p fj.efj.yfrLV 
 
 Trpo<T€^piyjra<s ax' avroov Trepia-Tracracra toov 
 irXoKajULWv, wg fih iraa-i T019 v<l> ^/ulcov 'TreiJ.<l>Qe2- 
 (Tiv axOojUievr]. Et Srj aroi ravra ^Soprjv <t>epeL, 
 airoXave Tm ^/merepag jixepi/uLvw Kav § croi 
 ipiXop, Sirjyov Toig vvv jmev imaKapiooTepoig 
 ^jULcov, ovK elg [xaKpav Se, dv wcnrep ^imeig e^w- 
 criv, aviacrojuievoig. ^uxov fJ-ev tol jurjSev croi 
 veixecrrja-ai TavTijg t^? virepoyfrLag rrju 'A^/oo- 
 SlTrjv. "Ere/oo? dp XoiSopov/mevog eypa^e Ka\ 
 aireiXcov aXX eyco Seojuievog Ka\ olvtl^oXwv, 
 epw yap, (o HeraXi], KaKwg. ^o^ovjuai Se 
 lULt] KOLKiov ex^^v iuLijUi7]<T0iuLai TLva Tcov TTepi rag 
 epwTiKag jneimylreig arvxea-Tepoov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 56 
 
 were moved to pity, while the rest 
 laughed at me. There still remains for 
 me a slight alleviation of my sorrow, 
 a poor consolation, which, however, is 
 now withering away and fading. I mean 
 the flower which you plucked from your 
 head when we quarrelled at supper, and 
 threw at me, to show that you were not 
 offended with everything I had sent you. 
 But, if it amuses you, enjoy my grief; 
 if it please you, tell the story of it to 
 those who are now more fortunate than 
 myself; it will perhaps soon be their turn 
 to grieve, when they meet with similar 
 treatment. However, pray to Venus that 
 she be not angry with you for your pride. 
 Another would have written a letter to 
 you full of insults and threats : I prefer 
 to address you with prayers and suppli- 
 cations, for I am desperately in love 
 with you. Alas ! in the excess of my 
 grief, I am afraid of imitating those un- 
 fortunate lovers whose complaints only 
 serve to increase their misfortune. 
 
 I 
 
57 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 TieTaXtj ^i JUL a\loi)v L. 
 
 ^m^ovKoiJLriv fxev vtto SaKpvoov cralpag rpe- 
 (pecrOai oiKiav. Aa/uiTrpwg yap av eirpaTTOV 
 a<p06vcov TOvTCdv oLTroXavovcra irapa a-ov' vvv 
 Se Set xp^^^ov rjiMv, IfxaTlcov, koo-julov, OepaTrai- 
 viSwv. 'H Tov Plov SioUrjari^ diraa-a hrev- 
 6ev. OvK k'cTTiv ev ^IvfipivovvTi iraTpccov ejuLol 
 KTr]juLaTiov, ovS' ev Tocg apyvptoig ejixol jueraX- 
 \ov, aXXa /uLia-OcojULaTia Koi. at SvcrTVxecg avrai 
 Kal Kar ecrrev ay jJLevai twv avorjrcop epacrrwy 
 XCipiT€<}. 2oi ^e evLavTOv evTuyxoLvovcra aSrj- 
 fxovw, KOI avxiJLtjpav /mev exw rrjv KetpaXrjv, 
 jULfjSe iSoov TOV xpovov TOVTOv juLvpov ra Se 
 apxala kou Tpvxiva Trepi^aWo/uLevr] Tapap- 
 TivlSia alcrxyvoixai rag (piXag. Ovrcog aya- 
 66v Ti juLOi yevoiTO. Elra oiei /ue (joi 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 57 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 Petale to Simalion. 
 
 How I wish that a woman's house 
 could be supported on tears ! I should live 
 right royally, for I know you would keep 
 me abundantly suppHed with them; but, 
 as it is, unfortunately we want money, 
 clothes, ornaments, and servants. Our 
 arrangements depend entirely upon this. 
 I have no patrimony at Myrrhinus, no 
 share in the silver mines; I depend upon 
 the little presents I receive, and the 
 favours of foolish lovers, wrung only 
 from them with many sighs and tears. I 
 have known you now for more than a 
 year, and I am no better for it. My 
 hair is in disorder; it has not seen any 
 oil all this time. I have only got one 
 Tarentine tunic, so old and torn that I 
 am perfectly ashamed to be seen in it by 
 my friends. I hope I may have better 
 
 8—2 
 
58 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 irapaKaQrjiJLevrjv iroOev ^rftreLV ; 'AXAa SaKpv€L^\ 
 ireiraiKTii jULera /miKpov. 'Eyco ^e dv jjirj rig 6 
 SiSovg II, ireivricToo to koXov. OavjULa^co Se 
 (Tov Koi TO, SuKpva ft)? ecTTiP airlQava. Ae- 
 (Tiroiva ' AtppoSlrr], (piXeig, avOpoDire, (piXelg, 
 KOI ^ovXcL (701 Trjv €p(ji)iuLevi]v SiaXeyeaSai, 
 ^^v yap x^/o^? eKelvrjg /iirj Svvaardm. T/ ovv ; 
 ov TroTYipia e(TTiv iiri T^g oiKiag vjuliv, jmrj 
 Xpyc^io, T^9 jULi]Tpog, juirj Saveia tov iraTpog 
 KOjULiovjULevoig ; M.aKapia ^iXoTtjg, evjULCvecrTepoig 
 ojUL/ULacriv elSov CKelvijv at ILapiTeq, otov epaa-Trjv 
 exet M.€V€K\€iSrji/, og KaO^ rjijLepav SlScoctl ti' 
 ajuLeivov yap rj kXclciv. 'Eyw ^e ^ ToXaiva 
 Oprfi/cpSoPf ovK epacTriv c'xw, (rT6<pdvid juloi Kal 
 poSa wairep acopw Ta(p(p ire/ULTrei, Kal KXaeiv 
 SI oXi]g </>r](n T^g vvKTog. 'Ea»/ (j^ipiig ti, 
 rJK€ jULtj KXalcov, €1 Se jmr], (reavTOv ovx Vf^oig 
 aviacreig. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 58 
 
 luck ! And do you think that, while I 
 stick to you, I shall be able to find other 
 resources ? You weep ; be sure that won't 
 last long. But I shall be finely hungry, 
 unless I can find a lover to give me 
 something. I wonder at your tears : how 
 absurd they are ! O lady Venus ! You 
 say, Simalion, that you are madly in 
 love with a woman, and that you cannot 
 live without her. Well, my friend, have 
 you no valuable drinking-cups at home ? 
 has not your mother some jewellery ? 
 cannot you get some securities belonging 
 to your father ? Happy Philotis ! the 
 Graces have looked upon her with kindly 
 eyes. What a lover she has in Mene- 
 clides, who gives her something every 
 day. That is better than tears. As for 
 me, unhappy girl, I have no lover, but a 
 hired mourner, who sends me nothing 
 but roses and garlands, as if to decorate 
 an early grave for me, and declares that 
 he weeps all night. If you can give me 
 anything, come and see me, but — no 
 tears. Otherwise, keep your grief to 
 yourself, and do not worry me. 
 
59 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 Mv p p LVf] Nt/CtTTTT*/. 
 
 Ov Trpoa-exet JUlol tov vovv 6 A/^f\o9, 
 vevKe. VLai fJiexpt /uLev tcov ^AScovlcov Km ein- 
 
 KCO/UiOg TTOTC TTpO^ Vl^cig KOI KOl/ULrjO-OjULeVOg 
 
 e(j)oiTa, fjSt] IUL6P TOi cog av rt? aKKL^o/mevog Kai 
 epcofievop kavrov ttolcov, koi ra ye TrXeio'Ta 
 VTTO TOV l£tXiK09, OTTOTC /uLeOvcrOeLt], oSrjyov- 
 /txepog {cKetvog yap Ttjg YtpirvWlSog ipcov 
 Trjv Trap' rjjULiv tjyaTra arxoXyv)- vvv fxiv tol 
 
 SfjXog €(TTL /iirjS^ oXo)? ^JULIV eVT€V^6lUL€V09' T6Cr- 
 
 crapag yap e^ijg ^/mepas ev Tcp AvariSog Ac^/7^w 
 jnera QerraXrjg Kai tov KaKicrT air oXovjuLevov 
 ^TpoyyvXioovos, o? TavTfjv avTM wpov/uivrj- 
 CTTevcraTo Ttjv epwjjiivriv efjLoi tl TrpogKpova-ag, 
 KpanraXa. Tpa/ULjUiaTLSia /mev ovv Ka\ Oepa- 
 TraivlScov SiaSpofxal Kai oaa ToiavTa /maTijv 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 59 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 Myrrhine to Nicippe. 
 
 DiPHiLUS no longer cares for me ; he 
 is altogether devoted to that dirty wretch 
 Thessale. Until the day of the festival of 
 Adonis, he used to come and sup and 
 sleep with me from time to time, but 
 since then he has put on an insolent and 
 haughty air, and wants to be made much of. 
 Whenever he was drunk, he was escorted 
 by Helix, who was very fond of coming 
 to stay at my house, since he was in love 
 with Herpyllis. But now he makes no 
 secret of it, that he does not intend to 
 have anything more to do with me. For 
 four whole days he has been on the drink 
 in Lysis's garden, in the company of 
 Thessale and that accursed Strongylion, 
 who, out of spite against me, has intro- 
 duced this new flame to him. Letters, 
 my servants' journeys to and fro — all my 
 
6o AAKIi>PONOZ PHTOPOS 
 
 SirjuvarTaL, kol ovSev e^ avrcov o<p€\o9' SokcI 
 Se /ULOL /iiaXKov vtto tovtmv TeTU(j)ciocr6aL kol 
 virepevTpv(j)av rjimiv. Aolttov odv oiTroKXeieiv, 
 Kav eXOu TTore irpog ^/mag KOLjuLi]0tj(r6juLevo£, 
 €L Si] KVLcrai TTore eKeiprjp ^ovXrjOeLr], Sioo- 
 craaOai* e'loiOe yap rj /3apvTi]9 tw ajULeXeicrOai 
 KaTa^aWea-Oai. 'Eaj/ ^e /ULrjS^ ovTcog avvoL- 
 jULCv, Oep/UiOTepov nvog rjij.Lv cocnrep Tolg 
 <7(j)66pa Ka/ULVovcri (pap/maKOv Sei' Seivov yap 
 ov TOVTO fxovoi/, el Twv Trap' avrov julktOcjo- 
 jULarcou (TreprjarojULeOa, aXX' el GerTaXu yeXcora 
 7rap€^ojuL€V. "Yi(Tri aoL ireipaQev, o)? cj)r]q, 
 iroKKaKL<s e(j) ^XiKtag (plXTpov. Toiovtov 
 TLVog PorjO^jmaTog Seo/txeOa, o tov iroXvv 
 avTOv Tv<j)Ov, aXX* ovv Ka\ rrju KpanraXriv 
 eKKop^areiev. '^TriKripuKeucrojUieOa Srj avrco Kai 
 SaKpvcroiJLev TriOavcog, Kal Trjv l^efj^ecnv Selv 
 avTov opav, el ovrm ejme irepLoyfreTai epwcrav 
 avTOv, Kal TOLavra aXXa epovjULev Kal irXacro- 
 IJLeQa. "H^e£ yap o)? eXewv SrjTTov /xe Kaio- 
 ixevr]v eiT avT(p' fxe/uLvrjcrOai yap rod irapeX- 
 
I 
 
 LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 60 
 
 efforts were fruitless and without result. 
 I even think they have increased his pride 
 and arrogance towards me. The only 
 thing that remains for me to do is to 
 shut my door against him, if ever he 
 wants to spend the night with me, in 
 order to vex her ; insolence is generally 
 overcome by contempt. But, even if this 
 proves useless, then I must have recourse 
 to a more drastic remedy, as in cases of 
 severe illness ; for it would be intolerable 
 not only to lose the money I get out of 
 him, but also to be Thessale's laughing- 
 stock. You say you have a love-potion, 
 which you have often tried upon young 
 men. I need some assistance of the kind 
 to cure him of his pride and fondness for 
 drink. I will send to make overtures 
 of peace and will try to soften him 
 with my tears. I will tell him he must 
 beware of the wrath of Nemesis, if he 
 slights a heart so affectionate as mine. 
 I will tell him other things of the same 
 kind, and draw freely on my imagination. 
 He will certainly come, moved to pity by 
 my great affection. He will even allow 
 
6i AAKIi»P0N02 PHTOPOZ 
 
 OovTog XP^^^^ '^^'^ '^^^ avvtjOelag 'ixeiv koXw^ 
 epel, ^vcrwv kavrov 6 Xdcrravpog. SyX- 
 \y]\lreTaL Se tj/uLii/ koi 6 '^EXff ctt' CKelvov 
 yap fi "EipirvWh airoSva-eraL. 'AXX' ct/x^t- 
 paXKeiv etcoOe to. (piXTpa koi airoa-KrjTTTeiv 
 elg oXeOpov /3paxv /ut-ot /neXei' Sel yap av- 
 Tov rj ejuLoi ^fjv r] reOvavat GerraX^. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 6i 
 
 that it is only right to keep past times 
 and our old acquaintance in remembrance, 
 puffing himself up with pride, like the 
 wretch that he is. Helix also will help 
 me ; Herpyllis will see to him. But the 
 effect of philtres is doubtful ; they some- 
 times prove fatal. But what do I care ? 
 He must either live to be mine, or die 
 for Thessale. 
 
62 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 O'lX^raL BaAcx^ff ^ KaXrj, EJOJ/cXef? 0/X- 
 rare, o'lxerai, TroXXa re yuoi KaraXiTrova-a 
 SaKpva Kai epcoTog o(tov rjSlcrTov to TeXog 
 ov irovfjpov Trjv juLprj/uitjv. Ov yhp €K\r}(TOiuLat 
 TTore l^aKxlSog, ovx ovrog ea-rai xpovo^. 
 "Oa-riv (Tv/uLTraOeiav eveSel^aro. ^ AiroXoylav 
 cKelvriv KoXwv ovk av T19 ajmapTavoL rov rm 
 eraipcop /3lov kol el a-vvekBovam diracraL 
 iravraxoOev eiKOva rivet avTrjg ev ^A^poSlrrjg 
 t] ILapiTwv Oelev, Se^iop av tl /ulol iroirjcraL 
 SoKovartv. To yap OpuWov/nevov Wo iruv- 
 Twv, 0)9 TTovrjpat, cog aTnorroi, cog irpog to 
 XvcTLTekeg ^Xeirova-aL iulovov, cog ael tov Si- 
 SovTogy cog Tivog yap ovk a'lTiaL KaKou Totg 
 evTvyxavovcri, Sia/3oXriv iireSei^ev CKJ) eavTrjg 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 62 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 Meneclides to Euthycles. 
 
 She is dead, dear Euthycles ! beautiful 
 Bacchis is dead! She has left me nothing 
 but tears that will ever flow and the re- 
 membrance of the sweetest love, that 
 continued delightful to the end. Never 
 shall I forget Bacchis : that moment will 
 never be. What sympathy she had for 
 all ! One would be right in calling her 
 a living justification of the life of a 
 courtesan. I should think it an excellent 
 idea, if all the women assembled from 
 all parts and set up her statue in the 
 temple of Venus or the Graces. It is 
 a common reproach against such women 
 that they are wicked, faithless, greedy 
 after money; that their doors are always 
 open to anyone who will give them 
 money presents, and that they bring all 
 kinds of misfortunes upon their lovers. 
 She has shown by her example the in- 
 justice of such accusations : her honour- 
 
63 AAKI$P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 aSiKOV ovToo irpog rrjv KOtvrjv /BXacTiprjiuLLav 
 Tftj fjOei iraperu^aro. OtcrOa top yLrjSciov 
 CKCivov Tov airo rfjg ^vpiag Sevpo Karapavra 
 jmeO^ oo'ri's OepaTrelag koi irapacrKevrj^ ea-o^et, 
 evvovxovg viricrxyovjULevog koi Qepairalva^ koi 
 KOCTfxov Tim ^ap^apiKov koi o/mcog aKOVTa 
 avTov ov TTpoarleTO, aXX' utto tov/ulov rjyaira 
 
 K0llUi(0jUL6Vf] yXaVlCTKLOV TO \lTOV TOVTO Kttl 
 
 Sij/ulotlkov, Koi T019 Tra/)' ^/xtoi/ yXicrxficog 
 avTiJ 7rejJi7rojUi€voi9 eiravexovara, Tag craTpa- 
 TTiKag €K€Lvag koi TroXvxpvcrovg Scopeag Sioo' 
 OeiTO. T/ ^e TOV KlyviTTiov e/uLTropov vog 
 airecTKOpaKia-ev, ocrov apyvplov irpoTelvovTa ; 
 
 VO€V EKetPtjg afJL€LV0V €V OLO OTl yevoLT uv. 
 
 'Q? xpYicTTOv rjQog ovk elg evSalfxova ^lov 
 TTpoaipecriv Sal/ULWV t/? vTrrjveyKev. E?t' o^x^- 
 TOLi ifJLcig airoXiiroixra, koi KelceTai \oiirov 
 /uLOVtj rj Ba/cx^'?- '^^? olSlkov, w (plXai /moipar 
 eSei yap avT^ avyKaTaKeia-dai jne Kal vvv 
 cog t6t€. 'AXX' eyo) jiiev 'Trepieijui, Kai Tpo^tjg 
 -yjravw, Ka\ SiaXe^ojULai TOig cTaipoig- rj Se 
 OVK €Ti fJLe ipaiSpoig Toig ojuLjuLacnv oyjreTai 
 juLeiSicocra, ovSe 'IXecog Ka\ evjmevtjg SiapvKTepevcrei 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 63 
 
 able conduct protected her from the 
 general slander. You remember that 
 Mede who came from Syria with a nu- 
 merous suite and great pomp ? He pro- 
 mised her eunuchs, slaves, and Oriental 
 ornaments : but she rejected his advances. 
 She was content to share my humble 
 cloak, and, satisfied with my trifling 
 presents, refused the gold and lavish 
 presents of the satrap. Do you re- 
 member, also, how she rejected the 
 Egyptian merchant, who offered her un- 
 told gold ? There was never a better 
 creature born ; I am convinced of it. 
 Why, with all her good qualities, did 
 not Fortune guide her to a better choice ? 
 And now she is gone, she has left me, 
 and for the future will rest alone in the 
 grave ! How unjust, O kindly Fates ! 
 why am I not united with her in death, 
 as formerly in life ? But alas ! I still 
 live, I eat my food, and hold converse 
 with my friends ; but she will never look 
 upon me again with her bright eyes, 
 with a smile upon her lips ; nor, kind 
 and gentle, will she pass the night with 
 
64 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE 
 
 TOig ^SlcTTOl? €K€LVOL<S KoXaCTjULaO'lP. 'A/Ot/cD? 
 
 lULev olov €<j>0eyyeTO, oTov e^XcTrev, ocrai rai^ 
 ojuLiXiaig avTtjg ^eiptjveg ei/tSpvvTO, w? Se ^Su 
 TL Koi aKYiparov airo twv (piXrjuidTCOv veKrap 
 ecTTa^ev e7r' ciKpoig /mot SoKei Toig x^^^^^^^ 
 avT^g CKaOia-ev r] HeSoo- diravra cKeiptj ye 
 Tov KCCTTOv uTTefwcraTO, oXaig ratg ^dpiart 
 Trjv ^ A^poSiTrjv Se^iooaraiULevT]. "^fipei Ta irapd 
 TCL^ TToa-ei? jULivvpiG-jULara, koi rj roig iXecpavrl- 
 V019 SaKTvXoi9 KpovojuLevrj Xvpa eppei. l^eiTai 
 Se tj iraa-ai^ juLeXovcra Capiat Kcocptj XiOo^ Kot 
 CTTToSia. Kaf M^eyapa jmev rj iTrTroTropPog 
 f>/, ovTW Qeayevrj (rvX^(Ta(ra dvrfXecog, cog ck 
 iravv XafjLTrpag ovcriag top olBXlov "xXajj-vSLOv 
 apwaa-avra koi weXTrju o'txeaSai arpaTevcro- 
 [JL6V0V. Ba/cx^? ^e ^ TOV €pa(TTr}v ^iXovcra 
 OLTreOave. 'Tacop yeyova irpog (re airoSvpd- 
 IUL€P09, ^vOoKXeig ^fXrare* ^Sv yap jjlol Sokci 
 Trepl cKelprjg Kai XaXeip Kai ypa^eip' ovSep yap 
 rj TO /nejULvfjcrOai KaToXeXeiTTTai. "^fipwaro. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 64 
 
 me in delightful encounters. But just 
 now, how she spoke, how she looked ! 
 what charms were in her words ! how 
 sweet and pure was the nectar that dis- 
 tilled from her kisses ! It seems to me, 
 Persuasion sat upon her lips ; girt with 
 the cestus, she went hand in hand with 
 Venus and the Graces. Now all the 
 ditties she used to sing as the wine went 
 round are over ; the lyre, which she 
 smote with her ivory fingers, is silent : 
 she, who was the darling of all the 
 Graces, lies mute as a stone, mere dust 
 and ashes. And Megara, that fearful 
 prostitute, is still alive, after having so 
 mercilessly plundered Theagenes that, re- 
 duced to poverty from affluence, he has 
 snatched up a miserable cloak and shield, 
 and gone off as a soldier; while Bacchis, 
 who adored her lover, is dead. I feel 
 easier, my dearest Euthycles, now that 
 I have poured my lament into your ears; 
 for it is delightful to me to speak and 
 write of her, now that nothing is left to 
 me but the remembrance of her. Fare- 
 well. 
 
 9 
 
65 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 Meya/oa BaAcx^'^^. 
 
 2of jULOPiJ epacrrrj'S yeyovev, ov (piXei^ 
 ovT03<s, oocTTe jJLYiS' OLKaprj TTW? ouTOv Sia^cvx- 
 Ofjpai SvvacrOai. T^? a*}Siag, Seairoiva 'A^po- 
 SiTT}. KXtjOeiG-a VTTO TXvKepag e/V toctovtov 
 Xpovov (airo twv Aiovvcriwv yap rjiniv airyiy- 
 yeiXev), ovx meig, el jmrj Si' cKelvriv, ovSe Ta<i 
 ipiXas iSeip yvvaiKaq apa(TXo/UL€vr]. lluxppcop 
 yeyovaq cru Kai (jiiXeh top epaa-rrjv. Ma- 
 Kapla rfjg ev^rjimia^' rjjULeig Se Koi. iropvai Koi 
 (XKoXacTTOi. 'Yir^p^e koi ^lXwvl auKivrj ^qk- 
 Trjpla' opyi^ojiiai yap vrj rrjv jmeydXrjv Oeov. 
 Ilao-ai yap ^jmev, GeTToXrj, Mv^plprj, Xpva-iop, 
 YiV^iirTnj' OTTOV Kal ^iXov/xevrj, Kal roi yeya- 
 ^fjfxevt] irpocTipaTCog /caJ ^rjXoTVTrovjuLevrj, top 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 65 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 Megara to Bacchis. 
 
 You alone have a lover, of whom you 
 are so enamoured that you cannot endure 
 to be separated from him for a moment. 
 How impolite ! by our lady Venus ! Al- 
 though you had been invited long ago by 
 Glycera — since the Dionysia, she told us 
 — you did not come ; if you could not do 
 so for her sake, I wonder how you could 
 bear to refuse to join your friends. You 
 have become modest, and are in love 
 with your admirer. Does such a repu- 
 tation make you happy? Well, we are 
 only prostitutes and cannot control our 
 passions. But, patience ; Philo also had 
 a staff of fig-tree wood : by the great 
 goddess, I am angry with you. We were 
 all present, Thessale, Myrrhine, Chrysium, 
 Euxippe ; and Philumena, who has recently 
 married a jealous husband, put the worthy 
 
 9—2 
 
66 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 KoiXov airoKOi/JLicraa-a top avSpa, Syf/^e juev, 
 ofJLOO^ Se Traprji/. Xv Se rjjjAv jjLovr} top "AScoviv 
 Treptexl/'vx^?, lu^-V 'ttov KaraXeKpOevTa avTOV 
 VTTO arov Ttjg ^AippoSiTijg rj Jl€p(Te(p6vr] irapa- 
 Xa/Sjj. OIov rjijiodv eyevcTO to crv/ULTTOcriop (ti 
 yap ovx axf/'O/uLal crov r^? KapSla^), ocroov 
 XapiTWV TrXrjpeg. 'QiSai, aKw/ULiuLaTa, TTOTog 
 eig aXcKTpvovcDV wSag, juivpa, crT€<pavoi, Tpa- 
 yr'fjULaTa. 'YiroarKiog Ticrl Sa^vatg rjv r] KaTa- 
 KXtarig' cv jjlovov ^/uliv eXenre, <rv- to. ^' aWa 
 ov. UoWaKig eKpaiTraXrjcrajuLep, ovtw Se 
 ^Sewg oXiyaKi^. To yovp irXelcrTOv rjijuv 
 irapatTKevaa-av Tcp'^iv, Seivr) Ti<i (piXoveiKia 
 KaTecrxe QpvaXXlSa koi Mv/5pipr]p virep t^? 
 TTvyfjg, iroTepa KpetTTOD koi air aXocrrepav 
 eTTiSel^ei. Kof TrpcoTi] M^uppiprj to ^copiov 
 Xvcraa-a, ^ojul^v^ S' rjv to x^'^^^^^ov, Si' qvtov 
 Tpe/ULOvaav, olov TrijULeXrj ^ ityiktov yaXa, Trjv 
 oar^vp apecraXevcrep, viro^XeTrovcra eig Tovirlcria 
 TT/oo? Ta KipyjjuaTa t^? irvyfj^' ijpe/ma S^ oTop 
 epepyovcra ti epooTiKOP virerrTepa^ep, co(tt€ cjulc, 
 prj Trjp ^A^poSiTrjp, KaTaTrXay^pat. Ov fxrip 
 aireiire ye rj OpvaXX)^, aXXa tS aKoXacla 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 66 
 
 man to bed, and joined us, although she 
 came late. But you alone carefully guarded 
 your Adonis, lest, if you, his Venus, left 
 him, Proserpine might claim him for her 
 own. What a bout we had! how full of 
 enjoyment ! for I see no reason to spare 
 your feelings. Songs, jests, drinking till 
 cock-crow, perfumes, garlands, sweetmeats. 
 The place where we sat down was shaded 
 with laurels : only one thing was wanting 
 — your company ; nothing else. We have 
 often got drunk before, but rarely so 
 delightfully. But what afforded us the 
 greatest amusement was a serious dispute 
 between Thryallis and Myrrhine, as to 
 which of them could show the finest and 
 most delicate buttocks. Myrrhine first 
 unloosed her girdle, and began to shake 
 her loins, which quivered through her 
 silken shift like fat or curdled milk, look- 
 ing back complacently all the time at the 
 movements of her rump, then, moving 
 gently as if she were in the act, she 
 sighed, so that, by Venus, I was struck 
 with astonishment. Nor did Thryallis 
 shrink from the contest, but, eager to 
 
6; AAKIi»P0N02 PHTOPOS 
 
 7rap€vSoKLjur](T€v avrriv ov yap Slu irapa- 
 TreraariULaTCOv eyo), c/ytja-lv, ayoovla-ojuLai, ovSe 
 aKKi^o/uLevf], aXX' olov ev yv/ULViKM' koi yap 
 ou <piXei 7rpo<pacrei9 ayoov. ^ KireSvaraTO to 
 XLTMVLOv, Ka\ juLiKpov v7ro(niuL(ioara(ra rrjv 6(r(j)vv, 
 
 iSoV, CTKOTTei T6'''\pWjULa, (j>ri(TLV, liO<S ClKpi/Bh, 
 
 Isiv^pLvri, tt)9 aK}]paTOv, cb? KaOapov rd irop- 
 ^vpa Tcov l(TXLwv TavTi' Trjv eirl rovg jmi^poug 
 eyKpia-Lv, to iJ.y}T€ vwepoyKov avrwv juLrjTe 
 acrapKov, rovg ye\a<rivovg ctt' uKpcop. 'AXX' 
 ou Tpejaei, vrj Ala, cocnrep ^ Mupplvrj^, aXX' 
 VTro^eiStwca to<tovtov iraXjULOv e^eipyd- 
 craro rrjg Trvyfjg, Kai diraa-av avThv vTrep 
 rrjv 6(T(pvv TrjSe koi riJSe cocnrep piovcrav 
 irepieSLvria-ev, coa-re di/aKportja-ai irdcrag, Ka\ 
 vUnv airocPiivaa-OaL rrjg OpvaWlSog. 'Eye- 
 vovTo 8e Kai irepi aXXwi^ (ruyKplcreig, Kal Trepl 
 ^aa-raploov dycoveg- rfjg fxev yap ^LXou/iMevrjg 
 yaa-Tpt avre^eTacrO^vat ovS^ ^ricrovv eOdp- 
 a-rjcrev aroKog yap ^v koi cr<j)ptyu)(Ta. Kara- 
 iravvvxicracrai yovv Ka\ tov^ epacTTag KaKcog 
 etirova-ai Kai aXKwv eTTLTVxelv ev^afxevai {aei 
 yap j]Slo)v /; Trpoa-cparog dippoScTr]), (hxojULeOa 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 67 
 
 surpass her in wantonness, said, " I will 
 not enter the lists with anything to cover 
 me, or with any affectation, but just like 
 the athletes at the games : the contest 
 admits of no shuffling." She stripped off 
 her shift, and, bending her loins upwards 
 a little, she said, " Look at the colour, 
 Myrrhine, how perfect it is, how pure, 
 how irreproachable ! Look at my hips, 
 how they join the thighs, neither too 
 fleshy nor too lean, and the dimples at 
 their extremities." Then she showed her 
 loins, not trembling, like Myrrhine's, and, 
 with a smile, shook them with a quivering 
 motion, and whirled her buttocks round in 
 every direction so that they seemed like 
 running water. Then we all clapped our 
 hands and awarded the victory to Thry- 
 allis. We also had other contests, and 
 compared each other's breasts ; nobody, 
 however, ventured to dispute the palm 
 with Philumena, who has never had a 
 child and is plump and swelling. Having 
 spent the night in this way and abused 
 our lovers and prayed that we might find 
 others — for the latest fancy is always the 
 
68 AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS 
 
 e^OLVOL. IloXXa Se Kara Tijv oSov KpaiiraXi]- 
 cracrai, €7reK0)/ULa(Tajui€v Ae^ijuidxM Kara top 
 Xpvcrovv (TTevooTTOv, cog eirl rrjv ayvov KaTiovrt 
 TrXrja-lov rfjg Mevecppovog oiKcag. 'Eyoa yap 
 avTOV Qalg KaKwg, koi vh A/a eiKOTwg' evay- 
 X09 yap ttKovctlov KeKXrjpovojuLijKe irarepa to 
 jJiupaKLOv. Nw iJLev ovv o'vyyvwjuLrjv exofxiv 
 aroi rfjg VTrepoyjriag' roig 'ASwvloig Se ev 
 KoXirrrw ea-rico/uLeOa irapa rw OerraXi;? 
 epacTTH' Tov yap rfjg 'AcppoStrrig epcojuLcvov rj 
 QcTTaXr] cTTeXXei. "Ottco? ^' r'/^eig ^epovcra 
 KrJTiov Kai KopaXXiov, Ka\ tov aov "AScovip, 
 ov vvv Trepixfrvxeis' /uera yap toov epacTToov 
 KpaLiraXyia-oixev. "Yippwcro. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 68 
 
 sweetest — we went away pretty well tipsy. 
 After many drunken freaks on the way, 
 we went to finish up at Deximachus's, 
 in the Golden Alley, near the house of 
 Meniphron as you go down towards Agnus. 
 For Thais is desperately in love with 
 him, and with good reason, by Jove; for 
 the lad has just come in for a large for- 
 tune from his father. We will pardon 
 you for your contemptuous treatment of 
 us. On the day of the festival of Adonis 
 we are going to have a feast at Colyttus 
 at the house of Thessale's lover : for it is 
 her turn to bedeck the lover of Venus. 
 We will pardon you, on condition that 
 you come and bring a dice-box and coral 
 image, and your pet Adonis ; for we 
 shall have a jollification with our lovers. 
 Farewell. 
 
 I 
 
eg AAKI^PONOZ PHT0P02 
 
 XL. 
 
 ^ lXov jUiev t] K p iTCov I. 
 
 Tt TToWa 'ypa<po)v avia^ a-eauTov ; irevT)}- 
 KovTa (TOL xpvcTWV Sci, KOI ypajUL/uLaTOov ou Sei. 
 Et jUiev ovv <j)L\ehy S6^' el Se (pLXapyupeig, /uLtj 
 ei/ox^ef , ' Yipp(jO(TO. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 69 
 
 XL. 
 
 Philumene to Crijo. 
 
 Why do you trouble yourself to write 
 so often ? I want fifty gold pieces, not 
 letters. If you love me, give them to 
 me ; but if you are too fond of your 
 money, don't bother me. Good-bye. 
 
70 AAKI*P0N02 PHTOPOS 
 
 LIBER SECUNDUS. 
 
 I. 
 
 Aa fJL I a Arj /UL ij T p I w. 
 
 Su TauTtjg T?? irappija-lag aiTio^j TO(rovT09 
 oov /SaaiXeu^y elra irmTpixlrag koi eraipa 
 ypa(j)eiv oroi, Kai ovx ^y»y(7a/>tei/o? Seivov 
 €VTvyxo.v€LV TOtg e/uLolg ypajULiixaa-iv, oXrj /uloi 
 evTvyxavMv. 'Eyw, SecrTrora Arjjmrjrpie, oTav 
 ixev €^(t) are deaa-cojULai kol aKovarco /ULera twu 
 
 SopV^OpCOV KOI TOOV CTTpaTOTTeScOl/ KOI TU)V 
 
 TTpea-fieoov koI twv SiaStj/uiaToov, vrj rrjv 'A0po- 
 SiTriVy rrreippiKa koi SeSoiKa koi TapaTTO/mai 
 Koi. a7ro<TTpe(pojULai m top ijXiov, jULtj eTriKaw 
 TO. ofXimaTa' koi rore juloi ovrcog 6 TroXiop- 
 KrjTrjg ehai SoKel^ ArjjmriTpLog. Olov Se Koi. 
 jSXeTrei? t6t€, o)? iriKpov Kai iroXejuLLKov' Kai 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 70 
 
 BOOK II. 
 
 Lamia to Demetrius. 
 
 You are to blame for the liberty I 
 am taking ; for you, though so mighty a 
 monarch, have allowed a courtesan to 
 write to you, and do not disdain to 
 accept my letters, after you have ac- 
 cepted me. O my Lord Demetrius, when I 
 see you in public, and in the midst of your 
 body-guards and soldiers, and with the 
 ambassadors, wearing your diadem, by 
 Venus, I shudder and am afraid : I am 
 confounded and turn my eyes away from 
 you, as from the blazing sun, lest your 
 splendour consume them : then in truth 
 you appear to me as Demetrius, the 
 besieger of cities.^ How fierce and war- 
 like is your look ! Then I can hardly 
 believe my own eyes, and I say to myself : 
 1 He was called Poliorcetes. 
 
71 AAKI$P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 aTria-Tco eiaavTii koi Xeyw Aa/uiia, crv /nera 
 TOvSe KaOevSeig ; crv Sia vvkto^ oXtjg avrov 
 KaravXci^ ; croi vvv ovrog eTrecrraX/ce ; (roi 
 TvdOaivav rrjv eratpav crvyKplpei ; Koi. /jXayij- 
 jmevrj cticottco Kai evxojmevri OeacracrOai 7ra/o' 
 eavT^. Kaf orav eXOr]^, irpoa-Kwoo ere, koi 
 OTttP irepiTrXaKeh jw-eya 0fX^?, TraXip Trpog 
 €juLavTr]v TOLvavTia Xeyco' ovto^ ecTTiv 6 iroXi- 
 opKYiTfi^ ; ovt6<s ea-TLV 6 €V T019 o-TpaTOTTeSoi^ ; 
 TOvTov (po/Beirai M.aK€Sovia ; tovtov ^ 'EXXa? ; 
 TOVTOV rj QpoLKi] ; prj Trjv ' AippoSlrrj]/ a-ri' 
 jjLepov avToh roig avXoig eKiroXiopKYicrw, Koi 
 o\j/^ojuLai, t/ jme Sia6i](rei. Meipov eig Tplrtjv, 
 7ra/o' €jULo\ yap Senrpi^crei^, Seojmai. Ta 
 'AippoSiG-ia iroLw Tavra Kar ero?, koi 
 ayu>va exco, el Ta ir pore pa Toig va-repoig 
 viKOL. 'YTToSe^ojUiai Se ere eTratppoSlrcog Kai 
 ft)? €VL /maXicTTa TriOapw^, av jmoi irepiovo'iacraL 
 yevtjTai viro crov, fxtjSev ava^iov twv (tcov 
 ayaOwv e^ eKelvrjg r^? lepag pvkto^ ert 
 TreTTOirjKvia, Kai toi crov ye eTriTpeTrovTog, 
 OTTcog dv ^ovXcoiuai, ')(j)rjcrQai tw ejuLcp a-wjULarr 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 71 
 
 O Lamia, is this the man with whom 
 you sleep ? is this the man to whom 
 you sing and play all night ? is this the man 
 who has just written to you ? does he think 
 Gnathaena as beautiful as yourself? But 
 this does not grieve me : I silently utter 
 a prayer that I may see you at my house. 
 When you come, I adore you, and when 
 you take me to your arms and kiss me 
 fondly, I say to myself on the other hand : 
 Is this the besieger of cities ? is this the 
 man of war ? is this the terror of Macedo- 
 nia, Greece, and Thrace ? By Venus, I will 
 take him by storm this day with my 
 pipes alone, and I will see how he will 
 treat me. Wait until the day after to- 
 morrow, and you shall sup with me. I 
 celebrate the feast of Venus every year, 
 and I do all I can to make each suc- 
 ceeding feast surpass the last. I will 
 receive you lovingly and winningly, if 
 you assist me generously ; for I have 
 committed no act that should make me 
 undeserving of your kindness since that 
 blessed night, although you gave me per- 
 mission to make what use I pleased of 
 
72 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 aXXa Kexp^/^o^t. koXw^ koi a/uLiKTCog Trpo? 
 cTepovg. Ov TTOiricTOii to eraipiKov, ovSe 
 yfrevcrofxat, SecnroTa, w? aWm ttolovctlv' i/ULo] 
 
 yap €^ €K€lVOV, JULOL Tr]V '^ ApT€JULlV, OvSc ITpO^' 
 
 iirefxyl/av en ttoWoi, ovSe eirelpacrav, aiSov- 
 JUL6P0L crov TO? 7ro\iopKLa<}. 'O^J? ecTTiv 6 
 "E/ao)?, cS /Saa-iXev, koi eXOeiv Kal avairTrjvai' 
 eXTr/ca? irrepovrai, kol aTreXTrla-a^ rax^f 
 TTTepoftpvelv e'looOev aTroyvwarOelq. Aio kol 
 jULeya twv eraipova-cop icm crocpiariuLa, aei to 
 irapov T^9 aTToXava-eco? vTrepTiOejuievag raig 
 eXirLG-i SiaKpareiv rovg epaarrag' {irpog v/mag 
 Se ovSe vTrepTiOecrOai e^ecTTiv, wcrre ^6/3ov 
 elvai Kopov)- Xolttov ^fxag Set to, niev 'iroveip, 
 TO. Se jiiaXaKL^earOai, to. Se aSeiv, to. Se avXeiv, 
 Ta Se opx^icrOai, to. Se SenrvoTroieiv, tol Se 
 K0(T^e7v croi top oIkov, Taq oirwcrovv aXXco? 
 Taxi' fjLapaivojuievag juLecroXa^ova-ag xapirag, 
 %a juLoXXoi^ e^aTTTCouTai TOig SLaa-Ty]juLacn ev- 
 aXovcTTepai avroov at ^frvxai, ^o/3ov/ul6V(jop, /mtj 
 aXXo TToXiv yeprjTai Trjg ev to) irapovTi 
 TvxVi KwXvjULa. Tavra Se tt/jo? jmev erepovg 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 72 
 
 my person ; but I have not abused your 
 kindness, and I have had intercourse 
 with no one. I will not play the harlot, 
 nor, my Lord, will I lie, as others do ; in 
 truth, by Diana ! since that time but few 
 have sent me presents, in their awe of 
 the besieger of cities. O my King, Love 
 is swift to come and to fly away: when 
 in hope, he flutters his wings ; when in 
 despair, he droops and sheds his feathers. 
 Wherefore it is a favourite trick of courte- 
 sans to wheedle their lovers with hopes 
 of ever-deferred enjoyment, although with 
 a man like yourself there is no excuse 
 for delay, since there is no fear of your 
 being sated ; we pretend to be ill, to be 
 busily engaged, to be singing, playing the 
 flute, dancing, preparing a supper, or 
 furnishing a house, by such means inter- 
 rupting the fulfilment of their enjoyment, 
 which, unless we do this, soon becomes 
 insipid. The result is, that the hearts of 
 our lovers are more easily caught and 
 inflamed, since they are afraid that some 
 fresh obstacle may arise in the way of 
 their present fortune. In the case of others, 
 
 10 
 
n AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 Taya av l^vvafj.r]v, PaariXeu, (puXaTTeaOai koi 
 Te')(yiT€V€iv' TT/oo? ^e (re, o? ovrod^ ijSrj €X€L9 
 e7r' ijULOi, wg eiriSeiKvuvai /me koi ayaWecrOai 
 TTpog Tag aWag eralpa?, on iracroov eyo) 
 nrpwTevu), /ulcl rag ^IXag M.ovarag, ovk av 
 VTTOjueivaijULL TrXaTTeaSai. Oux ovTOog ei/m). 
 XiOlvrj. ^'Qcre acpeicra iravTa Ka\ Ttjv y/rvxw 
 e/uLavTrjg eig apecTKeiav crov, oklyov r\yy]crofxai 
 SaTravrjcrai. Eiy olSa yap, on ov /ulovov ev 
 TJH OrjpnririSlov oiKta, ev fj jmeWco arot to 
 Tcov ^A^poSia-Lcov evTpeiri^eLV Seiirvov, ecTTai 
 SiapotjTog ri 7rapa(TK€vrj, aWa Ka\ ev oXn 
 Til ^AOrjvaicov TToXei, vrj njv ' ApTe/uLiv, Ka} 
 ev tJ *^XXaSi Tracr^. Kaf jULoXicrTa ol ju.tcrt]- 
 To\ AaKeSaijULovtoi, Iva Sokwctiv avSpeg elvai 
 ol ev 'l^^ecrcp aXcoireKeg, oh TravcrovTai TOig 
 T aVy eTOig opecri Kai Talg eprijULiaig eavTcov 
 Sia^aXXovTeg ^/ulmv to. Seiirva, KaTaXvKovpyl- 
 ^ovTeg T^g (Tfjg avOpooTroTraOelag. 'AXX' avTol 
 IUL6V xaipovToav, SecTroTa' crv Se e/uLo\ juLejmvtjcro 
 (pvXa^ai Ti]v ^/uepav tov Selirvov, Ka\ njv 
 copav, ijv av eXij aplorTt] yap, i]v /SovXei, 
 "^ppwrro. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 73 
 
 I might perhaps carefully practise these 
 arts ; but towards you, who are so de- 
 voted to me, that you publicly make a 
 show of me and delight in telling other 
 women that I excel them all, I could 
 not endure to be so deceitful. I am not 
 so silly : if I gave up everything, even my 
 life, to do you pleasure, I should consider 
 the sacrifice a trifling one. For I well 
 know that my preparations will be talked 
 about, not only in Therippidium's house, 
 where I intend to entertain you during 
 the feast of Venus, but throughout Athens ; 
 yes, by Artemis, throughout the whole 
 extent of Greece. Above all, the hateful 
 Lacedaemonians, that they, who behaved 
 like foxes at Ephesus, may pretend to be 
 heroes, will not cease to abuse our ban- 
 quet on the mountains of Taygetus and in 
 their solitary fastnesses, inveighing against 
 your humanity and kindness with the 
 severity of Lycurgus. But think no more 
 of them ; remember to observe the day 
 of my banquet, and fix the hour yourself. 
 Whatever time suits you will be the 
 best. Farewell. 
 
 10 — 2 
 
74 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 11. 
 
 AeovT I ov Aa/ULia. 
 
 OvSev SvcrapefTTOTepov, w? eoiKcv, ecrrl 
 TToXiv jULeipaKievojuLevov Trpear/SvTOv. Old jue 
 *1^7riKovpog 0VT09 Sioikci, iravTa XoiSopwv, 
 iravra vTroTrrevcov, ein(jTo\a^ aSia\vTOv<s /moi 
 ypd(p(t)v, ckScwkcov €K tov kyJitov. Mot t^v 
 ^ A<ppoSiTr]v, €1 "AScopig rjv JjSfj iyyug oySoi)- 
 Kovra yeyovljog errj, ovk aV avrov tivea-xdj^V^ 
 
 (j)0€LpLU)VTOg Koi ^l\0P0<T0VVT09, KOI KaTQ- 
 
 TreiriXriiJ.evov ev juLoXa ttokoi^ cli/t^ ttlXmv. 
 M.expt TLVog virojUievei Tig tov ^i\6cro(pov 
 TOVTOv ; ex^Tft) Tag irepi (pvareoog avTOv Kvpiag 
 So^ag, KOt Toifg Siea-TpajuLimepovg Kavovag- ejue 
 Se €(jieT(a Trjv ^variKwg Kvplav e/iiavTtjg avev- 
 oxXrjTOV Koi avv^pitTTOV. OvTwq eTmroXtop- 
 KrjTrjv exft) tolovtov, oux' olov cv, Aa/uLia, 
 ArjjiiiiTpiop. M>7 yap ecTTi (rco^poprjcrai Sia 
 
 TOV dvdpWTTOV TOVTOV '. Ka) (TtJOKpaTl^eiV 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 74 
 
 I 
 
 II. 
 
 Leontium to Lamia. 
 
 No one is so hard to please, it seems 
 to me, as an old man who plays the 
 youth. How strangely this Epicurus 
 treats me, always finding fault, suspicious 
 of everything, sending me letters that I 
 cannot make out, even threatening to drive 
 me out of his garden. By Venus ! if he 
 were an Adonis eighty years old, I could 
 not endure him, full of vermin as he is, and 
 always unwell, wrapped up in garments 
 of raw wool instead of felt. How long can 
 anyone endure a man like this philoso- 
 pher ? Let him stick to his doctrines 
 about nature, and his perverted canons, 
 but let him allow me to enjoy my natural 
 freedom without his insults or annoy- 
 ance. I have a regular besieger, Lamia, 
 but not one like your Demetrius. How 
 can one be patient with such a man ? 
 
75 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 Koi. (TT0)juLvX€V€<r6aL OeXcL Koi eipcoveuearOaL' 
 Koi ^AXKi^iaSrjv tivu llvOoKXea vo/mi^ei, kuI 
 ^avOLTTTrrjv €jjL€ oleTm iroirjareLV. Kat irepa^ 
 avaa-TOLO-a omjirore yfj]/ irpo yrjg (pev^ojULai 
 jULoWov rj Tag eTria-roXag avrov rag Siaa-Trucr- 
 TOf? ave^ofjLai. '^0 Se Travrow SeivoTaTov 
 fjSti KOi cKpopfjTOTarop eroX/uitjcreVy virep ov 
 KOI yv(iojuLt]v ^ouXofxevt] Xa/^eiv, tl fxoi ttouj- 
 TeoVy eiricTTaXKa croi. Tl/ULapxou top kqXov 
 oiG'Oa Tov K.r}(pia'iaO€V' ovk apvoviixaL irpog 
 Tov veavLCTKOV OVK oiKeLoog ex^iv €k ttoXXov 
 (x/oo? (re juLOL TaXrjOf} Xeyeiv eiKog, Aajmia), 
 Kox Ttjv TTpooTfjv ^A^poSiTtjv e/jLaOov Trap* 
 avTOv (TX^^ov ovTog yap /me SieTrapOeveua-ev e/c 
 yeiTOVoov oiKOvaav. 'E^ eKelvov tov xP^^^^ 
 iravTa julol TayaOa irejULircov ov SiaXeXoLTrev, 
 ea-OrJTay XP^^^^^> Oepairalvag, OepaTrovTag, 
 *lvSov£, ^IvSag' ToXXa cnwirod- aXXa to. /miKpo- 
 TaTa TTpoXajULpavei Tag copag, 'iva /mtjSelg 
 <f>Oacru jme yevcrajULei'og. Toiovtou vvv epaaTrjV 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 75 
 
 He tries to play the part of Socrates, to 
 imitate him in his mouthing and his 
 irony; he looks upon Pythocles as another 
 Alcibiades, and thinks to make of me 
 his Xantippe. I shall in the end be 
 obliged to remove from here, and will flee 
 from one country to another, rather than 
 put up with his incoherent letters. But 
 about the most monstrous and intolerable 
 thing that he has had the audacity to 
 do, I have written already to ask your ad- 
 vice. You know the handsome Timarchus 
 from Cephisus : I do not deny that I have 
 been intimate with the young man for a 
 long time — it is only right to tell the 
 truth to you. Lamia — it is to him that 
 I owe almost my first acquaintance with 
 the goddess of Love, for he seduced me 
 when I lived in his neighbourhood. Ever 
 since then he has continually sent me 
 all kinds of presents, clothes, money, 
 Indian male and female slaves, and other 
 things, which I need not mention. In 
 the smallest trifles he anticipates the 
 seasons, that no one may taste their 
 delicacies before myself. Yet Epicurus 
 
 k 
 
^6 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 airoKkudov, (fiWh /^"^ M Trpoa-lro^ croi, 
 7rotoi9 SoKeh avTov airoKoKwv ovo/maa-iv, 
 ouTe 0)9 'Arrf/co?, ovre cog ^iXocro^og, €k 
 l^aTTTraSoKiag Trpcoro? eig Ttjv EXXa^a {JKWv. 
 'Eyw ^e, €1 Koi oXtj yevoiro rj 'AOrjvalow 
 
 TToXi? ^^TTlKOVpCOV, HIO. T}]V '' ApTefJLlV, OV 
 
 ^vyoarTaTY}(TO) iravrag auTOvg Trpog tov 
 Ti/mapxov ^pax^ova, /jloXXov Se ovSe irpog 
 TOV SaKTuXov. T/ cru Xeyetg, Aa/ULta, ovk 
 aXrjO^ TavTU, ou SiKaia (prifJiL ; KaJ fjirj Srj, 
 Seo/ULal (TOV irpog Trjg ^ AippoSiTrjg, jul}j (tol 
 Tovra vireXOeTco' aXXa (piXoaro^og, aXXa 
 eTri^avrjg, aXXa TroXXoig (plXoig Kexp^/mevog. 
 AalSeroD, Karexero), SiSaa-Kero) 6' aXXovg- e/>te 
 ^e ovSev OaXTrei n So^a' aXX' ou OeXoo Sog 
 Tljmapxov, AajuLarep. 'AXXa kqi 8i^ e/ULe 
 Travra rjvayKacrTaL 6 veavlcTKog KaToXnrwv 
 TO AmeioVy Km Tr}v eavTOv peoTrjTa kol tov? 
 (Tvve(pr'ipovg koi Trjv eTaiplav, jmeT avTou 
 ^fjv Koi KoXaKeveiv avTOv, kol KaOujuLvetv Tag 
 vTTfjvejuLovg avTov So^ag. ^ATpevg ovTog, 
 e^eXOe, (prja-iv €k, Trjg inArjg /uLovayplag, koI 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 76 
 
 tells me to shut my door upon him, and 
 not let him come near me, calling him 
 by all sorts of names, which you would 
 not expect to hear from an Athenian or 
 a philosopher, but from some Cappado- 
 cian on his first visit to Hellas. But, 
 if Athens were inhabited entirely by such 
 as Epicurus, by Diana! they could not, 
 in my estimation, be compared to Timar- 
 chus's arm — no, not even to one of his 
 fingers. What do you think. Lamia ? 
 Is not what I say just and true ? Do 
 not ever imagine such a thing, I entreat 
 you by Venus. Yet this Epicurus is a 
 philosopher, a man of distinction, a man 
 who has many friends ! Let him take 
 and keep and teach others : reputation 
 has no charms for me ; but, O Ceres ! 
 give me him whom I love — Timarchus. 
 All through me the youth has been 
 forced to leave the Lyceum, his youthful 
 pleasures, and the companionship of his 
 friends, and to live with Epicurus, to 
 flatter him, and to praise his windbag 
 doctrines. " No poaching on my pre- 
 serves," exclaims this Atreus ; '' do not go 
 
77 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 /x»/ TTpoariOt AeovTiM- w? ov SiKaiorepov 
 
 €K€lVOU €pOVVTO<S, (TV jULeV OVV /ULr) TTpoCTlOl T>/ 
 
 ejuLij. Kaf 6 fxev, veavicrKO^ cov, apex^Tai tov 
 erepov avrepaa-Trjv yepovra' 6 8e tov SiKaio- 
 repov oux vironievei. T/ Troirlcrco, Trpo? tow 
 Oewv iKCTevco ,(T€, Aa/mia ; Nj) Ta jULvcrTripia, 
 
 Vrj TTJV TOUTCOV TWV KQKWV aTTaWayrjV, ft)? 
 €v6v/ULf]6€l(Ta TOV TlfXapXpV TOV X^P^^M^^' 
 
 apTL airi^jrvyixai Koi ISpw to. ciKpa, koi 
 ri KapSia /ulov avea-TpairTai. Aeo/mal (tov, 
 Se^ai JJL6 irpog creavTrjv rifxipaq oXlyag- koi 
 TToujcTM TovTov ai(r6ave(T0ai, irrjKiKOdv air)]- 
 \avev ayaOwv, ex(f)v ev Tij oiKia julc. Ouk 
 €Ti <t>epei TOV Kopov, ev oiSa' irpecr^evTa's 
 evOvs TFpog rjina^ Siaireinyp^eTai MijTpoSwpov 
 Km '^p/ixaxov koi HoXvaivov. HocraKLg o'lei 
 jjie, Aajiiia, irpog avTOv ISia Trapayevo/mevrjv 
 enreiv ti Troiei^ ^^iriKovpe ; ovk olcrOa, oti 
 SiaKOOjiACoSei ere TijuLOKpaTrjg 6 MtjTpoSopov eiri 
 T0UT019 ev Taig €KK\r](Tiaig, ev TOig OeaTpoi^, 
 irapa tol^ aWoi^ cro(/)i(TTai9 ; 'AXXa ti 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 77 
 
 near my Leontium " ; as if Timarchus 
 had not a far better right to say, ** Do 
 you keep your hands off mine." But he, 
 although the younger, submits to an older 
 rival, while the other will not endure 
 him who has the juster claim. What 
 am I to do, Lamia ? Tell me, I beseech 
 you, by the gods ! By the sacred mys- 
 teries, by my hopes of relief from my 
 misery, when I think of being separated 
 from Timarchus, I grow now cold, now 
 hot, in my extremities, and my heart 
 is quite upset. I beseech you, let me 
 come and stay with you for a few days, 
 and I will make him feel what blessings 
 he enjoyed when he had me in his house. 
 I am sure he cannot long endure my 
 contempt ; he will soon send me one 
 messenger after another, Metrodorus, 
 Hermachus, and Polyaenus. How often 
 do you think I have said to him pri- 
 vately, " What are you doing, Epicurus ? 
 Do you not know that Timocrates, the 
 son of Metrodorus, ridicules you for your 
 conduct in the assemblies, in the theatres, 
 in the company of the other sophists ? " 
 
78 AAKI#PONOZ PHT0P02 
 
 ecTTiv auTM TToirja-ai ; avaiO'Xi'i'Tog cg-tl to 
 epav. Kaf eyw ecro/mai tolvvv 6/J.OLOjg avrw 
 avalcrxyvTog, koI ovk atprjarot) tov e^ov Ti- 
 fjLapxov. ' Yippwcro. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 78 
 
 But what can you do with a man like 
 this ? He is utterly shameless in his 
 love. I will be equally shameless : I will 
 not desert my Timarchus. Farewell. 
 
 k 
 
79 AAKI#P0N02 PHTOPOS 
 
 III. 
 
 Mev apS p 09 T\vK6 pa . 
 
 'Eyo) juLu Tci9 'EXeyo-zi^/a? Oea?, julo. rd. 
 juLVCTT^pia avTcov, d (tol koi evavTiov lo/jLoaa 
 iroKKoLKiii, TXvKepa, /movo? ^ovt], cog ovSev 
 eiraipu) to. ijuia- ovSe ^ovXo/uLevog crov X^P^' 
 ^ecrOai, ravra Kot Xeyo) koi ypacpo). T/ yap 
 i/ULol X^P^^ ^^^ yevoLT av ijSiop ; ti (5' 
 eirapOrjvaL jmei^ov Trjg crrjg ^iXiag SuvaijUirjv ; 
 61 Ka\ TO ecrxaTOv ^/nwv yrjpag Sia Tovg crovg 
 TpOTTOvg KOI rjOrj peoTtjg ael (paveiTal jaoi. 
 Kaf (TVPveaa'aijuLep aX\i]Xoig Kal (TvyyrjpacraL- 
 jUL€P, Kai vrj Tovg Oeovg avvaTroOavoLfjLev a\X 
 ala-Qavo/JLevoi, TXvKepa, oti (rvva7roOpi](TKOjuL€P, 
 'Iva /mrjSeTepo) ^fAwv ev aSov o-vyKaTa^alrj rJ? 
 ^rjXog, el Tivm aXXwv 6 a-wOeig ireipacreTat 
 ayaOoop. M>7 ^e yepoiTo juloi TreipaO^pat crov 
 luiT]K€T oucnjg- Tt yap dp eTi KaTaXeliroiTO 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 79 
 
 III. 
 
 Menander to Glycera. 
 
 By the Eleusinian goddesses and their 
 mysteries, by which I have often sworn 
 in your company alone, dear Glycera, I 
 swear that, in making this declaration in 
 writing, I have no wish to exalt myself, 
 or to separate from you. For what 
 pleasure could I enjoy apart from you ? 
 in what could I take more pride than in 
 your friendship ? Thanks to your manners 
 and disposition, even extreme old age 
 shall seem youth to me. Let us be 
 young and old together, and, by the 
 gods, let us be together in death, under- 
 standing that we die together, that jealousy 
 may not go down with either of us to the 
 grave, in case the survivor may enjoy 
 any other blessings. May it never be my 
 misfortune to see you die before me; 
 for then, what enjoyment would be left 
 
 I 
 
8o AAKI<^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 ayaBov ; ''A 61 vvv tjTrei^e jue ev TLeipaiel 
 /jLoXaKi^ojiiepov {olarOa yap julov rag crvvrjOeig 
 acrOeveiag, a? oi /mrj ^iXovPTcg /xe Tpv(j)a^ 
 KOI (jaXaKiiovLa^ KoXeiv eiwBaa-iv) eTTicrTeiXal 
 aroL ev aarreL juLepovcru Sia tcl ' AXwa Trjg Oeov, 
 raur' earTLv. ^^Se^a/mijv airo UToXejualov 
 Tov pacriXewg AlyvTrrov ypdim/jLaTa, ev oh 
 Seiral /ulov iracrag Ser](rei9, koi TrporpeTrerai 
 /SacriXiKiiog vTTicrxyov/ULevo^ to Sr] Xeyojuievov 
 TOVTO TO. Tr}<s y^? ayaBa, ejuie koi ^iXr/iuova' 
 Kot yap eKelvcp ypajUL/mara KeKO/uLLcrOai (pacrr 
 Kal avT09 Se 6 ^iXjjiulwv eirea-TeiXe /uloi to. 
 ^Sia StjXwv, eXa^porepa, Kai, w<s ov M.€vavSpo) 
 yeypajuL/ULeva, rJTTOv XajiiTrpa. 'AXX' oyjrerai 
 Ka\ l3ovXev(TeTai to. 'iSia ovto?. 'Eyo) ^e ov 
 Trepijuevu) ^ovXag- aXXci aru juloi, TXvKepa, Kal 
 yvwjULi], Kal 'A/oeoTraym? /SovXr], Kal 'HXiala, 
 diravra vrj t^v ^AOrjvav acl yeyovag, Kal vvv 
 e(Tii, Ta? liiev ovv eTricTToXag tov /Sao-iXeoog croi 
 Sieirejmylra/Jitjv, 'Iva juLr) kottto) (re Slg Kal TOig 
 cjULoh Kai T019 eKeivov ypafxfxacnv evTvyyJa- 
 vovcrav a Se eTricrreXXeiv avTw eyvcoKa, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 80 
 
 for me ? I am staying in Piraeus owing 
 to my ill-health ; you know my usual ail- 
 ments, which those who are not fond of 
 me call effeminacy and affectation. The 
 reasons which have induced me to write 
 to you, while you are staying in the city 
 for the sacred festival of Ceres, the Haloa, 
 are the following : I have received a letter 
 from Ptolemy, King of Egypt, in which 
 he entreats me, promising me right royally 
 all the good things of the earth, and 
 invites me to visit him, together with 
 Philemon, to whom also, they say, a letter 
 has been sent. In fact, Philemon has 
 sent it on to me : it is to the same effect as 
 mine, but not so ceremonious or splendid 
 in the promises it holds out, since it is 
 not written to Menander. Let him con- 
 sider and take counsel what he intends 
 to do ; but I will not wait for his advice, 
 for you, my Glycera, . are my counsel, 
 my Areopagus, my Heliaea, yea, by 
 Minerva, you have ever been, and shall 
 ever be my all. So then I have sent 
 you the King's letter ; but, to spare 
 you the double trouble of reading my 
 letter and his, I wish you also to know 
 
 II 
 
8i 
 
 AAKIi»PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 fiovXojULai (re eiSevai. JlXeiv /mev Koi. eig 
 AHyvTTTOv cnrievai jmaKpav ovrco koi uttm- 
 Kiarjuievriv ^acrikeLav ovcrav, /ulo. Tovg SwSeKa 
 Oeovg, ovSe ivOujuLov/mar otXX' ovSe ei ev 
 Aiyipr) Tavrrj ye r^ ttXijg-iop €K€Ito A'tyvirrog, 
 ovS* ovTwg €v v(p av Gcrxov, a<pelg Trjv ejuLrji/ 
 fiaaiXelav Ttjg a-fjg cpiXlag, /movog eV tocovtm 
 oxXft) KtyvirTLWv x^P^^ TXvKepag eprjixlav 
 TToXvapOpcoTTOP opav. "H^foi^ yap kolI uklv 
 Svvorepov rag crag depairevw juloXXov ayKciXag, 
 t) Tag airavTMv twv (raTpairwv Ka) ^aa-iXeoov. 
 ^^TTLKLvSvvov jULcv ovv TO (xveXevdepov, evKaTa- 
 (ppovrjTOv Se TO KoXaKevov, airia-Tov Se to 
 evTVXOvv. 'Eyw Se Kai Tag QjjpiKXelovg, koi 
 Ta Kapxriariay Kai Tag X/°i'cr/^a9 Ka). iravTa 
 Ta ev Taig avXaig eirL(j>dova irapa TOVTOig 
 ayaOa (pvofxeva, twu KaT eTog Xowi^ koi 
 Todv ev TOtg OeaTpOLg Afjvalcov Ka] Trjg x^^f^? 
 ojuLiXiag, Kai twv tou AvKeiov yvjuivaa-lcov, koi 
 Trjg lepag ^ AKaSr]jULlag, ouk aXXaTTOjuiai, /ua 
 Tov Aiovvarov koi Toug liaKXif^ovg avTOv kkt- 
 <Tovg, olg (TTecpavcoOfjvai /uloXXov tj TOig Uto- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 8i 
 
 what answer I have decided to make to 
 it. By the twelve great gods, I could 
 not even think of setting sail for Egypt, 
 a kingdom so far remote from us ; but, 
 not even if Egypt were in Aegina, close 
 at hand as it is, I could not even then 
 think of leaving my kingdom of your 
 friendship, and wandering alone in the 
 midst of the crowded inhabitants of 
 Egypt, looking upon a populous desert, 
 as it would seem to me without my 
 Glycera. I prefer your embraces, which 
 are sweeter and less dangerous than the 
 favours of all the kings and satraps. Loss 
 of liberty is loss of security ; flattery is 
 contemptible : the favours of Fortune are 
 not to be trusted. 
 
 I would not exchange for his Theri- 
 clean drinking - cups, his beakers, his 
 golden goblets, and all the envied valu- 
 ables of his courts, our yearly Choes, 
 the Lenaea in the theatre, a banquet 
 such as we had yesterday, the exercises 
 in the Lyceum and the Sacred Academy 
 — no, I swear it by Bacchus and his ivy- 
 wreaths, with which I would rather be 
 
 II — 2 
 
82 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 Xejiiaiov povXojuLai SiaSyj/ULacriP, opoocrr}^ koi 
 KaOr]juLevi]g ev Tcp Oearpw TXvKepag. Hou yap 
 €V AiyviTTco 6\lrojULai eKKXtjartav koi \l/'^(pov 
 apaSiSojULevt]]/ ; irou Se SrjjuLOKpaTiKov ox^ou 
 ovTm eXevOepla^oPTa ; irov Se OecrjULoOerag 
 ev ralg lepalq KcojaaLg KeKia-a-wjUievovg ; ttoiop 
 Trepicrxoivia-jULa ; irolav oupeariv ; irolovg Xiy- 
 T/oov?; JLepajuLiKOP, ayopav, SiKaa-rrfpta, Tyjv 
 KoXrjv CLKpoTToXiv, TO? (TC/xva? Oeag, ra jJivcTTrj- 
 pia, TYjv yeiTViwo'av ^aXafiiva, ra arryvia, 
 Trjv '^vrraXlaVf Trjv MapaOwva, oXrjv ev raig 
 ^AOyvaig rrjv 'EXXa^a, oXrjv rrjv ^Iwviav, ray 
 Kv/cXa^a? Traa-ag ; 'A(pelg raura Kai TXvKe- 
 pav jUieT ai/Twi/, eig A'tyvirrov SieXOoo ; xp^'^^^ 
 Xafieiv Kal apyvpov Ka\ ttXovtov ; w fiera 
 Tivog XP^^^I^^'- J I^^TOL VXvKepag toctovtov 
 SiaTeOaXacra-evjuLevrjg ; oh irevla Se juloi ecrrai 
 Xi*^ptg avTrjg ravra ; 'Eai/ Se aKOvcrw Tovg 
 cre/uivovg epoorag elg bXXov avr^v jULerareOeiKe- 
 vai, oh (TTToSog /ulol iravreg ol Orja-aupol 
 yev^crovrai ; Kai airoOvr](TKWv rag fxev XvTrag 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 82 
 
 crowned, in the presence of my Glycera 
 seated in the theatre, than with all the 
 diadems of Ptolemy. For where in Egypt 
 shall I see a public assembly and votes 
 being given ? where shall I see a demo- 
 cracy enjoying liberty ? the legislators in 
 the sacred villages crowned with ivy ? the 
 roped inclosure ? the election of magis- 
 trates ? the feast of Pots ? the Ceramicus ? 
 the market-place ? the law-courts ? the 
 beautiful Acropolis ? the dread goddesses ? 
 the mysteries ? the Stenia ? neighbouring 
 Salamis, Psyttalia, Marathon, all Greece 
 in Athens, all Ionia, all the Cyclades ? 
 Shall I leave all these, and Glycera as 
 well, and set out for Egypt ? And for 
 what ? to receive gold and silver and 
 riches ? And with whom am I to enjoy 
 it ? with Glycera separated from me by 
 so wide an expanse of sea ? Will not all 
 this be simple poverty to me without her ? 
 And should I hear that she has trans- 
 ferred her honoured affections to another, 
 will not all these treasures be to me no 
 more than dust and ashes ? and, when I 
 die, shall I not carry away with me my 
 
83 AAKI$P0N02 PHTOPOZ 
 
 e/mavTU) crvvaTrolcro}, to, Se xpv/xara toIs 
 IxvevovcTLv aSLKelv ev /nearw Keicrerai ; ^7 /ueya 
 TO crvjUL^LOuv llToXe/maLO) kgI crarpaTraig kuI 
 
 TOLOVTOig \1/-0^019, WV OUT6 TO ^iXlKOV ^t'- 
 
 fiaiov, 0UT6 TO SiexOpevov uklvSwov ; 'Eai/ 
 Se opyiaQn tl /uloi VXvKepa, dira^ avTtiv 
 apira^ag KaTecpiXyjca- au gtl opyl^eTai, juloX- 
 Xou avTYjv e^iaa-ajULijv' kuv /SapuOu/umog extJ, 
 SeSuKpuKa' KOI TT/ao? Tavr^ ovk eO^ VTro/JLecpacra 
 Tag ejuLag Xvirag SeiTai Xoittov, out€ (TTpaTico- 
 Tag 6Xov(Ta outc Sopv(ji6povg out6 (pvXaKag- 
 eyo) yap avTtjg el/uu iravTa. "^H yueya Ka\ 
 OavjuaarTOP iSeiu top kuXov ^eiXou ; oh jueya 
 Kai Tov ^u(j)paTr]p iSeiv ; oh fxeya Ka\ tou 
 ' IcTTpov ; ov Toov fjieyaXcov Ka\ 6 Qep/uLcoScou, 6 
 Tlypigy 6 '^AXvg, 6 'Vfjvog ; Ef /uLeXXo) irdvTag 
 Toug TTOTajuLOvg opav, KaTa^airTKrOyjo-eTal /ulol 
 TO ^fjv, ij.rj piXeirovTi TXuKepav. '0 Se ^elXog 
 ovTog Kaiirep cov KoXog, aXX' airoTedrjplwTaL' 
 Kai OVK ea-TLV ouTe TrpocreXOeiv auTOv Talg 
 Sivaig eXXoxw/xej^ou TocrovToig KUKoig. 'E/xoi 
 yevoiTo, l^acnXev TLToXeixale, tov ^Kttlkov 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 83 
 
 sorrows to the grave, and leave my 
 riches a prey to those who are ever on 
 the watch to seize them ? Is it so great 
 an honour to live with Ptolemy and his 
 satraps and others with like idle names, 
 whose friendship is not to be trusted, 
 and whose enmity is dangerous ? If 
 Glycera is angry with me, I clasp her in 
 my arms and snatch a kiss ; if she is still 
 angry, I press her further, and, if she is 
 indignant, I shed tears ; then she can no 
 longer resist my grief, but entreats me in 
 her turn ; for she has neither soldiers, 
 nor spearmen, nor body-guards, but I am 
 all in all to her. Is it so great and 
 wonderful a thing to see the noble Nile? 
 Are not the Euphrates, the Danube, the 
 Thermodon, the Tigris, the Halys, and 
 the Rhine equally deserving of admira- 
 tion ? If I had to visit all the rivers in the 
 world, my life would be utterly swamped, 
 unless I saw my Glycera. And this 
 Nile, though a beautiful river, is full of 
 savage monsters; and it is impossible to 
 approach its streams, in which so many dan- 
 gers lie concealed. May it be my lot. King 
 
84 AAKl^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 aiei arT€(p€cr6at Kicrcrov ejuol yevoiro x^MotTo? 
 Koi Ta<t>ov irarpwov Tvxelv, koi tov ew^ 
 ecrxf^pcLS v/uLvrjcraL Kar ero^ Aiovvctov' Ta^ 
 luLv<TTr]pi(jOTiSag ayeiv Tekerd^' Spajmarovpyelv 
 TL Kaivov rah irrjo-laig OvjuLcXai^ Spa/ma, ye- 
 XcopTa Koi x^^^povra koi aycovLwvra koi (po^ov- 
 IJLevov KLU vLKwvra. ^iXrjjiAwv Se evrvxeiTco 
 TCi/uia ayaOa, yevo/mevo^ ev AiyvTrro). Ovk 
 ex^i ^iXr'ijULCov TXvKcpav rivw ouSe a^Lo<s ^v 
 'icrcog TOV ToiovTou ay aOou. Xv Se ck twv 
 hXwwv Seojuai, TXuKepiov, evOu^ TreTO/mevi] 
 Trpos ^jULoi^ eiri t^9 aa-rpa^rjg (pepou. MaKpo- 
 Tepav eoprriv ouSeTrore eyvodv, ovSe uKaipo- 
 Tepav. Ay/uLtjrep, 'iXeoog yevov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 84 
 
 Ptolemy, ever to be crowned with Attic 
 ivy ! to die and be buried in my own 
 native land, and to join every year in the 
 Dionysiac hymns at the altars ! to be 
 initiated into the mystic rites, to produce 
 a new play every year upon the stage, 
 now laughing and rejoicing, now in fear 
 and trembHng, and now victorious ! Let 
 Philemon go to Egypt and enjoy the 
 happiness that is promised to me, for 
 Philemon has no Glycera ; perhaps he 
 does not deserve such a blessing. And 
 do you, my dear Glycera, I beseech you, 
 immediately after the Haloan festival, 
 mount your mule and fly to me. I have 
 never known a festival that seemed to 
 last longer, or one more ill-timed. O 
 Ceres, be propitious ! 
 
 t 
 
85 AAKI^PONOi: PHT0P02 
 
 IV. 
 
 T\u Ke p a ^levavS p(p. 
 
 Qg SteTre/ULxlrco juloi tou PacriXeoog tu^s eiTL- 
 (TToXa^, evOvg aveyvoov. Met t^v KaXXtye- 
 veiav, ev tJ? vvv et/uu, Karexctipov, M.ii/avSp6, 
 CKTraOr]^ vfj) rjSovrj^ yivojuievr], Koi ra? irapov- 
 cra? ovK eXavOavov rjv Se ij re iui^Tt]p julov 
 Kat rj erepa aSeX^r] l£iv<j)6piov, kol toov 
 <piXciou r/V olcrOa, Kai irapa ctol eSelirvricre 
 TToXXuKig, Kai cTrrjveig avrfji} top iirix^piov 
 UTTiKicriuLov, aXX' wg (jto^ovjuievos avTrjv ewai- 
 i/eiv, ore koi nieLSiaa-aa-a OepjuLorepop ore 
 KaT€<pLXri(Ta. Ov iui€jULVij(Tai, M.€vavSp6', Qeacra- 
 jjLevai Se jne irapa to eicoOo^ Kot tw irpocrcoTrM 
 KOI TOig o^OaXjuLoh x^^P^^^^^> ^ TXvKepiov, 
 ^jpovTO, Ti croL TrjXLKOvTOv yiyovev ayaOov, 
 on Kai i/^yx?? ^^^ crcojixaTi km iracrLv aXXoio- 
 Tepa vvv Tre^rjva^, koi to (TCOjuLa yeyavcoa-ai 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 85 
 
 IV. 
 
 Glycera to Menander. 
 
 As soon as I received the King's 
 letter, I read it. By the glorious Mother, 
 in whose temple I now stand, I rejoiced 
 exceedingly, Menander, being mad with 
 joy, which I could not conceal from my 
 companions. There were with me my 
 mother, my sister Euphorium, and one 
 of my friends whom you know, who has 
 often supped with you, and whose Attic 
 dialect you so commended, but as if you 
 were half afraid to praise her, whenever I 
 smiled and kissed you more warmly. 
 Don't you remember, Menander dear? 
 When they saw my unwonted joy in my 
 face and my eyes, they asked me, '' What 
 extraordinary good fortune has happened 
 to you, dear Glycera ? You seem altered 
 in mind, in body, in everything. Joy 
 beams over your person ; cheerfulness 
 
86 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOX 
 
 Kol SiaXajuLTrcL^ eirlxapTov tl koi evKTalov. 
 Kayo), M,ivavSpov, e(j)rj]/, top e/mov 6 AlyvTrrou 
 /3a(Ti\ev^ UiToXe/ULaio^ eirl tw ^juicrei T^g 
 ^aaiXeta^ Tpoirov Tiva jULeraTreiuLTreTai, jmei^ovL 
 Tii ^covf] ^Oey^ajmevrj koi cr(poSpoTepa, ottco? 
 TTOLcrai aKova-cocnv at irapova-ai. Kat ravra 
 eXeyoj^ eyco SiaTivacrcrova-a koi cro/Sovcra rah 
 Xepcriv i/uLavT^g Trjv €7rt(TToXrjv crvv avTn tii 
 pacriXiKtJ (TcppayiSi. ^alpoig ovv cnroXeiTro- 
 imevrjy €(ppa(Tav ; to Se ovk ijv, l^evavSpe. 
 'AXXa TOVTO lULCP ovSeul Tpoirco, jma ra? 
 6ea^, ou(5' €1 fiovg juloi to Xeyo/mevov 
 ^Oey^aiTO, TreicrOeirjv av, otl iSovXycreTaL 
 jue TTore rj SvvrjcreTai M^evavSpo^, CLTroXiTrcov 
 ev ^AOrivaig TXvKepav Ttjv eavTOv, jULOvog eV 
 AlyviTTcp pacriXeveiv jULCTa iravrodv tcov aya- 
 6wv. 'AXXa Koi TOVTO ye SrjXog e/c twv 
 eTTicTToXwu, tov aveyvcov, rjv 6 ffaaiXeug Tajma 
 TreTTuariULevog, cog eoiKe, irepl crou' Kai ciTpe/txa 
 Si^ virovoLOdv AlyvTrTLOig OeXcov aa-Te'Ca-iJiolg 
 ae SiaTwOa^eip. Xa/yoo) Sia tovto' otl 
 TreTrXevKacTL Kai eig A'iyvirTov irpog avTov ol 
 riixeTepOL epoiiTeg, Kai ireiQeTai TrdvTwg, e^ 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 86 
 
 and happy contentment pervade your 
 whole being." I told them, raising my 
 voice and speaking louder, that all 
 who were present might hear me : 
 " Ptolemy, King of Egypt, has invited 
 my Menander to visit him, and pro- 
 mised him the half of his kingdom," 
 and, at the same time, in proof of this, 
 I shook triumphantly in the air the mis- 
 sive bearing the royal seal. " Will you 
 be glad if he leaves you ? " they asked. 
 Most certainly, dear Menander, that was 
 not the reason, by all the goddesses. 
 Even if an ox were to speak, to use the 
 words of the proverb, I would never be- 
 lieve that Menander would have the heart 
 to leave his Glycera in Athens and reign 
 alone in Egypt, in the midst of such 
 grandeur. It was clear to me, besides, 
 from the King's letter, which I read, 
 that he knew of our relations, and my 
 affection for you. It seemed to me that 
 he meant to banter you in a round- 
 about way with Egyptian witticisms. I 
 am delighted to think that the report of 
 our love has crossed the sea. The King, 
 
8; AAKI$P0N02 PHTOPOS 
 
 wu tiKOVcreVj aSvvaTOV CTrovSa^eiv, eitlQuijlwv 
 ^AOrjvaff TT/oo? avTOv Sia^rjvai. T/ yap 
 ^AOfjvai x^P^? M.evavSpov ; rl Se MevavSpog 
 X(*>pi9 TXvKepag ; rjri^ qvtm koI tu irpoa-oo- 
 irela SiacTKCva^w, Koi Ta<i earOfjra? evSuco, 
 KOLv TOis TrpocTKrjvioig €(TTr}Ka, Tovg SaKTvXovg 
 eiuLavrfjg Trie^ovaa, fj av KpoTaXia-rj to 
 Oearpov koi Tpe/ULOucra Tore vt] rhv" ApreiJLiv 
 avayfrvx^, Koi. irepiBaWovcra ere rrjv lepav 
 TOdv SpajuaTcov cKeiprjv K€(pa\r]v evayKciki- 
 ^ojuLai. 'AAA' oTi raig (plXaig tote xaipeiv 
 e<j)tjv, TOUT ^v, M.€vavSpe, on ovk apa 
 TXvKepa jJLOvov, aWa kol /BacriXeis virep 
 OaXacrcrav epoocri crov, Kai SiaTTOvTioi ^fjinai 
 rag (ra^ aperag KaTrjyyeXKacrr koi A'lyv- 
 TTTO? KOI NefXo9 KOI UpcoTem TO, OLKpcoTr/pia, 
 Koi at Capiat CTKOiriai, iravra /merewpa vvv 
 €<TTt /BovXoiuLeva iSeiv M.€vavSpoi>, Ka\ ukov- 
 (rat (piXapyvpcov, kqi epoovTcov, Kai SeicriSaL- 
 [jiovodv, KOL airiCTTWv, KOL Trarepcov, koi vlwv 
 Koi depairovTOov, Koi iravrog €V<rKT]vopaTov- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 87 
 
 from what he has been told, will see 
 the utter uselessness of wishing Athens 
 to be transported to Egypt. For what 
 would Athens be without Menander ? 
 What would Menander be without Gly- 
 cera, who prepares his masks, puts on 
 his costumes for him, and stands at the 
 wings to give the signal for applause in 
 the theatre, and to accompany it with 
 her own ? Then, may Diana be my 
 witness ! I tremble, then I breathe again, 
 and clasp you in my arms, the sacred 
 fount of comedy. Need I tell you the 
 reason of the joy I exhibited before my 
 friends ? It was simply the thought that 
 not Glycera alone, but even distant 
 monarchs love you, and that the fame 
 of your merits has extended across the 
 sea. Egypt, the Nile, the promontory 
 of Proteus, the tower of Pharos, are all 
 full of eager curiosity to behold Menander, 
 and to hear the conversations of the 
 misers, the lovers, the superstitious, the 
 faithless, the fathers, the slaves — in 
 short, all the characters that are intro- 
 duced upon the stage. They may indeed 
 
88 AAKI#PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 jmevov wv aKOvcrovrai jmev, ovk o^ovrai Se 
 MevavSpov, el jmr] ev acTTei irapa TXvKepa 
 yevoivTO' koi Ttjv ejUL^v evSaifJLOvlav iSoiev, top 
 TrdvTt] Slci to k\€09 avTOv MevavSpov koi 
 vvKTwp Koi jULcO^ rjfxipav i/uLol TrepiKeL/ULevov. 
 Ov /jLrjv aXX' e'lye apa ttoOo? aipei ere rz? 
 KOI Tcov cKel ayaOoop, koi el juLrjSevog aWov, 
 rfjg ye Klyvirrov, xpr}iJ.aT09 jmeyaXov koi 
 TMV avToOi TrvpajmlScov, koi twv irepitjxovvTwv 
 ayoXjULctTCov Koi tov irepi^oriTov Xa^vpivOou, 
 Kol Twv aWcov, ocra airo ^ovov t] TexvV9 
 7ra/o' avToig TLjULia, SeojuLal crov, M.€Pav8pe, 
 jULr] TTOirjo-i] lULe 7rp6<pa(np' juirjSe jme ^AOrjvaioi 
 Sia ravra /ULia-ria-aTOoa-av, ijSrj rovq jueSijuLvovg 
 apiOjUiovvTe?, 01)9 6 ^acriXev^ auroh Tre/mylrei 
 Sia ce- aXX' cxttiOi iraa-i OeoU, ayaOiJ rvxtly 
 Se^ioi9 irvevixacn, Ail ovplco, eyoo yap ere ovk 
 airoXelyp^od' jmr] tovto So^tjg /me Xeyeiv, 01)^' 
 auTr] SvpajuLai, kolv OeXw aXXa Trapeiaa rrjp 
 jurjTepa KOI Toig aSeX(pa9 avra? ea-ojuiai 
 a-vjULTrXeova'a croi, Ka\ <T(p6Spa rcov evOaXaa-- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 88 
 
 be able to hear your pieces, but those 
 who wish to see the author in person 
 will have to come to Athens to me : here 
 they will be witnesses of my happiness 
 in the possession of a man whose renown 
 fills the universe, and who never quits 
 my side by day or night. However, if 
 the promised happiness which awaits you 
 there has charms for you — at any rate, 
 magnificent Egypt, with its pyramids, its 
 echoing statues, its famous labyrinth, and 
 the other marvels of antiquity and art — 
 I beg you, dear Menander, do not let 
 me stand in the way : this would make 
 me hated by the Athenians, who are 
 already reckoning the bushels of corn 
 which the King, out of regard for you, 
 will bestow upon them. Go, under the 
 protection of the gods and Fortune, with 
 a favourable wind, and may Jupiter be 
 propitious to you ! As for me, I will 
 never leave you : do not expect ever to 
 hear me say that ; and, even if I desired 
 to do so, it would be impossible for me. 
 I will leave my mother and sisters and 
 join you on board. I feel sure that I 
 
 12 - 
 
89 AAKICT0N02 PHTOPOS 
 
 a-MP yeyevrjfjLai ev oiSa, Kai €KK\a)fjL€vi]^ 
 KW7rr]g vavrlag eyco OepaTrevcrot}. GaXi/ro) 
 (Tov TO aa-Qevovv tcov TreXayia-juLoov a^co Se ere 
 arep /jlltoov 'ApiaSvrjg eig A'tyvTrrov, ov 
 Aiovvcrov aX\a Aiovvarov Sepairovra koI 
 'Trpo^ijTtjv ovSe ev Nafo) kol eprj/mlaig 
 vavTiKaig aTroiXeKpOijaro/uiai, rag crag awia-riag 
 KXalovcra Kai TroTUiconJievr]. jLaipcTCoarav ol 
 Or](Teig iKcivoi Koi to. airiCTTa twv irpecr- 
 ^uTepwv ajULTrXaKr/jULaTa' ^juliv Se /SeBaia 
 iravTa, Kai to acTVy Ka\ 6 TLeipaievg, Kai rj 
 AiyvTTTog. OvSev x^P^^^ ^julcop Tovg epcorag 
 ovxi Several ifKripeig' kulv irerpav oiKcojUieu, 
 €u otSa a<ppoSta-iov avTrjv to euvovv iroLy'fcrei. 
 JleireKTixai ixy^Te xprifxaTiiiv ere /xj/re irepiov- 
 aiag imrjTe itXovtov to KaOdira^ cTriOvjuLeii', 
 ev e/ULOi Kai TOig Spajuacri Tt]v evSaijuLoviav 
 KaTaTiOejuLevov aXX ol avyyevetg, a\X >) 
 iraTpig, aXX' ol (piXoi, cx^Sov olcrOa iravTrj 
 iravTeg ttoWcov SeovTai, TrXovTeiv OeXovcri 
 Kai xPVf^f^Ti^eo-Oai. Sv jmev ovSeiroTe 'jrep\ 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 89 
 
 shall soon turn out to be a good sailor. 
 If the motion of the oars affects you, 
 and the unpleasantness of sea-sickness, 
 I will tend and look after you. With- 
 out any thread, I will guide you, like 
 another Ariadne, to Egypt ; although 
 you certainly are not Bacchus himself, 
 but his attendant and priest. I have 
 no fear of being abandoned at Naxos, 
 to lament your perfidy in the midst of 
 the solitudes of ocean. What care I for 
 Theseus and the infidelities of the men 
 of ancient times ? No place can change 
 our affection, Athens, the Piraeus, or 
 Egypt. There is no country which will 
 not find our love unimpaired : even if we 
 had to live upon a rock, I know that 
 our affection would make it the seat of 
 love. I am convinced that you seek 
 neither money, nor opulence, nor luxury : 
 your happiness consists in the possession 
 of myself and the composition of come- 
 dies ; but your kinsmen, your country, 
 your friends — all these, you know, have 
 many needs ; they all wish to grow rich 
 and to heap up money. Whatever hap- 
 
 12 — 2 
 
90 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 ovSevog aiTiacrij /ul€ ovt€ /uLiKpov ovre /neya- 
 \ov, TOVTO €v oiiSa, iraXai /mev ^tti]/j.€po^ 
 ejtxov TrdOea-i Koi. epwrr vvv Se tjSrj Koi Kpiariv 
 irpoa-reOeiKwg auroi^' 0T9 /uloXXop Trepiexojuiai, 
 M.€vavSp€, ^o^ou/ULevr] r^y e/uLTraOov^ ^iXlag 
 TO oXiyoxpovLOV cctti yap w? /Blaio^ rj e/m- 
 7ra6r]g (piXia, ovtco koi evSiaXvTog' 0I9 Se 
 Trapa^e^Xrivrai Ka\ ^ovXai, afipayeaTepov 
 €V TOVTO19 rjSrj TO epyov ouT€ ajuLtyeg ^Sovaig 
 T6 Km Sia TO TrXrjOog, ovtc TrepLSeeg' Xvcreig 
 Se Tt]v yvco/mrji/, cog /ne iroXXaKig irepi tovtwv 
 avToq vovOcTcov SiSacKeig. 'AXX' el koi crv 
 IxijTe /uLe/UL\lrr], jUL^jTe aiTiaa-i], SeSoiKa toi^? 
 ^Attikov^ a-^rJKag, diTLveg ap^ovTm iravTi] /me 
 irepi^oiJ.PeJv i^iovcrap, wg avTov acl)}]pr]iuLevt]g 
 Ttjg ^AOrjvalwp 'TToXecog top ttXovtop. ''Q(tt€ 
 Seojiial (Tov, ^evavSpe, eiricrxeg, jmrjSeTrco tw 
 fiacriXei furjSev avTe7rL(TTeiXr}g' cti ^ovXevcrai, 
 Trepljuieivov ecog KOivtj yevwjueOa koi /meTo. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 90 
 
 pens, you will have nothing to reproach 
 me with, either great or small, of that 
 I am certain ; for you have long felt the 
 deepest affection for me, and you have 
 now learnt to judge me aright. This, 
 dearest Menander, is a matter of re- 
 joicing to me, for I always used to fear 
 the brief duration of a love founded upon 
 simple passion. Such a love, however 
 violent it may be, is always easily broken 
 up ; but, if it be accompanied by reason, 
 the bonds of affection are drawn tighter, 
 it gains sure possession of its pleasures, 
 and leaves us free from care. Do you, 
 who have often guided me on several 
 occasions, tell me whether I am right in 
 this. But, even if yoti should not re- 
 proach me, I should still have great fear 
 of those Athenian wasps, who would be 
 sure to buzz around me on all sides at 
 the moment of my departure, as if I 
 were taking away the wealth of Athens. 
 Wherefore, dear Menander, I beg you, 
 do not be in too great a hurry to reply 
 to the King ; think it over a little longer ; 
 wait until our meeting and we see our 
 
AAKI^PONOZ PHTOPOZ 
 
 TCOV (plXcOV KOI OeO(ppa(TTOV Koi lEiTTlKOUpOV 
 
 Taxa yap aWoiorepa KaicelvoLs Ka\ cro\ ^ai'el- 
 rai ravra. M.aX\ov Se kol Ova-co/meOa Kai 'iSco- 
 /uLev, TL Xeyei tu lepu, e'lre \(pov elg 
 AiyvTTTOP ^jULag airitvai, eire fxeveiv koi 
 Xpri(rTripLa(Td(h[j.ev eh I^e\(j)ov<s ireiJ^xj/avTe^' 
 TraTpiog ^/ulcov egriv 6 Oeog. ^ KiroXoyiav 
 e^ojixev Koi iropevojuLevoL koI /mevovTeg 
 TTpog a/uLc/yoTepa, Tovg Oeovg. MaXXoi' 
 ^e eyo) tovto iroiy'jtTOd' Km yap exw 
 TLva vewa-TL yvvaiKa airo ^pvylag i'lKovaav 
 €v /maXa toutcov e/uLTreipov, yaG-Tpo/mai/Tev- 
 ea-Qai Seivtjv t^ tcop arirapTwv Siaraa-et vvk- 
 Twp Ka\ TU TCOV Oecov Seller Kal ov Sel 
 Xeyova-}] TrtcTTeveiv, aXX' iSetv, cog (paai. 
 Ata7r6/xi/ro/>tat irpog avW/v Ka\ yap, wg e(p)], 
 Kal KaOapcriv Tiva Set irpoTeXicrai t^v 
 yuvaiKa Kal irapacTKevacraL Tiva ^wa Lepeu<rai, 
 Kal Xi^avooTOv appeva Kal (TTvpaKa jmaKpov 
 Kai Tre/ULjULaTa creXrjvtjg, Kal aypia (pvXXa 
 avOcov. Ot/xai Se koi ere (ppa<ra(r6aL Heipaio- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 91 
 
 friends Theophrastus and Epicurus ; for 
 perhaps their opinion will be different. 
 Or rather, let us offer sacrifice, and see 
 what the entrails of the victims portend: 
 whether they advise us to set out for 
 Egypt or to stay here; and, since Apollo 
 is the god of our country, let us also 
 send messengers to Delphi, to consult 
 the oracle. Whether we go or whether 
 we stay, we shall always have an excuse 
 — the will of the gods. 
 
 I have a better plan still. I know a 
 woman, very clever in all these matters, 
 who has just arrived from Phrygia. She 
 excels in the knowledge of the art of 
 divination, the stretching of the branches 
 of the broom, and the nightly evocation 
 of the shades. As I do not believe merely 
 in words, but require acts as well, I will 
 send to her ; for she says she must per- 
 form an initiatory lustration and prepare 
 certain animals for the sacrifice, as well 
 as the male frankincense, the tall styrax, 
 the round cakes for the moon, and some 
 leaves of wild flowers. I think that you 
 have decided to come from the Piraeus ; 
 
92 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 Oev iXOeiv r] SrjXwa-al iulol aacpw^, /mexpt 
 Tivos ov Svvacrai TXvKepav iSeiv 1.v eyco /xej/ 
 KaraSpajULCo irpo^ ere, rrji/ Se ^pvylav ravTrjv 
 eTOLjuLacrcojUiaL' rjSrj Se KaTajULeXerav Treipa^eig 
 airo TavTO/jLarov tov Tieipaia kol to aypiSiov 
 Koi. Tr]v MovpuxloLV, KOL KUT oklyov oirm 
 €K7re(r(jO(Ti T^g "^vxrjg. 'Eyco fxev SuvamaL iravra 
 TTOieiv lULu Tovg Oeovg' (tv Se ov Suvacrat, Sia- 
 ireifKeytJiivog 0X009 ?^^ I^ol. Kai^ ol ^acn- 
 Xeig eTTia-TeLXuxTL Travreg, eyia iravTwv eljuu 
 irapa (To\ /SaanXtKcoTepa, Kai evcre^el ctol 
 Kexp^Jim-OLL epaa-T^ /cat opKCOv lepojULvrj/ULom. 
 ^Qcrre ireipw juloXXov, e/uLtj (piXoTrjg, daarcrov 
 eh aa-Tv TrapayeveaSai, ottw?, e^ye juLera^ov- 
 Xev(Tato Trjg irpog ^acnXea acpl^eoog, ^'xW? 
 euTpeTTKr/uLeva ra Spa/uLara i^ avTcov, a /ma- 
 Xicrra ovfjcraL Svvarai UToXe/maiov koi tov 
 avTOv ^Lovvaov, ov SrjjuLOKpaTiKov cog ol<r0a- 
 e'lTe Oa'iSag, e'lTe M-KrovjuLepov, e'lTe OpacrvXe- 
 ovTa, e'lTe ^^TriTpeTrovTag, e'lTe 'YaTri^o/uieptjv, 
 e'lTe ^iKvwv'''"'"' ctXX' oti koi iyo) Opatjela 
 Kai ToX/ULrjpd Tig ei/uu to. M.evdvSpov SiaKpiveiv 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 92 
 
 if not, tell me how long you will be able 
 to exist without seeing Glycera, that I 
 may prepare this Phrygian and hasten 
 to you. But perhaps you have already 
 of your own accord considered with your- 
 self how you may gradually forget the 
 Piraeus, your little estate, and Munychia. 
 I indeed can do and endure anything; 
 but you are not equally your own master, 
 since you are entirely wrapped up in me. 
 Even if kings summon you, I am more 
 your queen and mistress than them all, 
 and I consider you as a devoted lover 
 and a most diligent observer of your 
 oath. Therefore, my darling, try all the 
 more to come without delay to the city, 
 so that, in case you change your mind 
 in regard to visiting the King, you may 
 nevertheless have those plays ready which 
 are most likely to please Ptolemy and his 
 Bacchus, no ordinary one, as you know : 
 for instance, either the Thaises, the Misu- 
 menos, the Thrasyleon, the Epitrepontes, 
 the Rhapizomene, or the Sicyonian. But 
 how rash and venturesome am I to take 
 upon myself to judge the compositions of 
 
 k 
 
93 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 iStooTL^ ovcra' aXXa crocpov e^w crov tov 
 epcora, kol tuvt eiSivai SvpaaOar cru yap 
 IX iSiSa^a^ €V(l)va yvvatKa raxeco? irap* 
 epwvTWV /mavOaveiv, a\X oikovo/ulouctiv epCD- 
 re? (nrevSoureg' alSov/meOa rtjv ' Apre/HLV 
 ava^LOL vjUicov ehai /uLt] Outtov fxavQavova-ai. 
 Ilai/Tft)? Seojmai M.€vavSp€, KCLKeivo TrapadKCV- 
 da-aarOaL to Spajma, ev w jtxe yiypa(j)a<s, %a 
 KOLV jULr] TrapayevwimaL avv aoi, Sl^ aXkou irXeuco) 
 7r/oo9 JlToXejUiaiov, kclv /uloXXov aLcrOrjTai 6 
 ^aa-iXevg, o(tov icrxuei koi irapa (to\ ye- 
 ypa/UL/iievovg (pepetv eavrou Tovg epcuTa^y 
 a^eig ev aarei Tovg aXrjOivovg. 'AXX' 
 ovSe TovTOug cKprjcreig, ev 'la-Oi' Kv/3epvav rj 
 TTpcopaTeveip eco^ Seupo Trapayivn irpog ^/mag 
 UeipaioOev /ULvrjOricroiuLai, lua ere raig e/mai^ 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 93 
 
 Menander — I, a woman who knows nothing 
 about such matters ! But I have a clever 
 master in your affection, which has taught 
 me to understand even them ; you have 
 shown me that any woman, who possesses 
 natural ability, quickly learns from those 
 she loves, and that love acts without 
 delay. I should be ashamed, by Diana, 
 if I were to show myself unworthy of 
 such a master by being slow to learn. 
 Anyhow, dear Menander, I entreat you 
 also to get ready that play in which you 
 have described myself, so that, even if 
 not present in person, I may sail by 
 proxy to the court of Ptolemy ; so the 
 King will more clearly understand how 
 strong your love must be, since you take 
 with you at least the written history of 
 the same, although you leave behind you 
 in the city the living object of your 
 affections. But you shall not even leave 
 that behind ; you may rest assured that 
 I shall practise myself in the mysteries 
 of guiding the helm and keeping look-out, 
 until you come to me from the Piraeus, 
 that I may safely guide you over the waves 
 
94 AAKI^PONOE PHT0P02 
 
 X^pcriv aKvjuLova vava-roXt^aWy TrXeovara, el 
 TOVTO ajmeivov elvai (paiPOLTO' cjiavelr] Se, w 
 Oeoc 7ravT€9, o Koivij Xva-iTeXeg ?}, kol fxavTev- 
 craiTO ri ^pvyia tu (TviJL(jiepovTa Kpeicrcrov 
 Trjg 6eo(pop)]TOV arov Kopfj^s- "Eppuxro. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 94 
 
 with my own hands, if you think it best 
 to go. I pray to all the gods that what 
 may be to the advantage of us both may 
 be disclosed, and that the Phrygian may 
 prophesy what is to our interest even 
 better than your damsel inspired with 
 divine frenzy. Farewell. 
 
95 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 LIBER TERTIUS 
 
 T\aV K ITT TTtJ IL a p (JO IT IJ . 
 
 Ou/ceV eliJj. ev ijULavTiJ, w lULrjrep, ovS' 
 avexojULai yrj/uLacrOai, w /me kqt eyyvrjo-iv 
 eTrrjyyelXaro eVayxo? 6 irarrip, tw M^rjOvjuLvaiM 
 lueipaKio) TW iraiSl tov Kv/SepptjTOv, i^ otov 
 Tov acTTiKOv €(pT]^ov eOeaQ-ajuLrfv tov wcxo- 
 (j)6pov, ore iuL€ aarrvSe 7rpovTp€\[ra^ acpiKeorOai, 
 w(rxo(poplo)v ovTCDv. KaXo9 jmev yap earn, 
 KaXo<i, w njLrjrep, Kal ySia-rog, Kai /Boarrpv- 
 Xovg ex^i /Spvcoi/ ovXorepovg, Kal jaeiSLa rrjg 
 Oa\aarcrr}<i yaXriviwcTri^ x^P^^^'^^P^^y '^^^ '^"? 
 ^oiXa^ Twv 6(p6a\iuLW]/ ectti Kuauavyrjg, 0T09 
 
 TO irpOOTOV UTTO TWU (IKt'lVOOV TWV rfKiaKwv 6 
 
 TTOVTog KaTaXajuLTrojuievog (paivcTar to Se oXov 
 irpoa-iairov avTal^ evopx^icrOai Taig Trapeiaig 
 €iirot<s av ra? Xa/ozra? tov ^Opxojmevov airoXi- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 95 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 I. 
 
 Glaucippe to Charope. 
 
 O MOTHER, I am quite beside myself! 
 It is impossible for me to wed the young 
 Methymnaean, the pilot's son, to whom 
 my father lately betrothed me, since I 
 have seen the young man from the city, 
 who carried the holy palm branch, when 
 you gave me permission to go to Athens 
 for the festival of the Oschophoria. Ah, 
 mother, how beautiful he is ! how charm- 
 ing ! His locks are curlier than moss ; 
 he laughs more pleasantly than the sea 
 in a calm ; his eyes are azure, like the 
 ocean, when the first beams of the rising 
 sun glitter upon it. And his whole 
 countenance ? You would say that the 
 
96 
 
 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 'KOvcra<i Koi Tfjg Tapya^lag Kprjvrjg airovLylra- 
 jixeva^, TO) X^^^*} ^^> '^^ poSa t^? ^AippoSlrtjg 
 airoavKricraq toov koXttcov, SirjvOia-Tai, cttI 
 Tociv oLKptav eTTiOejULevo^. '^H TOVTM jULiy^cro/uLai, 
 rj Ty]v Aecr/Slav /uLinjLi^a'ajuLcvi] SaTr^co, ovk airo 
 rfjg AcvKaSog Trer/oa?, aXX' airo rm Ueipal'- 
 Kwv irpo^oKwv ejuLavTtjv eig to kXvSwvlov wcrao. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 96 
 
 Graces, having abandoned Orchomenus, 
 after bathing in the fountain of Gargaphia, 
 had come to froHc around his cheeks. On 
 his lips bloom roses, which he seems to 
 have plucked from Cytherea's bosom to 
 adorn them. He must either be mine 
 or, following the example of the Lesbian 
 Sappho, I will throw myself, not from 
 the Leucadian rocks, but from the crags 
 of Piraeus, into the waves. 
 
 13 
 
97 
 
 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 II. 
 
 X. a pco TT J] T \av K iir TT ij. 
 
 MejuLiJvai}, (3 Ovyarpiop, koi aXyjOcog e^ecr- 
 T>79. 'EXXe^oyooy Sei croi, Ka\ ov rov kolvov, 
 Tov Se airo rfjg ^odklSo^ *Ai/TiKvpag, iing, 
 Seov aiaxwecrOai KopiKwg, ctTre^ecrag Ttjv aiSco 
 TOV TrpocrcoTTOu. 'E^e cxTpefxa, koi Kara 
 (reavTYjv piTri^e to kqkov e^coOova-a Ttjg 
 Siavolag. Ei yap tl tovtmv 6 cog iraThp 
 TTvOoiTO, ovSev Sia(TK€\lraiuLevo9, ovSe /ueWyjcrag, 
 Toh evaXioig ^opav Trapapplyjrei (re Orjploig. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 97 
 
 II. 
 
 Charope to Glaucippe. 
 
 Silly child, you are surely mad, with- 
 out a spark of reason. You really need 
 a dose of hellebore, not the ordinary 
 kind, but that which comes from Anti- 
 cyra, in Phocis, since you have lost all 
 maiden modesty. Keep quiet, calm your- 
 self, banish such extravagance from your 
 thoughts and return to your right mind. 
 If your father should hear anything of it, 
 he would certainly throw you, without 
 more ado, into the sea, as a dainty 
 morsel for the monsters of the deep. 
 
 13- 
 
98 AAKI*PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 III. 
 
 Ei/ay/QO? ^ i\ oO^ p (p. 
 
 l^voyfrla /UL€V ijv Kai TrXrjOog ixOvcov eyw 
 Se TYjv <jayy]vr\v aTroXeo-a? ^iropovv 6 ri 
 Trpa^aijuLi. "^So^ev ovv Xi(rv<j)€i6v ri /jloi 
 ^ovXevcrafJLevo) ^ovXevjuia iXOeiv irapa top 
 SaveiCTTrjv ILpefxrira, Koi vTroOijKrjv avria KaOo- 
 /uioXoywavTL to aKacfyo^ Xa^elv xpvcrivov^ 
 Tecrarapa^, e^ wv avOi^ Kaivovpyfj(ral fioi tyjp 
 crayrjvr]v vTrap^eie, koI SrJTa tovto Xoyov 
 OoLTTOV eyeveTO. Kaf 6 ^pejuLrj^ 6 KaTccrKXr]- 
 K(ji)9, 6 KaTea-TraKwg Ta? 6<ppvg 6 TavprjSov 
 TravTag VTro^XeTroov, 'Icrcog epcoTt t^? olkcitov, 
 XoXacrag to fiapv koi ajmeiSh, avelg Tag oyfreig, 
 vTre/iieiSia irpog jme, koI olog elvai virovpyeiv 
 iravTa €<pa(rK€v. ^vOvg /mev ovv cKSrjXog ^v 
 ovTOog aOpowg to orKvOpwiroi Xvcrag ovk 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 98 
 
 III. 
 
 EVAGRUS TO PhILOTHERUS. 
 
 Recently there was an abundant 
 supply of fish ; but, since my nets were 
 quite spoilt, I did not know what to do. 
 An inspiration came to me, which I 
 thought worthy of Sisyphus. I resolved 
 to go to the money-lender Chremes, and 
 to offer my boat to him as security for 
 four pieces of gold, that I might be able 
 to repair my nets. No sooner said than 
 done. Chremes, that skinny old wretch, 
 as a rule knits his brows and looks 
 savagely at everybody. Perhaps it was 
 the hope of getting possession of my boat 
 which caused him suddenly to relax his 
 severity. The wrinkles on his brow 
 cleared; he even smiled at me, and 
 assured me that he was ready to render 
 me any service that lay in his power. 
 So prompt an alteration made his friend- 
 liness suspicious, and clearly showed that 
 
99 
 
 AAKI^iPONOS PHTOPOZ 
 
 ayaOov tl SiavoovjuLevo'?, aXX' vttovXop e\wi 
 TO ^iXapOpcoTTOV cog Se ei/arravTog tov Kaipov 
 TTpog TO) apxalcjp KaL tov tokov airiJTei, ovSe 
 eig copap cvSiSovg, eireyvodv tovtov €K€ivov, ov 
 rjTTLO-TaiJ.riv irpog Trj Aiojul}]tiSl irvKri kuO)]- 
 fxevovj TOV Tip KajULTTvXriv exovTa, tov exOpa 
 iracTL <ppovovvTa Xpe/mrjTa tov ^Xoiea, Koi. 
 yap eTot/ULog ijv €7ri\ri\lrear6aL tov crKd<pov<s. 
 ^\Smv ovv, eig bcrov ajuLrjxavLag eXijXuKeiv, otKaSe 
 airoTpexoo, Kai to xpiyoroiyj/ aXvciov, oirep 
 TTOTc evTTopwv T}] yajULCT^ Koa-fxov elvm irepi- 
 avx^viov €7r€7roir]Keiv, aTroo-Tracra? tov Tpaxy- 
 Xov, 0)9 Ilacrecova tov Tpaire^LTrjv iXOcov, 
 aTrrjfjLTToXrja-a, Kai (rvvayaywv to. voiJ-lcrfxaTa 
 crvv avTOtg TOKoig (pepcov ciTreScoKa, koi co/uLO(Ta 
 KttT e^auTOV, /ULr/TTOTe VTro/uLelvm irapa Tiva 
 Twv iv iroXei SaveLCTTwv eXOeiv, /mriS^ av 
 (pOavoijULi XijuLO) KaTaa-KXtjvai. ''A/meivov yap 
 evTrpcTTcog airoOaveiv, rj ^ijv vTroKcl/ULevov Stj/uLo- 
 TLKU) Ka\ (piXoKepSei Trpecr/BvTi]. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 99 
 
 his intentions were anything but good ; 
 alas ! his kindness was only skinned over, 
 for, when the money became due, he 
 claimed the interest with the capital, and 
 refused to grant me so much as an 
 hour's grace. Then I recognised the 
 real Chremes of Phoela, the common 
 enemy of mankind, who may usually 
 be found before the Diometian Gate, 
 armed with a crooked stick. He was 
 actually making preparations to seize my 
 boat. Then I perceived in what a cruel 
 plight I was. I ran home with all speed, 
 took from my wife's neck the golden 
 necklace which I had given her in my 
 more prosperous days, and sold it to the 
 money-changer Paseon. With the money 
 I got I paid both the capital and the inte- 
 rest, and I took an oath to myself that in 
 future I would rather die of hunger than 
 ever apply again to a city money-lender. 
 It is better to die honourably than to 
 live at the mercy of a low and avaricious 
 old man. 
 
loo AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 IV. 
 
 Tpex^^eiTTJ^o? AoTraSeKOajULPo). 
 
 yvcojuicov ouTTO) (TKia^eL tviv eKrrjv eyw 
 Se aTTOCTKXrji/ai KivSvvevco, Tip Xijulw kcvtou- 
 fjLevog. Yitev, copa croi ^ovXevjUiaTog, AoiraS- 
 eKOa/UL^e, juloXXov 6e /uloxXov Kal koXcoSlov 
 OLTray^acrOai. Et yap Koi. oXijv Kara^oXoij- 
 
 /UL€V TrjP KLOVa TrjV TO ITlKpOV TOVTO WpoXoyiOV 
 
 avexovcrav, rj tov yvoo/jLOva Tpeyp-ojuLcv cKeiare 
 veueiv, ov Taxiov SwijcreTai Tag copag airocn]- 
 jmaiveiv, ea-Tai to ^ovXevjuLa HaXajULrjSeiov cog 
 vvv eyw ctol avog vtto Xljulov koi avx/uirjpog. 
 Oeoxa/o;?? ^e ov irpoTspov KaTaXa/mlSdvei Trjv 
 (TTi^aSa, irpLv avT(p tov olkcIov SpajmovTa 
 cppacraL t>]v eKTrjv ecTavai. Ael odv rjixlv 
 TOiovTOV o-KejuL/ULaTog, o KaTa<TO<pi(racrOai koi 
 TrapaXoyicraarOai ttjv Geoxa/oof? evTa^iav Su- 
 v^creTai. Tpaipeig yap vtto iraiSaycoyw /Sapei 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 
 
 IV. 
 
 Trechedeipnus to Lopadecthambus. 
 
 The sun-dial does not yet mark the 
 sixth hour, and I am in danger of wasting 
 away under the pinch of hunger. Come, 
 it is time to take counsel, Lopadectham- 
 bus, or rather, let us get a beam and a 
 rope and hang ourselves. But I have an 
 idea. If we were to throw down the 
 whole column which supports that con- 
 founded dial, or turn the index so that it 
 may make the hours seem to have gone 
 faster, it will be a device worthy of Pala- 
 medes. I am exhausted and parched with 
 hunger. Theochares never takes his seat 
 at table until the servant runs to let him 
 know that it is the sixth hour. We 
 therefore need some plan to outwit and 
 overreach the regularity of Theochares. 
 For, as he has been brought up under 
 the care of a stern and morose tutor, his 
 
10] 
 
 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 Kai w^pvcojULevcp ovSev (ppovel vecorepov, aW 
 Ota Tis Aax*19 h '^TToXtj^lag av(TT)]p6s earn 
 
 TOI9 TpOTTOl?, Koi OVK eTTLTpeTTeL T^ ya(TTp\ 
 
 irpo Ttjg copag rj eKelvrjg tou TrijuLTrXacrOaL 
 ''E/d/3ft)(ro. 
 
I 
 
 LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON loi 
 
 ideas are not those of a young man, but 
 he is as austere in his manners as Laches 
 or Apolexias, and he will not allow his 
 belly to satisfy its needs before that hour. 
 Farewell. 
 
 k 
 
02 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 V. 
 
 'YiKToSlWKTijg MavSlXoKoXaTTTl]. 
 
 XOe? SeiXrjg oxj/^lag Topyiag 6 ^^reo/Sou- 
 SaTJjg (Tvjui/3a\(cv fxoi Kara tvx^^ XP^^crrto? 
 ija-Traa-aro koI KaT€iUL€jUi(l)eTO, on /mrj Oa/ml- 
 ^oLjJLL irap' avTov. Kat fxiKpa irpoa-iral^a^, 
 'idly irpbg At 09, elirev, w ^eXTia-Te, koi /mera 
 Ppaxv Xova-ajuievo^ rJKe, 'ArjSovLov rnjiiv rrjv 
 eralpav aycov ecrri Se /ulol o-upr'iOrjg eTrtef/co)?, 
 Kai jULevei Travrco?, o)? ovk ayvoeh, [JUKpov 
 airoBev tov AecoKoplov. Aeiirvov Se rj/xiv rjv- 
 TpeTTicrTaL yevviKov, ixOve^ TeixaxiTai, kol 
 CTTajULvla TOV ^evSrjcrlov, veKTapo's eiiroL tl<; 
 av, TrcTrXrjpcojULeva. Kal 6 fxev raura elirwv 
 wxero- eyot) Se irapa rrjv ^AfjSoviov Spajucov, 
 KOI (ppaa-ag, Trap' otou eKaXeiTO, eSerjca 
 KivSvvcp irepnreareiv ayvcofJLOVo^ y«/3, w? eoiKe, 
 ireipaOeicra tov Topyiov, Kai /ULiKpoTrpeTrovg 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 102 
 
 V. 
 
 Hectodioctes to Mandilocolaptes. 
 
 Yesterday, late in the evening, Gor- 
 gias, of the family of the Eteobudatae, 
 meeting me by chance, greeted me cour- 
 teously, and reproached me for not going 
 to see him more frequently. Then, after 
 a few playful words, he said to me, " Go, 
 by Jupiter, my good friend, have a bath 
 and come back to me without delay. 
 Do not forget to bring Aedonium, with 
 whom I am very intimate, and who, as 
 you know, is always to be found near 
 the Leocorium. I have prepared a noble 
 supper, slices of fish, and jars of wine 
 from Mendos, which you would say was 
 the nectar of the gods." With these 
 words, he left me. I ran in all haste to 
 Aedonium ; and when I told her by 
 whom she had been invited, I nearly 
 got into trouble. For, as it seems, she 
 
I03 AAKT^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 TTpog Tag avTiSocreig, Trjv opyrjv evavXov 
 iyKeijULev*]!^ exovcra, TrXrjprj rrjv KaKal3r]v ava- 
 (Tiraaraa-a twv xvTpoTroSijov, iSerjare fiov Kara 
 rod Ppexi^OLTO<s KaTaxeovTO<s tov vSarog, el 
 jurj ^Oacrag aTreTrrjSrjara, irapa ^poxv (pvywv 
 TOV KLvSvvov. OvTCog riiJLeig eXTrlcriv cnraTJjXaig 
 ^ovKoXovjULevoi TrXe/of? tcov vjSovoov Tovg irpo- 
 TrrlXaKiar/ULOvg VTrojuLcvojULep. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 103 
 
 had found Gorgias ungrateful and mean 
 in the matter of presents in return for 
 her favours. In her anger, which is 
 ever rankling in her breast, she snatched 
 a full kettle from the stove, and, unless 
 I had avoided the danger by quickly 
 starting back, she would have poured 
 all its contents over the top of my head. 
 Thus, after feeding ourselves on idle 
 hopes, do we gain a greater share of 
 humiliation than of pleasure. 
 
04 AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS 
 
 VI. 
 
 *A preir lOv JUL og TLv i(r o^w julw. 
 
 ^Ayxovrjg juLOt Set, kol oyfrei /me ov fxera 
 imaKpov ev ppoxw tov Tpaxv^ov exovTa' oure 
 yap paTTLorjULaTa oto? re ei/mi (j)epeLV, kol rtjv 
 aWijv irapoLvlav rodv KOLKKTra aTroXovjuievoov 
 epavia-Tcov, oure t^? juLiapag koi aSr](payov 
 yaarrpog KpaTelv r\ /mev yap airei, Kal ov 
 irpog Kopov fJLOvov, aXX' eU Tpv(j)rjv' to 
 TrpocrcoTTOV Se Tag eTraXAj/Xof? TrXriyag ovk 
 avex^Tai, Kal KivSvpevw toiv S^OaXjULOiv top 
 eTepov (TVG-Ta\rj]/ai viro twv paTria-jULaTwv 
 evoxXovjuLevog. 'lof, lov toov KaKwv, ola 
 virofjieveiv ^/mag avayKa^ei rj ira/ui^ayog avTr] 
 Kal Traix^opwTaTri yacTTrfp. '^KpLva ovv 
 TToXvTeXovg Tpaire^rjg airoXavcrag airoTTTvcraL 
 
 TO t,riv, oSvvrjpoV /3loV KpeiTTW TOP KaO' 
 
 rjBovriv OavaTOP ^yrjcraimepog. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 104 
 
 VI. 
 
 Artepithymus to Cnisozomus. 
 
 I WANT a rope : you will soon see 
 me with my neck in a noose. For I 
 cannot endure slaps in the face, and all 
 the drunken insults of these cursed 
 diners ; and yet I cannot control my 
 confounded and gluttonous stomach. It 
 is always asking for more ; it is not 
 satisfied with being filled, but clamours 
 for luxuries. But my face cannot stand 
 blows one after the other, and I am in 
 danger of having one of my eyes bunged 
 up by their slaps. Alas, alas ! what 
 misery does our greedy and ravenous 
 stomach force us to endure ! I have 
 therefore made up my mind to have one 
 more good dinner and to put an end to 
 my life in disgust, since, in my opinion, 
 a voluntary death is preferable to a pain- 
 ful life. 
 
 H 
 
105 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 VII. 
 
 'Eroiyitd/fopo? Zco fxeKirve ovt i. 
 
 ^lararaia^, tl<s rjv rj x^e? ^fMcpa, r] rig 
 SaljULOov, tj Oeog airo juLfjxavfjg efipva-aro /me 
 aKapfj /jLeWovra irapa rovg irXeiovag Uvai. 
 Et fxri yap ava^ev^avra /me tov crvixiroa-lov 
 Kara riva ayaOrjv tvxv^ ^AKecriXaog 6 larpog 
 ^jULiOvfJTa, jULoWov Se avTOveKpov Oeaa-ajmevog, 
 €va TOdv KOLTO), lULaOrjTaig eiriraTTOop (popaSriv 
 aveXooVi tjyayev cog eavrov oiKaSe, Km airepav 
 aTrr^vayKaarev, cTreira Siarejucov (pXe^a, pvfjvai 
 TO TToXv TOV aljuLarog eirolrjcrev, ovSev av 
 €K(jo\v(Tev aveiraLo-QiiTU) /me tw Oavarca Sia- 
 (pOapevra axoXcoXeyat. OTa yap, ola {iraa-x^i 
 TO. SiKaia) XaKKOTrXovTOi elpyaaavro /me, 
 aWog aWoOev Trepirra irlveiv, Kai TrXelova 
 r} Kara to KVTog Trjg yacTTpog eaQieiv avayKO.- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 105 
 
 VII. 
 
 Hetoemocorus to Zomecpneon. 
 
 Oh, Lord ! oh, Lord ! what a day I 
 had yesterday ! What spirit or god in- 
 terfered, unexpectedly interfered, to save 
 me, just as I was on the point of going 
 to join the majority? For, as I was re- 
 turning from the banquet, had not Acesi- 
 laus the physician, by good luck, seen 
 me, half-dead, or rather a corpse, an 
 inhabitant of the nether world, and 
 ordered his pupils to pick me up and 
 carry me home, and, after administering 
 an emetic to me, bled me till the 
 blood flowed plentifully, nothing could 
 have saved me from dying before I 
 had regained consciousness. How these 
 wealthy people treated me — and serve 
 him right -^ — one making me drink to ex- 
 cess, and another forcing me to eat more 
 
 1 Apparently a marginal note by an enemy of 
 parasites in general. 
 
 14 — 2 
 
io6 AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS 
 
 ^ovT€^. *0 fxev yap aXKavra evea-arrev, 6 Se 
 Koiraiov eujuLeyeOeg irapwOei rah yvaOoig, 6 Se 
 Kpa/uLa, ovK otvov, aXXa vairv Kai yapov Kai 
 o^o<s epyacraimevog, Kadairep el<s ttlOov ivexei, 
 drivay \e/3rjTag, TrtOaKvag, ajmlSag ejuLrj/meKcog 
 aireifKyipwa-a- wa-re avrov tov ' A/ceo-t Xaoi^ 
 OavjuLa^eiv, ttov Kai TLva Tpoirov ex^^pW^ 
 
 TOCOVTOg 6 TWV ^pWJULClTOOV (pOpVTOg. 'AXX' 
 
 eireiS^ Oeoi crcorrjpeg Kai oXe^iKaKoi irpovirTOv 
 lie KivSvvov (pavepm e^elXovTO, ex' epyaaav 
 Tpi^froixai, kcu YleipaLel ^aSiovjUiai ra e/c 
 TUiv vewv (popTia eirl Tag OLTToOyjKag julktOov 
 /ULeraTLOeig. "Kfxeivov yap eir\ Ovimoig Kai 
 a\(l>iT0i9 Sia^oarKeiv rrjv yaarrepa, o/xoXoyov- 
 Hievrjv exovra rrj^ rod ^rj]/ acrcjiaXeiav, Jy 
 irejULjULaTCOv oLTroXavovTa Kai (pacriavcov opvi- 
 6u)P, TOV aSfjXov ocrrjiuepai Oavarov aTrcKSe- 
 XecrOai. 
 
 I 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON io6 
 
 than the skin of my belly could hold. One 
 stuffed me with sausages, another rammed 
 a great hunk of bread down my throat, 
 while another made me drink a mixture, 
 not wine, but mustard, fish-sauce, and 
 vinegar, just as if he were pouring it 
 into a cask. What a number of pots, 
 pans, and pails I filled, when I brought 
 all this up ! Acesilaus was utterly asto- 
 nished, and could not make out where 
 and how I had managed to stow away 
 such a mish-mash of food. But now that 
 the protecting and tutelary gods have 
 visibly preserved me from a great danger, 
 I will in future work. I will go down 
 to the Piraeus, and carry luggage for 
 hire from the vessels to the warehouses. 
 For it is better to feed one's stomach 
 with thyme and barley-porridge, and enjoy 
 a certain amount of security, than to feast 
 upon cakes and pheasants, with the un- 
 certain prospect of death before one's 
 eyes every day. 
 
07 AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 VIII. 
 
 OlvoTrrjKTtjg J^OTvXoPpoxOlcrcp. 
 
 16i Xa^wv TV]v (TvpLyya koi tu Kv/m^aXa 
 yJKe irepL irpwTrjv ^vXaKrjv rfj^ vvkto<s eiri tov 
 Xpvcrovv crrevwirov tov iirl Ttjv ayvov, evQa 
 crvfji^akelv ^juliv aXXrjXotg e^ecrrai, Ka\ to 
 evTevQev, airo ^Kipov Xa/S overt l^Xvinevrjv Trjv 
 eTolpav ayeiv irapa tov veoirXovTOV, tov 
 QjjpiinrLSjjv TOV Ai^ccvea. AiaKacog Se aur^? 
 0VT09 epa, TToXvg e^ ov xpovog, Kai SairavaTai 
 ovK oXiya /uLaTrjv. ^Hia-Otj/uLevt] yap tov 
 
 epCOTa €KK6KaVJUL€V0V TOV jUL€LpaKLOV, OpVTTTeTai 
 
 KOI crwexco? aKKi^eTar Koi. irXelova cttI irXei- 
 ocriv a7ro<p€pojUi€vr], ov (ptjcriv kavTrjv eTnScocreiv, 
 el lULrj TO x^P'oi' TT/oo? TOi^ oLpyvploi^ Xd/3oi. 
 '^Qpa ovv Koi ^loL TavTrjv el crvv/iOo)^ avTiTel- 
 
 \ -; 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 107 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Oenopectes to Cotylobrochthisus. 
 
 Go, fetch your flute and cymbals ; 
 and, towards the first watch of the night, 
 come to the Golden Alley near Agnus, 
 where we shall be able to meet. We can 
 make arrangements to carry off Clymene 
 from the Scyrian quarter and take her 
 to Therippides of the deme of Aexona, 
 who has just come into a fortune. For 
 some time he has been madly in love 
 with her, and has spent considerable 
 sums upon her, but all to no purpose. 
 For she, seeing the ardour of his passion, 
 plays the coquette and shows herself 
 affected and indifferent ; and, although 
 he has loaded her with presents, she re- 
 fuses to let him enjoy her favours unless 
 he adds landed property in the neigh- 
 bourhood of the silver mines. I think it 
 is time to put an end to this, and to 
 
io8 AAKI^PONOZ PHTOPOS 
 
 voLTO ^/mtv, aiTOCTirav' Svoo Se ovre Kai ippo)- 
 fiiva) TaxKTTa avrrju aira^ai/j-ev. OtjpiTTTrlSt]^ 
 Se et TovTO aiG-QoiTO, Kai Tovpyov eTnyvoivj 
 Tri<s rjixerepa^ aypvirvla^ KaropOcojuLa, \ri\j/6- 
 
 jULcOa XpV(TOV<S TOV viov <TK€IUilUiaT09 OVK 6\t- 
 
 yovg, Koi. \a/UL7rpav ecrOtJTa, Koi irpocreTL Trjv 
 oiKiav eicrievai evr' aSelag e^ofxev, kol to XP^^' 
 6ai TO XoLTTOv apeTTiKcoXvTCog. Taxci Se ovSe 
 irapaa-iTOvg ^/mag, aWa ^IXovg rjyi^creTaL- ol 
 yap TrapaKXrja-iv eig evirouav jmrj avajuLelvav- 
 Teg, ovKCTi KoXaKeg, aXXa (plXoi Xoyl^ovTai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON io8 
 
 carry her off by force, in case she still 
 offers resistance : two stout fellows like 
 ourselves ought to have no difficulty in 
 getting possession of the charmer. When 
 Therippides learns that this happy result 
 is the fruit of our watching, we shall cer- 
 tainly get some money or clothes for our 
 cleverness : he will give us free entry into 
 his house ; we shall henceforth enjoy every 
 pleasure, without any hindrance, by way 
 of reward. Perhaps he will even no longer 
 treat us as parasites, but look upon us as 
 friends ; for those who know how to an- 
 ticipate the wishes of others are not con- 
 sidered to be flatterers, but friends. 
 
109 AAKI^PONOi: PHT0P02 
 
 IX. 
 
 ^ ATToireipw/JLevog twp (TKvKaKmv el \onrov 
 cTTLT^Seia Kara Spojiiov, Xaywov ev tlvl Oa/uLvco 
 Siaa-Tpoprja-a^ e^alcjivrjis ai/ecrrrjcra, ra Se 
 cTKuXaKia OL efxoi vleig twv l/uLavTiwv cnre- 
 Xvorav. Kaf ra fxev iOopv^ei, Koi eyyv? ?j/ 
 eXelv TO Otjplov 6 Xaycoog Se rov kivSvvov 
 (pvyij VTrepPag to a-i/nov, (pooXeov Tivog Kara- 
 Sucriv evpero. M/a Se rj irpoOvjuLOTepa rwp 
 Kvvow, J^Sr] Kex^vvla kol ylz-ava-ai TrpoaSoKcocra 
 Tw SriyixaTL, crvyKaTtjXOev et? rrjv oirrjv rrjg 
 yfjg, evTevQev uveXKvcraL /SLa^ofxevr] to Xayco- 
 Siov, KOI Opavei toiu TrpocrOloiv ttoSoIv tov 
 eTepov. Kat aveiXo/mrjv x'^Xevovcrav CTKvXaKa 
 ayaOrjv, kol to ^wov ^/aippMTor koj. yeyove 
 fjLOL KepSoug €(pi€iuLev(i) Xvirpov ^tj/uilav /neyaXijv 
 aireveyKaa-daL. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 109 
 
 IX. 
 
 [This Letter has no Address.] 
 
 While I was trying my young dogs, 
 to see if they were fit for coursing, I 
 suddenly started a hare which was con- 
 cealed in the brushwood. My sons un- 
 leashed the dogs; they rushed on and 
 were on the point of catching the hare, 
 when, in its efforts to escape, it ran up a 
 hill and took refuge in a warren. The 
 most eager of the pack, which was 
 already snapping at it with open mouth 
 and thought to seize it with its teeth, 
 followed it into the hole, and, in the 
 attempt to pull it out, broke one of its 
 fore-legs. All I could do was to pull out a 
 lame dog and a half-eaten hare. I was 
 only trying to gain a trifling success, 
 but, instead, I experienced a severe loss. 
 
no AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 X. 
 
 ^^iTLTpi^elrj Koi KaKos KttKwg airoXoLTO 6 
 KaKicTTog oXeKTpvMv /cat jULiapicTarog, o? jme, 
 riSvv oveipov Oewfjievov, ava/Bowa^ e^yjyeipev. 
 'E^OACofi/ yoLp, & (jiiXTare yetrovcov, XajuLirpog 
 T19 elvai KOI /SaOvTrXovTog' eira oik€Twv 
 efpeirecrdaL /moi crTicpog, oug oiKOvofjiovg koi 
 SioiKrjTag evojuLi^op ex^iv. '^wkciv Se koi t(0 
 X^F/oe SaKTvXicov TreirXripuxrOai, koi ttoXv 
 TaXavTOvg XlOovg TrepKpepeiv koi ^crav ol 
 SaKTvXoL juLov aaXaKo], Kai 7jKL(TTa r^? SlkcX- 
 Xj]g ijmejuLvrjvTO. ^l^^aivovTO Se Kal ol k6- 
 XaKcg eyyvOev, TpuXXlcova e'liroig av Koi. 
 UaTaiKtoopa irapearTavai. 'Ei/ tovtco Sr] koi 
 6 S^jULog 'AOrjvaicoi/ eig to Oearpov irpoeX- 
 OoPTeg, e^ocov Trpox^ipLcracrOaL /xe (TTpaTrjyov 
 /mecrovcrrjg Se rfjg X'^LpOTOvlag, 6 TrajULTrovjjpog 
 oXeKTpvcov av€/36r](T€, koi to (pacr/xa tjcpavla-Or]. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 
 
 X. 
 
 lOPHON TO ErASTON. 
 
 Cursed be the detestable cock, which 
 woke me up with its crowing, when I 
 was enjoying a most deHghtful dream. I 
 thought, my dear neighbour, that I was 
 a person of wealth and distinction. I 
 was attended by a number of slaves, 
 stewards, and treasurers. My hands were 
 loaded with rings and precious stones of 
 great value; my fingers were soft and 
 delicate, free from hardness, and showed 
 no traces of the use of the mattock. I was 
 surrounded by flatterers, such as Gryllion 
 and Pataecion. At the same time, the 
 people of Athens, assembled in the theatre, 
 cried out for my appointment as general. 
 But, while they were busily engaged 
 in voting, the confounded cock crowed, 
 and the vision disappeared. However, on 
 
Ill AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 "O/xco? avey p6/UL€vog irepixciph? W ^y^' €v6v- 
 fjLLOv Se 7rof»;(7a/uei/o?, toi'? ^vWoxoov^ ecTTavai 
 jui^vag, eyvoav elvai ra evvirvia ylrevSearaTa. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON iii 
 
 my first awaking, I was still full of joy. 
 But, when I reflected that we were in 
 the month of the fall of the leaves, I 
 remembered that then dreams are always 
 most false, and I said good-bye to my 
 illusions. 
 
 I 
 
AAKI#P0N02 PHTOPOS 
 
 XI. 
 
 Apv avT IS ag ^ p ov i(p. 
 OuKen croi /xeXef oure Trjg evv^g r/iuLoov, 
 
 0UT6 TOOV KOLVm TTaiScDV, 0UT6 JUir]V T>?9 KttT 
 
 ay/001/ SiaTpi^fjg' o\r] Se el tov acrreog. TLavl 
 jmev Kai H^v/uLcpaii} ciTrexOojuLevrj, ag ^^TrijuLrjXlSag 
 eK(x\eL9, KOI ApvaSag, koi Na/i^a?, Kaivovg Se 
 YlfjiLV eTreia-ayovcra Oeoug irpog iroWoig Toig 
 irpovirapxovcri. IIou yap eyoo Kar aypov 
 ISpva-o) J^wXiaSag rj TevervWiSag ; otSa olkov- 
 a-ag aWa riva SaijuLouwp ovojULara, S)v Sia to 
 irXfjOog OLTTooXicrOe /uloi T^g /uvrijULrig ra irXeiova. 
 Ov croo^poveig, wg eotKeu, c3 yvvai, ovSe vyieg 
 Ti Siavor], aWa ajULiWaarai raig aarriKaig 
 TavTaiarl raig vtto rpvcprjg Siappeovcraig, mv 
 Kal TO TTpocrwwov eirlifKacrTOv, Kac 6 Tpoirog 
 jULOxOrjpLag virepyeiuLoov' (pvKei yap Kai \lrijuLv6i(p 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 112 
 
 \ 
 
 XI. 
 
 Dryantidas to Chronium. 
 
 You have forgotten our marriage bed, 
 our children, our country life. The city 
 has taken complete hold of you. Pan 
 and the Nymphs, whom you used to in- 
 voke under the name of Dryads, Epime- 
 lides, and Naiads, are now hated by you, 
 and, in addition to the numerous deities 
 already in existence, you are introducing 
 fresh ones. Where shall I be able to 
 find room in the country for the Coliades 
 or Genetyllides ? I think I also heard 
 some other divinities mentioned, but, 
 owing to their number, the names of 
 most of them have slipped my memory. 
 Foolish woman that you are, you must 
 have lost your reason ! You wish to try 
 and rival those women of Athens who, 
 plunged in luxury, have made-up faces, 
 and whose morals are of the worst. 
 
 15 
 
 I 
 
113 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 KOI TraiSepcoTi SevaroTTOiovcri rag irapeiag 
 virep Tovg Seivovg Toi)v ^o)ypa(p(jt)v. Su Se, 
 t)i/ vyiaivr]^, oirolav ere to vSayp tj to pvfXjuLa 
 TO irph eKaOnpev, TOiavTrj Siaimeveig. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 113 
 
 They paint their cheeks with dyes, ceruse, 
 and vermilion, more skilfully than the 
 cleverest artist. But you, if you are 
 sensible, will not imitate them. Remain 
 as you are ; pure water and soap are 
 enough for a respectable woman. 
 
 I 
 
 15—2 
 
 I 
 
114 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XII. 
 
 11 p ar IV ag 'ETTiyoi/w. 
 
 M.€(TriiJLPpla<s ovarrj<s crTaOrjpag, (piXrive/ULov 
 Tiva eiriXe^ajuLevog itltw, koi Trpo? Ta<s aupag 
 €KKeijuL€Vi]V, VTTO TavTU TO Kavjuia ea-Kia^op- 
 Kai juLOi yf^vxo-^ovTL jaaW ^Sem, €7rrj\6e ri 
 KOI fjLOvcriKrjg i<pa\[raG'Oai, koi Xa/Scov Trjv 
 crvpiyya eireTpexov t^ yXcorr*/ (rrevov to 
 TTvevjULa /ULera twv xeiXwv eirKTvpodv, Kal /moi 
 ^Sv TL Koi pojULLOV €^r]KOV€TO jULeXog. 'Ej/ 
 
 TOUTft) ^e OVK otS^ OTTOOg VTTO T^? ^Sv^OOVia? 
 
 OeXyo/mevai iraa-al fxoi iravraxoOev at olyeg 
 TrepiexvOrjcrap, koi acpeicrai ve/xecrOai rovg 
 KOjmapovg koi tov avOepiKOv, oXai tov imkXovg 
 iyevovTO. 'Eyo) Se ev jmecroig Tof? ^HSoDvoig 
 ijULifjLovjULtjv TOV iTotSa T^9 KaXXfOTT?/?. Tavra 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 114 
 
 XII. 
 
 Pratinas to Epigonus. 
 
 When the noonday heat was at its 
 height, I selected a pine-tree, which was 
 swept by the wind and exposed to the 
 breeze, and threw myself beneath its shade 
 to escape from the sweltering heat. While 
 I was cooling myself very comfortably, the 
 idea came into my head to try a little 
 music. I took my pipe ; I gently moved 
 my tongue up and down its reeds, and 
 played a sweet pastoral melody. Mean- 
 while, all my goats collected round me 
 from all directions, enchanted, I know not 
 why, by the sweet strains. They forgot to 
 browse upon the arbutus and asphodel, 
 and gave no thought to anything but the 
 music. At that time I was like the son 
 of Calliope in the midst of the Edonians. 
 My only object in communicating to you 
 
115 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 ere ovu evayyeXt^ojUiai, (piXov avSpa a-vveiSivai 
 Pov\6jUL€vo9, on /jLoi fJLOva-LKov eoTTiv exeiv to 
 aiTToXtov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 115 
 
 this pleasant story is to let a friend know 
 that I have a flock of goats which is 
 exceedingly fond of music and knows 
 how to appreciate it. 
 
ii6 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XIII. 
 
 K-aWiK parr}^ A'lycovi. 
 
 'Eyw /uLev, yjKovTog rod Kaipov, yvpov^ 
 irepiG-Ka\lra<s kol ejuL^aOwa^ fioOpop, otog re 
 tJIJLriv eXaSia ijULcpvTeveiv, koi iirayeiv avTOig 
 va/naTiaiov vSwp, o /ulol ck Ttjg irKria-Lov (pa- 
 payyog eTroxcTeveraL- eTreXOm Se ojuL^pog 
 eg Tpeig ^fxepag koi vvKrag 'icrag, Trora/uLovg 
 avodOev €K T^g aKpoopelag twv opoov eyevvrjcrev, 
 ol pv/UL}] KaracTvpojuLevoL IXvv eirea-TraaravTO, 
 KOLL Toug ^oOpovg Karexoyo'av, wcrre elvai 
 iravTa icroireSa, kol ovSe SokcIv oXcog elp- 
 yacTjULeva. Ovrcog ij^avicTTai juloi tu irovrj- 
 jmara, kol elg /uLiav o\lni/ oltottov KaTecrrr}. 
 Tig av ovv en irovolri, /ULarrji/ aSy'jXovg eXirlSag 
 eK yewpylag KapaSoKwv ; M.eTLTeov ixol e(j) 
 erepov ^iov (pacrl yap dfxa raig twv cttl- 
 TijSevfxaTcov aXXayaig Kal rag tvxcl9 jmeTaaxi- 
 /jLaTi^ea-Qai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON ii6 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Callicrates to Aegon. 
 
 When the season for planting came, 
 I was on the point of setting some young 
 oHve-trees, and watering them with water 
 from the spring, which was brought to 
 me from the neighbouring valley. I had 
 already marked out the holes and dug 
 trenches. Unfortunately, a storm of rain 
 came on, which, for three days and as 
 many nights, drove down from the sum- 
 mit of the mountains regular rivers, which, 
 in their impetuous course, have filled the 
 trenches with mud. All my fields have 
 the same level ; there is no trace of cul- 
 tivation ; all my labour is lost. The 
 whole place has assumed a uniform and 
 strange appearance. Who in future will 
 work any more and flatter himself in vain 
 with idle hopes in return for all his 
 labour ? I must try another trade. It 
 is said that Fortune changes when we 
 change our occupation. 
 
117 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOZ 
 
 XIV. 
 
 JliraXKfjg lvott loov i. 
 
 Ef Trarpoo^eis, w irai, kol ra/xa tppovelg, 
 Xaipeiv rovg aXafoVa? cKelvov^ Tovg avviroSri- 
 Tovg Kai v)XpL(jovTa^, oi irep\ rrjv * KKaSruxlav 
 aXivSovvraiy ^tw^eXe? /mev ovSev ouSe Trpdrreiv 
 Svva/JL€voi, ovSe eiSore^, ra jmerecopa Se iroXv- 
 TTpayjuLOveiv eTnrrjSevovTeg, eacrag, exov twv 
 Kar aypov epymv, acj) cov ctol SiairovovvTi 
 fiecTTr] fxev rj (nirvrj irava-'TrepiJ.iag, ol Se afx- 
 (fiopelq oLvov ye/uLovreg, irXela Se ayaOwu 
 TO. crvjULTravTa. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 117 
 
 XIV. 
 SiTALCES TO OeNOPION. 
 
 My son, if you wish to imitate your 
 father and follow his advice, do not 
 listen to those charlatans whom you see 
 wandering, barefooted and with pale faces, 
 in the neighbourhood of the Academy. 
 They can neither do nor teach anything 
 useful on this earth; they only pore over 
 heavenly things, which they profess to 
 understand. Leave these people, work, 
 cultivate your land ; this will fill your 
 meal-sack with corn, your jars with wine, 
 and your house with wealth. 
 
1 8 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XV. 
 
 KoTi»/09 T pvy oSoopw. 
 
 '0 Tpvyt]Tt}9 eyyu?, koi applxaov ecm /ulol 
 Xpcla' SavetfTOV odv /ulol tovtwv tou^ TrepiTTOug, 
 baov ovK €ig jmaKpov airoSuxrovTi. ^'Exft> ovv 
 Kayct) TTiOaKia irKelova' el ovv Seoio, irpo- 
 6v/j.(jos Xafx^ave, ra yap Koiva rwv (plXwv 
 ovx riKia-ra Toh aypolq eincfiLKoxf^P^iv eOeXei. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON ii8 
 
 XV. 
 
 COTINUS TO TrYGODORUS. 
 
 The vintage • is close at hand ; I want 
 some baskets ; lend me some, if you have 
 any to spare; I will return them to you 
 soon. I have several little casks ; if you 
 want any, take them without ceremony. 
 The rule, that friends should share what 
 they have in common, holds good in the 
 country more than anywhere else. 
 
119 AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 XVI. 
 
 ^vWlg Opaa-MvlSn. 
 
 Ef yecopyeiv i^ovXov, koI vovv exeii^, w 
 QpacooviSri, Kot Tw Trarpl TretOearOai, €(p€p€^ av 
 Kai TOig Oeoig klttov kol Saipvag, koI /uLvplvrjv, 
 Kai avOrj ocra (TvyKaipa- Kal rj/xiv TOig yovev- 
 CLv TTvpovg eKOepla-ag, kol ohov ck ^orpvcop 
 airoBXlylrag, koI fiSaXag ra alylSia, top 
 yauXov irXrjpwaraq yaXa/cro?. Nw ^e aypov 
 Kai yeoopylav airavalvn, Kpavovq 6e eTraLV€l<s 
 Tpikofplav, KOL a(T7riSog e/oa?, co(nrep ^AKapvav 
 rj M.r]\ievg /ULi(r6o(p6pog. M^ crvye, cS TraiSiov, 
 aXX' eiraviOi w? «7/>ta?, kol top iv ricrvxla /3lov 
 aa-ira^ov {koll yap aa-^aXr]^ kol clkIvSwos ^ 
 yecopyia, ov Xoxovg, ovk eveSpag, ov (pdXayyag 
 cxovara, rjij.lv re 6 yrfpoKOjUiog eyyJ?) avrl 
 T^f €V aiUL(j)i^6X(f) ^corjg Ti]v ojULoXoyovjuLevrjv 
 eXo/uiepog acoTrjplav. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 119 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Phyllis to Thrasonides. 
 
 If you will be sensible, Thrasonides, 
 listen to your father, and devote yourself 
 to agriculture. You would present to the 
 gods, ivy, laurels, myrtles, and flowers 
 in season ; to us, your parents, you 
 would bring the wheat you have reaped, 
 the wine you have pressed, and the pail 
 full of milk from your goats. But, as it 
 is, you despise the country and agricul- 
 ture, and ail your affection is devoted to 
 a helmet surmounted with triple crest or 
 a shield, just as if you were a Melian or 
 Acarnanian mercenary. Give up such 
 ideas, my boy ; come back to us and 
 lead a peaceful life; the fields offer 
 greater security. There one is out of 
 reach of danger, without having to fear 
 cohorts, phalanxes, or ambuscades. Be 
 the stay of our approaching old age : a 
 life free from danger is better than a 
 career full of perils. 
 
 \ 
 
120 AAKI<I»P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 XVII. 
 
 ^ai pearr p ar 09 Kriplcp. 
 
 'lEiTriTpi^€Lii9, w Arjplop, KttKr] KttKm, on 
 JUL€ Tij jmeOu Koi T019 avXoh KaraKriXria-aa-a, 
 PpaSvv a7re(f)Tjvag roh €k rm aypm airo- 
 ire/ULxl/^aa-iv. Ot jmev yap eooOep Trpoa-eSoKwv 
 jxe (pepovra avrolg ra Kepa/txia {a-Kevrj) wv 
 €V€Ka a(j>iK6iuLr]v eyo) Se 6 xp^^ovg Trdpi/vxog 
 KaravXovjuLevog elg ^fxepav eKaOevSop. 'AXX' 
 CLTTiOi, M ToXaiva, Koi. Tovg aOXlovg tovtovo-] 
 OeXye rotg yotiT€viJ.acriv ejULol Se rjv en 
 €vox\oii]9, KttKOV Ti TTajujULeyeOeg irpocrXa^ovara 
 airekevarn. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 120 
 
 XVII. 
 
 Chaerestratus to Lerium. 
 
 May ill-luck attend you, Lerium ! may 
 you come to a bad end, for having in- 
 toxicated me with wine and rnusic, so that 
 I was late in getting back to the people 
 who had sent me from the country 1 The 
 first thing in the morning they expected 
 me with the wine jars which I had come 
 to fetch for them ; but I, like a nice 
 fellow that I was, amused myself with 
 you all night, and, charmed by the sound 
 of your flute, slept until daybreak. Away 
 with you, worthless woman ! tempt city 
 young men with your fascinations ; if you 
 molest me any more, you shall pay dearly 
 for it. 
 
 16 
 
121 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 l^uoTT ax^ 9 UtOaKicovi. 
 
 Tov ijULOv TraiSog yevecna eopra^oyv, rjKeiv 
 are €7n rrjv 7rav8ai(riav, cS IliOaKicop, irapa- 
 KoXw- rJKCiv Se ov julovov, aXX' eTrayojUievov 
 Tt]v yvvoLKa, kol tu TraiSta, kol tov avvep- 
 yacTTpov' el /SovXoio Se, Km rrjv Kvva, 
 ayaQrjv ovaav <pv\aKa, koi tco ^apei rfjg 
 vXaK^g OLTT OCT o/3 over av Tovg eTri/SovXevoPTa^ TOig 
 
 TTOljULVLOl^' rj TOiaVTrj OVK OLV OLTLfJia^OL TO Sai- 
 
 TVjULWP elvai crvv rjfMv. lEtOpTaaroinev Se jmaX 
 rjSeoo^, Koi iriojULeOa eig jmeOrji/, kqi fieTU tov 
 Kopov acrojULeOa' koi ocrTig eTriTrjSeiog KopSaKi- 
 ^eiv, ek imea-ovg irapeXOcov, to koivov ^Irvxayu)- 
 yrja-ei. M^ /meWe ovv, c3 (piXTQTe, koXov 
 yap ev Tai<s kut evxh^ eopTaig e^ ewOivov 
 crvvTaTTeiv Ta (rvjULTrocria. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 121 
 
 XVIII. 
 EUSTACHYS TO PiTHACION. 
 
 As I am keeping my son's birthday, 
 I invite you to the feast. Bring your 
 wife, your children, your servant, and 
 even the dog, if you like. He is a trusty 
 protector, and his loud barking will scare 
 away those who have evil designs upon 
 our flocks: I am sure he will not disdain 
 to make one of the party. We will spend 
 the day in joviality; we will drink till 
 we are drunk ; and, when we have had 
 enough, we will take to singing. If there 
 is any one of us who knows how to 
 dance the Cordax, he can step out into 
 the middle, and delight the company. 
 Answer me at once, for, on festive occa- 
 sions, one must begin to make all pre- 
 parations in the morning. 
 
 16 — 2 
 
122 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XIX. 
 
 ILoivwviKO^ cov Kai (piXeraipog ovaio crav- 
 Tov, Kai rfjg yuvaiKog, koi twv iraiSlcov, <S 
 Ei/(rTaxf* cyoo Se top KXoowa (poopdcrag, e^' 
 (h iraXaL *i^(r\aXKov, rtjv ex^TXrjv {/(peXofxevco 
 Kai Svo Speirava^, exw Trap' ejuLavTM, rovg 
 K(ji)iJLriTa<s avajixhcov eiriKOvpov^. Nw yap 
 ovK eSoKLjma^ov, aaBevea-repo^ cov Kai /uLovog, 
 TO) X^^P^ eTTi/SaWeiv avTW' 6 /nev yap Spi/mv 
 PXeirei, koi TO^oiroiel tol^ o<ppvg, Kai 
 (T(j)piymTa<s exei rovg cojulov^, Kai aSpav rrjv 
 eiriyovvlSa <palv€i' eyw Se vtto twv irovwv, 
 Kai T^g SiKeWtjg KarecKXfjKa, Kai rvXovg julcv 
 ev rah X'^P^^^ ^X^> XeirTorepov Se jmoi to 
 Sepfxa Xe^tjplSog. H jnev ovv yvvrj Kai ra 
 iraiSla e'la-w ^aSiovvTai, Kai T^g euwxta? juceOe- 
 ^ovcriv 6 Se a-vpyacrrpog jmaXaKcog ex^i ra vvw 
 eyto Se Kai i kvcov tov fitapov oikol (pvXd^ojuiev. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 12a 
 
 XIX. 
 
 PiTHACION TO EUSTACHYS. 
 
 My best wishes to you and your wife 
 and children, my dear Eustachys, for 
 being so ready to share your pleasures 
 with your friends. I have caught the 
 thief, who caused me such annoyance by 
 stealing a plough-handle and two sickles. 
 I have got him safe under lock and key, 
 and am waiting for the neighbours to 
 come and help me. For, being alone and 
 infirm, I have not ventured to lay hands 
 upon him myself. He has a savage look 
 and arches his brows, his shoulders are 
 stalwart, his legs are stout and strong ; 
 whereas I am exhausted by labour and 
 handling the mattock, my hands are horny, 
 my skin is as thin as the slough of a 
 serpent. My wife and children will come 
 to do honour to your feast. My servant 
 is ill, so I cannot leave the house: I 
 must stay at home with the dog and 
 mount guard over the prisoner. 
 
123 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XX. 
 
 NaTrafo? J^ptjvLaSr]. 
 
 Oia-Qa /UL€ eiTLO-a^avTa rtjv ovov cruKa Kai 
 TToXaOag ; Karayayovra ovv, ew? ov ravra 
 aTreSojULtjv tcov tiuI yvcopijULcoi/, ayei /me rf? 
 Xa^cov eig TO Oearpov, Kai KaOiarag ev koXm, 
 SiacpopoLg exI^vxcLycoyei Oeooplai^. Ta9 ^ei/ ovv 
 aWa^ ov crvvexco rrj /JLV)]/uir], eijuu yap ra 
 Toiavra Kai ciSivaL Kai airayyeWeiv KaKog' eV 
 ^e iScoVy axc^vrjg eyco ctol Ka\ /miKpov Seiv avavSo^. 
 E?9 yap Tig eig /uLcarovg TrapeXOtov, Kai orTrjaag 
 TpiTToSa, Tpetg jmiKpag irapeTiOei irapoyfriSas, 
 ecTa viro TavTaig ea-Keire fxiKpa Tiva Kai XevKa 
 Kai (TTpoyyvXa XiOiSia, ola ^jmeig eirl Taig 
 oxOaig TU)]/ x^^M^PPWi/ avevpicTKOjULev raura 
 TTore fxh KaTO, /miav ecTKCTre Trapoyj/lSa, ttotc 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 123 
 
 XX. 
 
 Napaeus to Creniades. 
 
 You remember the day when I had 
 loaded my ass with green and dried figs ? 
 After I had taken him to the stable, and 
 sold the figs to one of my friends, someone 
 took me to the theatre, where he put me 
 into a good place, and gave me a treat of 
 all kinds of spectacles. Although I forgot 
 what else I saw — since I am not at all 
 clever at understanding or giving an ac- 
 count of such things — I remember one 
 thing, which struck me dumb with as- 
 tonishment. A man came forward with 
 a three-legged table. On this he placed 
 three little cups, under which he hid 
 some little round white pebbles, such 
 as we find on the bank of a torrent. 
 At one time he put them separately, one 
 under each cup ; at another time he 
 showed them, all together, under one cup ; 
 
124 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 ^e, ovK oIS' oTTCog, vtto rij /ULia eSeUvv, ttotc 
 ^e iravTekwq airo t(jov TrapoylrlSwv ^(pavi^e, kol 
 cttI tov o-TOjULaTog c^aivev elra Kara/Spox- 
 Olcrag, Tovs TrXtjcrlov ecrrwrag aywv elg nxecrov, 
 
 TtJV JULCV €K piVOg TlVOg, Tr]V Sc €^ WTIOV, TrjV Se 
 
 €K Ke^aX^g avupeiTO' kol iroCKLv aveXoiuevog e^ 
 ocpOaX/uLm cTToiei. KXeTTTLCTTaTog avOpwTrog, 
 vTrep ov OLKOvofxev l^vpv/Sarrjv top OixoXiia. 
 M.t] yevoiro Kar aypov tolovto Otjplov, ov yap 
 aXwo'CTtti VTT ovSei/og, Koi iravTa v(paipoviUi€vo9 
 Tu €vSov, ^pouSa /uLoi ra Kar aypov airepya- 
 crerai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 124 
 
 then he made them disappear from the 
 cups, I don't know how, and showed them, 
 the next moment, in his mouth. After 
 this he swallowed them, called some of 
 the spectators on to the platform, and 
 pulled out of their nose, head, and ears 
 the pebbles which he ended by juggling 
 away altogether. What a clever thief 
 the man must be, far sharper than Eury- 
 bates of Oechalia, of whom we have often 
 heard. I am sure I don't want to see 
 him in the country; since nobody would 
 be able to catch him in the act, he 
 would plunder the house without being 
 noticed. What then would become of the 
 fruit of my labours ? 
 
125 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXI. 
 
 ^vvaTTf] TXav Krj . 
 
 juiev avtjp airoSruuLos earrl juloi, rpiTtju 
 TavTrju ^jmepav ex<^v ^^ aa-Tei' 6 8e OrjTevcov 
 Trap* ^/ULiv JIapjULevwv, ^rj/uLia KaOapa, paOv- 
 JUL09 apOpooTTog, Kal ra iroWa KaTaTTLTTToov 
 €ig virvov. Se \vko<s apyaKeo<s irapoLKoS) 
 Kai ^XeiTMv (povwSeg ti koI cojULO^opov, lLi6vi]P 
 Trjp KaXXL(rTt]V twv aiyoov ck tov (peXXeco^ 
 apiracrag OLXerai' kol 6 /mev Senrvel ay aOtjv 
 aiya Kai evyaXaKTOv, eyco Se SaKpva tcov 
 6(p6aXjuL(jov airoXei^w. TLeirvcrTat Se tovtcov 
 ovSev 6 avYjp' el Se /maOr}, KpejuL^areTm /mev ck 
 rrjg irXricrLOv ttltvo? 6 jUKrOoyTO? ' avrog Se 
 ov TTporepov avrjorei iravra iJ.r}xav(jC)iixevo<s, 
 TTpiv Tag irapa tov Xvkov StKas elcTTrpd^aa-OaL. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 125 
 
 XXI. 
 
 EUNAPE TO GlAUCE. 
 
 My husband has been in town for 
 three days, and Parmeno, our servant, 
 does nothing but damage ; he is so care- 
 less, and spends all his time in sleeping. 
 We have in our neighbourhood a wolf, 
 whose savage appearance indicates his 
 ferocious instincts. He has carried off 
 Chione, the finest of our goats, from 
 the stony field. Now he is making a 
 meal of the poor creature, which gave us 
 milk in such abundance, and I am left 
 to lament her loss. My husband knows 
 nothing about it as yet. When he hears 
 of it, he will hang up the hireling on the 
 nearest pine-tree, and will not be satisfied 
 until he has done everything in his power 
 to wreak vengeance upon the wolf. 
 
126 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXII. 
 
 HoXv a\(T og Eucrra^uXo). 
 
 Jlayrju eartjcra eiri rag /ULiapag aXcoTre/ca?, 
 KpeaSiov T^9 (TKavSaXag a<pa\lrag. 'ETret yap 
 eTToXe/uLovv rag arrafpvXag, kol ou julovov rag 
 payag gkotttov, aXX' 'i^Sri kol oXoKXrjpovg aire- 
 re/uivov twv olvapoov rovg ^orpvg, 6 SecnroTfjg 
 Se eTTKTTrja-eo-OaL KarijyyeXXeTO' (apyaXeog 
 apOpcoTTog Kai SpijuLvg, yvcojULtSia Kai tt/oo- 
 BovXeujULUTia arvvex'^g ^TTf r^? TrvvKog 'AOrj- 
 valoig eiartjyovfJLepog, koI iroXXovg '^Stj Slu 
 CTKaiOTr/Ta TpOTTOv Kai Seivorrjra prj/marcov 
 ewi Toug "Ei/^e/ca ayaycov) Seia-ag, ixyj tl 
 TraOoLjULL myco, kol ravra toiovtov Sea-iroTOv 
 ovTog, Tijv KXeTTTrjv aXcoireKa (TvXXa^oov e^ov- 
 Xofxrjv TrapaSovpai. 'AXX' rj /mev ovx VKe- 
 UXayycov Se, to MeXiTatov kvvlSlov, o 
 Tpe(pojui€v aOvp/ULa tu Secnrolvn Trpocrtjveg, vtto 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 126 
 
 XXII. 
 
 POLYALSUS TO EUSTAPHYLUS. 
 
 I SET a trap for those confounded 
 foxes, and hung some pieces of meat on 
 the trap. They ravaged my vines, and, 
 not content with picking a few grapes, 
 carried off whole bunches and pulled up 
 the plants. The news came that our 
 master would soon be here ; he has the 
 reputation of being harsh and bitter, a 
 man who, at Athens, is always worrying 
 the assembly with all sorts of proposals, 
 not to mention that his spitefulness and 
 violent speeches have brought many to the 
 Eleven. With such a man, how could I 
 help being afraid of the same lot ? That 
 is the reason why I was so anxious to 
 hand over to him the thief who stole 
 his grapes. Alas ! no fox appeared ; but 
 Plangon, the little Maltese dog, which is 
 kept for our mistress's amusement, smelt 
 
127 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 T?? ayav Xix^eia? eiri to Kpea^ 6pjuif](rav, 
 KCtrai <TOL rplrriv TavTrjv ^/mepav cKraSrjv, 
 veKpov, jjSrj /uLvS^crav. "YikaOov ovv eiri kukw 
 KttKOV ava^pLirL(Ta<s. Kar tl<s irap' avOpwTTM 
 (TKvOpwn'M Twv TOiovToyv <jvyyvu)iJ.ri ; ^ev^o- 
 jiieOa li TToScov exojmev, X'^'-P^'^^ ^^ ^ aypo? kol 
 raima iravra' copa yap crco^eiv ejmavTOv, koi 
 jUirj iraOeip avajneveiv, aXXa irpo tov iraQelv 
 (pyXa^aaOai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 127 
 
 the bait and flung himself upon it, for he 
 is a terrible glutton. For three days he 
 has been stretched on his back, lifeless, 
 almost in a state of putrefaction. With- 
 out thinking, I have brought one misfor- 
 tune upon another. How can I hope for 
 pardon from a man of such cruel dispo- 
 sition as our master ? No, I will run 
 away as fast as my legs can carry me. 
 Good-bye to country life and all that I 
 possess. It is high time to save myself, 
 and not to wait for misfortune, but to 
 look after myself before it comes. 
 
128 AAKI$P0N02 
 
 »02 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 G a X X O 9 Hi Tv't(TT 
 
 ft) 
 
 Havra (piXw rpvyav, earn yap to Kapirchv 
 airoSpeirea-Oai ttovcov ajuLOiPrj SUaio^' i^aipe- 
 Tft)? ^e eOeXco /3\itt€Ip tu arja^vr]. "^xcov 
 ovv, (TijUL^Xovg VTTO T?/ iTeTpo. airoKXada?, 
 Krjpia veoyev^, 7rpu>T0v /xev ovv to?? Oeoig 
 ctTrrjp^ajuLtjv, eTreira Se T019 (plXoig vjmiv 
 aTrapxojuLai. ''Eo-rf ^e XevKa iSeiv, KOi airo- 
 (TTa^ovTa Xi^aSag ^Attikov /uLeXirog, oTov at 
 ^piXt](nai Xayoveg e^avOova-i. Ka^ j^vv fxev 
 ravra Tre/XTroyuev, koi etg vecora Se Sexoio 
 Trap' ^juLMv ixel^w tovtwv Kai ^Siova. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 128 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 Thallus to Pityistus. 
 
 I LOVE to cull the fruits of the earth, 
 of whatever kind they are ; for the gather- 
 ing-in of the harvest is a fitting reward 
 of our labours ; but what I am particu- 
 larly fond of is to rob the hives of their 
 honey. I have just paid a visit to some 
 hives which I found amongst the rocks. 
 They have provided me with some honey- 
 combs, quite fresh. I offered the first- 
 fruits of them to the gods ; you, my 
 friends, must now have a share of what 
 is left. They are white in colour, and 
 distil drops of Attic honey, such as is 
 found in the caverns of Brilessus. For the 
 moment, I send you this as a present; 
 next year you shall have something bigger 
 and more agreeable. 
 
 17 
 
129 AAKIi^PONOS PHTQPOS 
 XXIV. 
 
 A.VKOV eoiKa rpecpeiv. To juLiapov avSpa- 
 TToSov ejuLTrecroov els rag atyag, ovk ecrriv 
 ijvTipa OVK CLTToXcoXeKe, ra? jmev aTToSojULevog, 
 ra? Se KaTaOucov. K.ai tw jULev rj yaa-rrjp r^? 
 KpaiTToXrjg ejuLTrljuLTrXaTai, koi ra Xonra rrj 
 TevOeia SawavaTai, koi yfraXXerai, Kal Karav- 
 Xeirai, Kal irpog roig /uLvpoircoXeLoig ^iXtjSer 
 Ta Se auXia eprjjuLa, atyeg Se eKelvai at irpo- 
 Tepov o'lxovrai. Tecog /mev ovv ricrvxiav ayw, 
 p-ri TrpoaicrOojuLei/og yjrvTTa Kararelvag fpvyu' 
 €L Se awTTOTTToog Xa^oLfjLT]^ avTOv Ka\ eyKpa- 
 Trjg yevoijULrjv, SeSriaeTai ro) X^^P^> x^^^^^^^ 
 Trax^lag seTricrvpcov' koi th crKairavri irpog- 
 avex(ov, VT^o rr] SiKeXXrj Ka] t^ a-junvvy] Ttjg 
 jmev Tpv(p^g einXrjareTaL, iraQoov Se, olov ecrn 
 yvcocrerai to rrjv aypoiKOV actxppoarvvijv aa-ird- 
 ^ecrOai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 129 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Philopoemen to Moschion. 
 
 It seems to me that I am keeping a 
 wolf in my house. My confounded slave 
 falls upon my goats and does not spare 
 a single one; he has sold some, and 
 sacrificed others. His belly is swollen with 
 gorging, and he spends what he has left 
 on his gluttony. He amuses himself with 
 pipe and flute-players, and delights in 
 the perfumers' shops. In the meantime 
 the stalls are deserted, and the flocks of 
 goats which I once had have disappeared. 
 However, I keep quite quiet, that he may 
 not get suspicious and take to flight. In 
 this manner I hope to surprise him. If 
 I catch hold of him, he shall have his 
 hands bound, and he shall be made to drag 
 heavy chains along with him. Then, the 
 rake, the pick, and the hoe shall help 
 him to forget his luxurious habits ; he 
 shall learn to his sorrow what it means to 
 choose the temperate life of a countryman. 
 
 17 — 2 
 
130 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXV. 
 
 ''YXr] No /it ft). 
 
 QajuLi^eig ei? to aa-rv Kariayv, <S No/xte, 
 Kai Tov aypov ovSe aKaprj 0eXe<9 opav. 
 'A/oye/ 8e ri yfj xvp^^ovcra twv ejULirovovvroov 
 eyo) Se oiKOVpw /novr], niera Trjg ^vpag aya- 
 TTJ/Tft)? Ta iraiSla fiovKoXova-a. 2^ Se ^/uliv 
 avTOXpriiJLa /jLecranroXiog apOpcoiro?, /neipd- 
 KLOv acTTiKOv ave(pavr]g' olkovw yap ere to. 
 TToXXa eiri ^Kipov Koi. ^epa/meiKOv Siarpl- 
 /Beiv, ov <j>a(r\ Tovg e^coXeo'TdTOvg crxoXiJ koi 
 pa(TTU)vii TOV Plov KaTavdXia-Keiv. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 130 
 
 XXV. 
 
 Hyle to Nomius. 
 
 You are too fond of visiting the city, 
 Nomius, and do not condescend to look 
 at the country for a moment. Our de- 
 serted fields no longer produce any crops, 
 for want of someone to attend to them. 
 I am obliged to remain at home with 
 Syra, and do the best I can to support 
 the children. And you, an old man with 
 grey hairs, play the young Athenian 
 dandy. I am told that you spend the 
 greater part of your time in Scirus and 
 the Ceramicus, which is said to be the 
 meeting-place of worthless persons, who 
 go there to spend their time in idleness 
 and sloth. 
 
131 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXVL 
 
 Atjvato^ K.O pvScov I. 
 
 ^ Apri jmoi Trjv dXco SiaKaO/jpavn, Koi to 
 TTTvov airoTiOefxevip 6 SecnroTtj'S eTrecTTrj' kui 
 iScov, i^lXei Tt]i/ (piXepyiav ^^^avrj Se julol 
 iroOev 6 JLot)pvK€i09 SaijULCov, ^TpojuL^ixos o 
 irainTTOvripo^' iSwv yap jjLe efpewojuLevop tw 
 SecnroTu, Keijmevrjv rijv ana-vpav, r/V aTroOe/ULei/og 
 eipya^ofxrjv, viro jmaXrjg cpxero ^epcov, cog 
 6/JLOv ^tjjuLcav, Km tov airo tcov o/uloSovXcov 
 7rpoa'0(pX^(raL yeXcora. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 131 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Lenaeus to Corydon. 
 
 Just now, after I had cleaned the 
 threshing-floor, and was laying down the 
 winnowing - fan, the master came up, 
 looked pn, and praised my industry. But 
 that rascal Strombichus, like a cunning and 
 malicious sprite, seeing that I was follow- 
 ing my master, took my goatskin which I 
 had taken off during my work, and carried 
 it away under his arm. I was obliged to 
 put up with the loss, and, in addition, 
 the laughter of my comrades. 
 
132 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 T 6 fJieWog Xa\/JL(i)v IS L. 
 
 Tl TavTa, cS XaX/uiWp]^, V7reptj(f)aveig, tol- 
 Xaiva ; ovk iyoo <je eh Tovpyaa-rripLov KaOrj- 
 /uLevrju irapa tov aKecTTrjv tov erepowoSa 
 aveiXofxyjv ; Kai ravra XaOpaiwg t*}^ /uLrjrpos ; 
 Kai KaOawep Tiva ewLKXripop eyyvrjThv ayayo- 
 fievog €X(jo ', Sf Se (ppvaTrrj, iraiSia-Kapiov 
 eureXe?, kol Ki^l^ova-a kol ficoKco/jievij /me 
 SiareXeh. Ov irava-u raXaiva rijg ayepcoxtag ; 
 eyo) croL tov cpacrrrju Sel^co SearTroTJjv, Koi 
 Kaxpvg eiTL rcov aypcop (ppvyeiv avaireLcrco' 
 Kai Tore e'la-u juLaOovaa, olwv KaKOiv creavrrji/ 
 evSov eOrjKag. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 132 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 Gemellus to Salmonis. 
 
 Unhappy Salmonis ! what means this 
 haughty behaviour towards your master ? 
 You seem to forget that I rescued you 
 from the lame botcher's shop, without 
 letting my mother know anything about 
 it. Did I not after that instal you in 
 my house as my lawful wife, who will 
 inherit all my property? And yet, you 
 worthless hussy, you put on these airs, 
 laugh in my face, and always treat me 
 with contempt. Wretch, leave off this 
 insolent behaviour, or I will show you 
 that your lover is your master. I will 
 send you to roast barley in the country, 
 and then you will understand, to your 
 cost, to what unhappiness you have 
 brought yourself. 
 
133 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 TlavTa VTTOiJ.GveLv ola re ei/m], TrXrjv tov 
 croL rrvyKaOevSeiVy S^cnroTa. Ka^ Triv vvKTa 
 ovK e(f>vyov ovSe eiri Toh Oa/ULVOL? eKpvTrTOfxrjv, 
 m eSoKcig, aXXa rrjv KapSoirov vireLcreKQodcra 
 eKeifJiriv, ajULcpiOe/ixevyi to kolXov tov (TKevoug 
 6ig KaXvjUL/uLa. ^YiTreiSrj Se KeKpiKa Pp6x(p tov 
 Blov eKXtTreiv, aKOve, Xeyw cot avacpavSov 
 (iravTa yap julov irepiaipei (f)6/3ov rj Trpog 
 TO TeXevToiv op /mi]), eyco ere, cS TejuLeWe, 
 CTTvyw, TovTO jULev fiSeXuTTOjULevf] TO /Sapog 
 TOV (ToojuaTog, Koi. coarirep tl KivaSog eKTpeiro- 
 jnei/rj- TOVTO Se, Trjv Sv(r\€peLav tov a'TOfxa- 
 Tog, €K TOV /mvxcLiTaTOV Trjg (jyapvyyog Ttjv 
 Sv<TO(TiuLiav eKTre/uLTTOVTog. Ka/co? KaKcog uiro- 
 XoLO TOLOVTog (jov. Ba(5ffe irapa Tiva Xrnxdicrav 
 aypoLKOv ypavv eiri kvi yojUL^lw craXevovcraVj 
 aXrjXiiuLiUievriv tw Tvjg TriTTrjg eXalw. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 133 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 Salmonis to Gemellus. 
 
 I AM ready to suffer anything, master, 
 rather than sleep with you. Last night 
 I did not run away, or hide myself in 
 the bushes, as you imagined ; I was lying 
 under the kneading-trough, with which I 
 covered myself. And now, since I have 
 made up my mind to hang myself, I 
 am not afraid to speak frankly to you, 
 Gemellus, for my resolution to die removes 
 all my fear. Hear then what I have to 
 say. I hate you ; I loathe your unwieldy 
 person ; your manners, like those of a 
 wild beast, frighten me ; the smell from 
 your mouth is like poison. Wretch that 
 you are, may you perish wretchedly ! 
 Meanwhile, go and look for some blear- 
 eyed old woman, who has only one tooth 
 left, and is anointed with rancid oil. 
 
134 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXIX. 
 "0 piog *AvO o (j) o p Icov L. 
 ^UTriarTajULrjv ere, w * Av6o(j)oplwv, airXoiKOv 
 elvai avOpooTTov, koI avTOXP^ll^o. tov oltto t^? 
 aypoiKiag aypoiKov, o^ovra crrejuLcpvXcov Kai 
 Koviv TTveovra' rjyvoovv (5e, on Seivog et 
 pVTCop, vwep TOV? iv M.t]TixelM TMv ctXXo- 
 Tplodv €V€K€V aSiKOjUiaxovvTag. Kf»/7}(Ta9 yap 
 OLTTO TOV Kco/mdpxou SUag €vayxo<Si ovk ccttlv 
 ijvTLva ovx} viKy](Ta<5 cnrrjXXayrig. M.aKapi€ 
 T^9 y\w(Tcn]g, koi XoXlcTTepe rpvyovog. 'Eyto 
 ^e epjULalo) aroL xp^l^^'-y '^'o tov \6yov' eKKei/mai 
 
 yap Toh Pov\ojUL€VOl9 TCLJULU (T(p€T€pL^6<r6ai, 
 
 KOI ayaTTU) Trjv ^arvx^Gii', Kal raura eiSa)^, 
 OTL jULOL TToXXa €K T^9 aTTpay/jLOduvrj^ <pv€Tai 
 TTpay/ixaTa. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 134 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Orius to Anthophorion. 
 
 Until now I always believed that you 
 were a quiet, simple fellow, who had be- 
 come a regular countryman, smelling of 
 pressed olives and reeking with dust ; but 
 I did not know that you were a clever 
 speaker, superior even to those who plead in 
 foreign commercial cases in the Meticheum. 
 It seems that you have taken to pleading 
 causes before the village magistrates, and 
 that, since then, you have always gained 
 the day. Good luck to you ! with your 
 tongue you will become a greater chat- 
 terer than a turtle-dove. As the proverb 
 says, I shall make use of you as a wind- 
 fall. I am daily exposed to the greed of 
 certain persons who have designs upon 
 my property ; you shall defend me. I 
 love peace and quietness, but I know 
 that my carelessness and inactivity often 
 cause me trouble and annoyance. 
 
135 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXX. 
 
 ^A jULTT eXloov Euepyo). 
 
 IIoXl'9 6 xeiiJLWV TO TtJTeg, Koi. ovSei/l e^i- 
 TYiTov. Jlavra r] x^cov KaT€i\i](f)6, koi Xev- 
 KavOl^ovcTip ovx ol \6cj)0L fJLoi/ov, aWa kqI 
 TCI KoiXa Trj^ yfjg- airopla Se epyodv, apyov 
 Se KaOl^eiv oveiSog. JIpOKv\f^ag SfJTa Trjg 
 KaXv/Srjg^ ovK e(pOt]v irapavoL^a<s to Ouplov, 
 Kai opco (Tvv Tft) VKpeTU) Srj/jLov oXov opvecov 
 <p€p6jUL€vov, Koi Koxfrlxovg Koi KLxXag. Eiy- 
 Oecog odv OLTTO Trjg XeKavrjg avaarTrdo-ag i^ov 
 CTraXeKpco tcop axpaScov Tovg KXaSovg' koi 
 OCrOV OUTTCO TO P6<pog eTrecTTrj tcov cTpovQujdv, 
 Km iracrai ck tcov opoSa/uLva)p cKpejuLavTO, 
 Oea/ma rjSv, irTeptav exojuievai, Koi KC^aXrjg 
 Kai TToScov elXrifjijuLevai. 'E/c tovtcov Xdxog 
 (TOL Tag iTLOvag koi evarapKOvg ccxeWaX/ca 
 TrevTe e'lKOcriu. l^oivov yap ayaOov Toig 
 ay aOoig' ^Oovowtoov Se ol irovrjpol toov 
 yeiTovcov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 135 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Ampelion to Evergus. 
 
 The winter is very severe this year, 
 and no one is able to go out. The snow 
 has not only covered the earth, it has 
 also whitened the hills and valleys. One 
 must give up all idea of work, although 
 it is disgraceful to remain idle. To amuse 
 myself, I tried to look out. No sooner 
 was my door opened than I saw, together 
 with the falling snow, a regular flock of 
 blackbirds and thrushes. I had some 
 birdlime all ready prepared in a jar, and 
 quickly smeared it over some wild pear- 
 tree branches. The birds flung themselves 
 upon it in swarms, and then found them- 
 selves caught by the branches. It was a 
 treat to see them — some hanging by their 
 wings, others by the head or claws. I 
 picked out a couple of dozen of the 
 fattest and plumpest amongst them, and 
 I send them to you. Honest people ought 
 to share one another's luck ; let my ill-dis- 
 posed neighbours be jealous if they please ! 
 
136 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 ^ l\6 Kw JUL09 ea-TvWcp . 
 vTrcoTTore eig acTV Karapa^, ovoe eiocog 
 
 TL IT ore €(TTLV T] XcyO/ULGPi] 'TToXig, TToOcO TO 
 
 Katvov TOVTO OeajULa ISeiv, v(j> evi TrepiSoXw 
 KaroiKOvvTag apOpcoirovg, Kai ra aWa ocra 
 Sia(p€p€i TToXig aypoiKiag jmaOeiv. Ef ovv 
 aroi 7rp6(pa(ri9 oSov aarrvSe yevrjTai, yK€ 
 aira^eov vvv Kajue' koi yap eyco Seiv oI/ULai 
 Tov 'TrXeiov ri /maOeiv, i^Si] jmoi ^pveiv Opi^i 
 rrjg vTT^vrjg apxojuievi]?. T/? ovv Sy jne kclkci 
 juLvcTTaywyeiv eirirriSeiog, rj av, 6 ra iroWa 
 e'lcrco irvXwv aXivSovjULevog ; 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 136 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 Philocomus to Thestyllus. 
 
 Since I have never yet been in Athens, 
 and do not know what kind of a thing 
 that is which is called a city, I am 
 curious to see that fresh sight — people 
 confined within the same inclosure — and 
 to learn the difference between the in- 
 habitants of town and country. If, there- 
 fore, you have any occasion to go to the 
 city, come and fetch me; we will go 
 together. I think I ought to try and 
 increase my knowledge, now that my 
 beard is beginning to sprout. And who 
 could initiate me into the mysteries of 
 the city better than yourself? You have 
 entered its gates often enough. 
 
 18 
 
137 AAKI-iPONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Xk O TT laSfl^ ^KOTtWVt. 
 
 BaXX' e? lULaKapiav. OIov KaKov eanv w 
 ^KOTicop yj jULeOrj. ^YtjULirecTvov yap eig (tv/jltto- 
 criov KaKoSai/uLovcov avOpcoTTwv {oivoipXvyeg Se 
 TrdvTeg ^aav, Koi ovSelg tw /uLerpw to irieiv 
 €<TT€pye' (Tvvexodg Se Trepi^epofjievrjg Ttjg kvXi- 
 KOi, rjv roig apvov/uievoig TOviriTifxiov, Seiv 
 avTOvg KOI e/V Trjv varTepalav ka-Tiav)' inldv 
 ovVy o<Jov ovTTw irpoTepov eV a<TKcp ^acrracrag 
 otSa, TpLTtjv TavTrjv ^fiepav exw kol ctl (toi 
 KapTj/Sapw, Kai rrjv KpaiTraXrjp airepvyyavta 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 137 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 SCOPIADES TO SCOTION. 
 
 Confound it ! what a curse is drunken- 
 ness, my friend ! I found it out, when I 
 recently fell in with a company of dissi- 
 pated fellows : they were all heavy drinkers, 
 and not one of them knew how to take a 
 glass in moderation. The cup went round 
 continually, and I was obliged to drink, for 
 there was a penalty attached to those who 
 refused : they were obliged to give a ban- 
 quet at their own expense the following 
 day. Being obliged to do as the rest, I 
 must have swallowed more than a whole 
 skin. This is the third day I have had 
 a fearful headache, and I am still very 
 bilious. 
 
 18—2 
 
38 AAKI*P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 XXXIIL 
 
 Eo£/ce Koi TOL vdjULara etV to. avco pvricrea-Bai 
 eiye ovTwg, cS l^opi(rK€, a<j>rj\iKia'Tepo<i yeyoj^o)?, 
 ore rjSri Xoiirov vl'Sovg koi OvyarpiSovg exo/xei/, 
 e/oa? Ki6ap(t)Sov yvpaiKog, Ka/me Kvi^eig 0L\pL tov 
 Kat avTtjv €KpLvrj<TaL Tr]v KapSiav. 'Eyo) fnev 
 yap arijuLa^ojuLaty TpiaKocrrov erog tjSrj crvvovcra 
 <roi' irapQevLOV Se r\ iTTiroizopvog /xeO' viroKO- 
 piCFiJMV eKOepaireveTai, oXov ere avTOig aypoig 
 KaraTTiovG-a. TeXwcrt Se oi veoi, koi (Tv tov 
 yeXa)T09 avaicrBriTtog exeig, ^Q yrjpag eralpag 
 iralyviov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 138 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 Anthylla to Coriscus. 
 
 It seems as if rivers could flow upwards 
 to their source, to see you, in spite of 
 your years and the grandchildren that 
 we have, madly in love with a flute- 
 player ; it grieves me enough to wear away 
 my heart. You are disgracing me, who have 
 now been your wife for thirty years ; and 
 you bestow all your affection upon a girl, 
 a well - known street - walker, who has 
 already eaten up your money and land. 
 The young fellows laugh at you, but 
 you don't seem to mind it. Poor old 
 man, the plaything of a prostitute ! 
 
139 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 TvaScov K.a\\i K 
 
 WJULLOl]. 
 
 TijuLOva ola-Qa, & J^aWiKooimiSr}, tov 'Exe- 
 KparlSov TOV ILoXKvrea, o? e/c TrXofcrtoy, 
 (TiraOrjara^ Tr]v ovcrlav eig ^jULoig Tovg irapacri- 
 Tovq KOii rot? eralpa^, et? airoplav crvvrjKaOti' 
 6?T* e/c (piXavOpcoTTov juLia-avOpcoirog eyevero, kul 
 rrjv ^Airrj/iiavTOv e/ULi/ULriaraTO (rruya ; Kara- 
 Xa/Bwv yap rrfv ccrxoLTiav, Tah ^coXoig rovg 
 irapLovra^ ^aWei, TrpofJujOov/JLevog firiSiva 
 avTW KaOdira^ avOpwTroop ivTvyxaveiv ' ovrm 
 rriv KOLvriv ^v(nv aTrea-Tpairrai. 01 Se Xonroi 
 Twv ^A.Qrivr}(TL veoirXovTwv ^eiScovog re ela-L 
 KOLL Tv[<poovo9 /ULiKpoTTpeTrecrTepoi. *Qpa /ulol 
 fxeTavlcTTaa-Oai, Koi. ttovovvtl ^rjv. Aexov Srj 
 ovv /UL6 /ulktOcotop KttT ciypov, iravra vTrofxeveiv 
 avexoiiievov virep tov Trjv aTrXrjpwTov e/ixTrXfjcrai 
 yacTTepa. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 139 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 Gnatho to Callicomides. 
 
 You know Timon, the son of Echecra- 
 tides, of the borough of Colyttus ? He was 
 once rich ; to-day he is in a state of abject 
 poverty, to which he has brought himself 
 by wasting his fortune on prostitutes and 
 parasites, like ourselves. His misfortunes 
 have altered his opinion of mankind, and 
 he has become as great a misanthrope as 
 Apemantus. He has retired to a field a 
 long way off, where he throws clods of 
 earth at the passers-by, or hides himself, 
 to avoid meeting anyone, so great is his 
 abhorrence of his fellow-men. On the 
 other hand, the other Athenians, who 
 have lately come into money, are meaner 
 than Phidon or Gniphon. How is one to 
 live ? I think I shall leave the city and 
 try and earn my living by hard work. 
 Take me as a hired labourer on your 
 farm. I will put up with anything, if 
 only I can satisfy my insatiable maw. 
 
140 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 G aXXlar K og Her p aio). 
 
 AuxfJ-og TO. vvv ovSa/ULov ve(f>o^ uirep y^? 
 aiperai, Set Se eTro/ii^plag' Sixlrtjv yap ra^ 
 apovpag avTa9 to Kara^ripov t^? ^coXov 
 SeiKvvari. Marat a ^/ulip, o)? coikc, koi avriKoa 
 TeOvrai rw 'Yer/o)* Kalroi ye e^ a/ULiXXtjg 
 eKaWiepriarajmep iravTes ol t^9 Koo/mrj^ oiKTjTope^, 
 Kai 009 e/ca(7T09 Suvafxecog r] irepiovalag elxe, 
 (TweKrepcyKaTo, 6 /ulcp Kpiov, 6 Se Tpayov, 
 o Se Kairpov, 6 Trevrjg iroiravov, 6 Se en 
 TreveoTTepog Xi^avwrov xovSpovg ev juLoXa ev- 
 paiTiwvTag, ravpop Se ovSeig- ov yap eviropla 
 /Boa-KrjjuLarwp ri/jLip, rrjp XeTrroyeiop rfjg ' Arrtfc^? 
 KaToiKovartp. 'AXX' ovSep o<peXog tcop Saira- 
 ptjfjLarwp- eoiKe yap irpog erepoig eOpeariP 6 
 Zevg a>p tcop Ti]Se a/meXeip. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 140 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 Thalliscus to Petraeus. 
 
 A VERY great drought prevails just 
 now ; there is not a cloud in the sky. 
 We want rain ; the soil is so dry that our 
 land is parched. In vain have we offered 
 sacrifice to Jupiter God of Rain. All we 
 inhabitants of the village have done our 
 best to appease him with our gifts, ac- 
 cording to our means. One contributed 
 a ram, another a goat ; those who were 
 not so well off gave a sacrificial cake ; those 
 whose means were even less, a few mouldy 
 grains of incense. It is true that no one 
 sacrificed a bull ; but we have no large 
 cattle, since we live on the poor soil of 
 Attica. All our expenses have been use- 
 less ; it seems as if Jupiter devoted his 
 care to other countries, to the neglect 
 of ours. 
 
141 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 H p ar Lvog MeyaXoreXef. 
 
 XaXeTTO? ^v ^fiip 6 (TTparicoTi]^, x^^^"^^^- 
 'E7re£ yap yKe SelXrjg oyjrlas kol KarrjxOr] ov 
 Kara rvxnv ayaOrji; eig rjinag, ovk ciravcraTO 
 evoxXwv Toig Sitjyrf/jLacri, ScKaSag nvag Koi 
 <l>aXayya9 ovojuia^wv, etra a-apicra-ag Koi. Kara- 
 TreXrag Kai yeppag- koi vvv w? aveTpexfre 
 Tovg OpaKag, tov TrporjyejULova /SaXwv jne- 
 (TayKvXw, vvv Se cog kovtw Siairelpag tov 
 ^ApjuLcviov airwXea-ev • eirl Tracrl re alx/xaXw- 
 TOvg irapfjye koi eSeiKvu yvvaiKag, ag eXeyev 
 €K Ttjg Xeiag uiro tmv (TTpaTriyoov apiarrelag 
 avT(p yepag SeSoo-QaL. Tw Se eyKava^ag 
 KvXiKa evjueyiOi], ^Xvapiag (papjucaKov copeyov 
 6 Se Kai Tavrrjv koi irXelovag eirl TauTu koi 
 aSpOTcpag eKTnwv, om eiravcraTO aSoXecrxlag, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 141 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 Pratinus to Megaloteles. 
 
 Ah ! what trouble the soldier brought 
 upon us ! After his arrival in the evening, 
 when, in an ill-starred moment, he took 
 up his quarters with us, he never ceased 
 to din into our ears stories about decuries, 
 phalanxes, pikes, shields, and cross-bows. 
 Then he told us how he had routed the 
 Thracians and run their captain through 
 with his lance ; and, after that, how he 
 pierced an Armenian through and through. 
 Finally, he produced his prisoners, and 
 exhibited the women, whom, he declares, 
 he received from different generals as the 
 reward of his gallantry. I poured out a 
 large cup of wine, hoping to cure his 
 chattering; he swallowed it, and several 
 larger ones after it, but it did not stop 
 him ; he still went on chattering. 
 
142 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 'ETTf^uXXf? ^A JUL a p QK LV IJ. 
 
 Yiipeo'iwvrjv e^ avOcov irXe^aara, ijeiv eg 
 *^piuLa(j)poSiTOV, TU) ^ AXwTreKrjOev ravrtjv 
 avaOriG-ovaa. Etra /xoi Xo^o? €^al(f>vrjg ava- 
 (fyalverai veoov ayepwx'^Vy ^tt' eyue avvreTayiuLe- 
 vwv 6 \6xo<s Se M-OtTX^oivi crvveirpaTTev. 
 'Exef yap tov fxaKapiTijv aire^aXov $at- 
 Splav, ovK eTravcraTO /ixoi Trpay/ULara irape- 
 X^v, Koi ya/uLTja-eiwv eyw Se avtjva/ULrjv, d/uia 
 fxev Ttt veoyva iraiSla KaTOiKTelpovcra, djuLa 
 Se TOV ijpco ^aiSpiav ev S^OaX/ULOig TiSejULevt]. 
 ^l^XavOavov Se v/3pi(TTr}v v/nevaiov ava^jievovcra, 
 KOLL OaXaiuLOv vairriv evpla-KOva-a. Ef? yap to 
 (Tvvvjpe^eg ayaycou, ov to irvKvco/ULa (rvvex^g 
 ^v Twv SevSpoDVy avTOv nrov KaTa twv avOwv 
 Koi Trjg (pvWaSog, atSov/mai eiTrelv, (h (jiiX- 
 TaTrj, TL TraOeiv eirfjvayKaae. Ka: ex'^ "^^^ 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 142 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 Epiphyllis to Amaricine. 
 
 Having woven a garland of flowers, I 
 was going to the temple of Hermaphroditus, 
 intending to offer it in honour of him of 
 Alopece.^ Suddenly a party of insolent 
 young men came in sight, ready to attack 
 me, led by Moschion, who, as soon as I 
 lost my dear husband, incessantly worried 
 me to marry him, but I refused, partly 
 out of pity for my little ones, and partly 
 because I could not forget the deceased 
 Phaedrias. But I unwittingly kept my- 
 self for a disgraceful amour, and found a 
 nuptial chamber in a grove. He took me 
 into a shady part of the forest, where the 
 trees grew thickly together, and there, on 
 the top of the flowers and leaves, he 
 compelled me to endure — I am ashamed 
 to say what, my dear. I have gained a 
 ^ Her late husband. 
 
143 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 €^ v^petog avSpa' ovx €Kov<ra fikv, ojulco^ Se 
 exw. KaXoi' niev ydip airelpaG'TOv elvai twv 
 aPovXr/TCDV otw Se ovx ^'^^Lpxci tovto 
 KpvTTTeiv TT]v crvjULfpopav avayKoiov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 143 
 
 husband by the insult I have suffered — 
 not of my own free will, but still it is 
 true. It is a good thing not to experience 
 what is disagreeable ; but when this is 
 impossible, we must at least conceal our 
 misfortune. 
 
144 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XXXVIIL 
 
 ^uS IK 09 Hacr I Mvi. 
 
 ^pvya oiK6Ttjv exft) TrovrjpoVy 09 aire^ri 
 TOLOVT09 eirl Twv ay ptov. 'Q? yap t^ tvy 
 Ka\ via KttT €K\oyr}v tovtov eirpiajULrjv, Nof- 
 [jLYiviov juiev €v6vg eOe/uLtjv KaXeia-Qai- So^avra 
 Se ehai pcofxaXeov, Ka\ eyprjyopwg ^XeTrovra, 
 jULera irepixoiptcL? vyov, «? cttI Trjg ecxarm? 
 JJ.01 iaro/uLeuov. ^Hv Se 0VT09 d/ma Xa/nTrpa 
 ^rj/uLia' icrOiet jul€p yap Tecrcrapajv CTKaira- 
 vetav (Tirla' vttvoI Se^ oaov i^Kovara Tervtpw 
 jULcvov a-o<l>i(7TOv \iyovT09, ^l^TTijULeviSrjv Tiva 
 ILprJTa KCKOL/UL^G-Oaiy rj ft)? aKOvojJLev Trjv 'Upa- 
 /cXeoi/9 Tpiea-irepov. T/ av ovv 7roioi/JLr]v, w 
 <l>i\TaT€ eralpcov Ka\ crvvepywv, 'lOi (f^pacrov, 
 eir\ TOiovTU) Or/piw KaTa^aXcov apyvplSiov ; 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 144 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 EuDicus TO Pasion. 
 
 I HAVE a good-for-nothing slave, a 
 Phrygian, who has turned out so in the 
 country. Since I picked him out of a 
 number of others and bought him on the 
 last day of the month, I immediately de- 
 termined to call him Numenius.^ As he 
 seemed to be strong and looked sharp, I 
 was glad to take him away to help me 
 on my farm in the country. But he has 
 turned out a sheer loss to me ; he eats 
 as much food as four diggers, and he 
 sleeps, as I heard a crazy sophist say, 
 like Epimenides the Cretan, or for three 
 successive nights, as when Hercules was 
 born. Whatever am I to do, my dear 
 friend and fellow-labourer, now that I 
 have thrown away my money on the 
 purchase of such a monster ? 
 
 ^ Connected with the new moon. 
 
 19 
 
145 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 Upo? Oeoov Kai SmiJLOvwv, c5 juL^TCp, Trpog 
 oXiyov KaTaXnrovo'a rovg a-KoireXovg kol rrjv 
 aypoiKiav, Oeacrai irpo r?? TeXevTalag ^/mepag 
 TO. KttT acTTv Koka. Ola yap, ota ere 
 \avOavei, 'AXwa kou ^Kirarovpia Ka\ Aiovvcria, 
 Kal ti vvv ea-Twcra (rejuLvoraTrj twv SecrjuLOipopLOtyv 
 eopTrj. 'H fxev yap avoSog Kara Trjv irpurrriv 
 yeyovev ^jmepav, ^ vrja-reia Se to rrjimepov elvai 
 Trap ^AOr]vaLoig eopra^erat, ra ^aWiyeveia 
 Se eig Trjv eTTiovcrav Ovovcriv. Ef ovv eireixOeitjg, 
 epxtl ecoOev irpo tov tov ecDcrcpopov e^eXOetv 
 crvvOveig Taig 'AOrjvalcov yvvai^\v avpiov. ^H/ce 
 ovv, juLrj yueXXe, Kal tt/oo? ejm^g Kal tcov avra- 
 Se\<pcov Twv ejjLwv a-cortjplag' to yap ayevcTTOv 
 TToXeo)? KaTaXvcrai tov ^lov, airoTpoiraLov, co? 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 145 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 EUTHYDICUS TO EPIPHANIUM. 
 
 By the Gods and Deities, mother, 
 leave the rocks and country for a little 
 while, and come and see the beauties of 
 the city before you die. You don't know 
 what you are missing : the Haloa, the 
 Apaturia, and the Dionysia, and the 
 most holy festival of the Thesmophoria, 
 which we are now celebrating. The 
 Ascent took place on the first day, to- 
 day the fast is being solemnly kept, and 
 the sacrifice to Calligeneia takes place 
 to-morrow. If you make haste, and start 
 early before the morning star rises, you 
 will be able to join in the sacrifice with 
 the Athenian women. Come, then, don't 
 waste time, I beseech you, as I wish well 
 to my brothers and myself; for to end 
 your days without having had a taste of 
 the city would be abominable, beastly, 
 
 19 — 2 
 
146 AAKTc^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 ov OrjpicoSeg Koi SvcTTpoirov. 'Avexov Se, w 
 jULijTep, T^9 eTTf Tft) a-v/UL^epovTi Trapprjariag. 
 KaXoj^ OLTracTLv avOpcoTroig avvirocrToKw<s ojuli- 
 Xeiv ovx VKicTTa Se avayKolov to irpoq rovg 
 oiKelovg aXrjOi^ecrOai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 146 
 
 and ill-mannered. You must excuse my 
 freedom, mother, it is for your benefit. 
 It is right that all should speak frankly; 
 but above all it is necessary to be sincere 
 with one's own relations. 
 
147 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XL. 
 
 ^ iXo JUL rj TO) p ^lXlo-m. 
 
 'EycD imev tov iraiSa aTroSocrOai eig aarrv 
 iuXa KOI KpiOa^ aireireiJLXJj'a, eiravriKeiv rrjv 
 avTriv TO. KepjULara Ko/ui^ovra irapeyyvwv 
 X0X09 Se e/uLTrecrcov, e^ otov Sai/novcjov eig avroVy 
 ovK e^tt) XeyeiVf oXov Trap^/ULeixl^e, kol (ppevwv 
 c^co Karea-Ttja-e. GeacrdjULevog yap eva tovtmvi 
 Tu>v nie/uLrjvoTooVj 01/9 Sta to /mavicoSes TrdOog 
 Kvvag airoKaXelv elcoOaariv, vwepe/SaXe tij 
 IJ.ijULr}crei twv KaKwv tov apXfiyeTtjv. Kaf 
 kcTTLV ISeiv OeajuLa airoTpoTraiov Km ^o- 
 fiepov, Koiurjv avxMP^v avaa-elwv, to /SXe/m- 
 fia iTa/j.6g, ^juLiyvjuLvog ev Tpi^oovlcp, TrrjplSiov 
 e^VpT^jfJiepog, koi poiroXov ef axpaSog TreTroitj- 
 
 fJLCVOV JUL€Ta X^^P^^ ^XOiV, aPVTToSrjTOg, pVTTWV, 
 
 airpaKTog' tov aypov Kai ^juiag ovk eiScog Toug 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 147 
 
 XL. 
 
 Philometor to Philisus. 
 
 I SENT my son to the city to sell 
 wood and barley, and gave him strict 
 orders to come back the same day with 
 the money; but the^ wrath of some Deity 
 or other overtook him, drove him out of 
 his mind, and changed him altogether. 
 For, having seen one of those lunatics, 
 who are nicknamed *' Dogs " from their 
 mad behaviour, he outdid his master in 
 imitating his extravagances. He is a 
 fearful and disgusting sight : he shakes 
 his unkempt hair, he looks wild, goes 
 about half-naked in a threadbare cloak, 
 with a little wallet slung over his 
 shoulders, and a staff of wild pear-tree 
 wood in his hands. He is unshod and 
 filthy, and no one can do anything with 
 him ; he declares he does not know his 
 parents or the farm either : he says that 
 
148 AAKI^PONOE PHT0P02 
 
 yopeig, aXX' apvov/ULei/09, (jyvcrei Xeycov yeyovevai 
 TO. Travra, koi Trjv twv (ttol\€L(jov crvyKpacnv 
 alrlav elvai yevecrecog, ov)(} tol'9 Trarepa?. 
 ^vSrjXov Se ecTTi Kai xprnnaTWv irepiopav, kol 
 yecopylap crTvyelv aWa kol aiarxvvrj^ avTM 
 fxeXci ovSev, Km Trjv aiSco tov 7rpo(TU>7rov 
 aire^va-rai. O'I/ulol oIov ere, cS yecopyla, to 
 Toov cLTrarecovcov tovtmvI (fypovTia-Trfpiov i^e- 
 Tpax>]Xicre. M^e/UL^o/uLai tcc SoXcow koi tw 
 ApaKOVTi, 01 Tol'9 jUL€v KXeiTTOVTag a-Ta(pvXas 
 OavaTM ^r]jULLovv eSiKaioocrav' Toug Se avSpa- 
 TToSi^ovrag (jltto tov <ppov€iv Tovg veovg, 
 aO(povg elvai TijuLcoplag aireXnrov. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 148 
 
 everything is produced by nature, and that 
 the mixture of the elements, not our 
 parents, is the cause of generation. It 
 is evident that he despises money, and 
 hates agriculture ; he is lost to all sense 
 of shame, and all trace of modesty is 
 banished from his countenance. O Agri- 
 culture ! what utter ruin this thinking-shop 
 of impostors has brought upon you ! I 
 blame Draco and Solon ; for, while they 
 thought lit to punish with death those 
 who stole grapes, they allowed those who 
 made slaves of young men's understand- 
 ings to go scot-free. 
 
49 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XLI. 
 
 A puaSrj g M.rj\la}V i. 
 
 "l^irejj.yjrd croc, twv AeKeXeiacTL irpo^aTcov 
 oLTTOKelpag to. pco/ULoXea, rovg ttokov^' ocra yap 
 x/rcopag viroifKea, ravra tm Troijj.evL Jlvppla 
 irapeSooKa XP^^^^^ ^? ^> '^' ^^ ^^^V> t^P^v 
 (pOaarai SLa^Oapfjvai iravreXwg viro Ttjg vocrov. 
 ''Exofcra ovv a^Oovlav eploov, e^ixprjvov rujilv 
 ecrOrj/uiaTa irpoa-cpopa Taig copaig, ft)? etvai to. 
 IUL€V Tft) Oepei TrpocrapjULo^ovra XeTrroVtpf}, to, 
 Se x^'M^/t^'ot exeTft) TrepiTTcog rfjg KpoKtjg, koI 
 ireiraxyvOw irXeov %a tgl julcv th lULavoTrjTL 
 (TKia^ri fjLOvov, Koi. juLrj KaTaOaXTru Tct crufimaTa' 
 ra Se tu SapvTrjn airelpyii top KpvjuLov, koI 
 dXe^avefxa Tvyx^^U- ^clI t] irapOevog Se rj 
 irah) yjv exo/mev ev copa ya/mov, avWa/uL^avcTM 
 T^9 LCTTOvpylag ralg OepairmvlcrLV, 'iva eig 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 149 
 
 XLI. 
 
 Dryades to Melion. 
 
 I HAVE sent you the fleeces of some 
 sheep shorn at Decelea. I only picked 
 out those that were healthy; those that 
 were full of the scab I gave to my 
 shepherd Pyrrhias, to do what he liked 
 with them, before they were entirely de- 
 stroyed by the disease. Since you have 
 abundance of wool, make me some 
 clothes suitable for the different seasons ; 
 let those for summer wear be finely 
 woven ; those for winter should have 
 plenty of nap, and be thicker; the 
 former should rather shade than heat the 
 body by their thinness, while the latter 
 should keep the cold from it, and screen 
 it from the wind by their thickness. Let 
 our maiden daughter, who is now of an 
 age to marry, assist the handmaids in 
 weaving, so that, when she leaves us for a 
 
ISO AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 dvSpog eXOovcra jmr] Karaia-xvp}] rovg irarepag 
 rilJ.a<s. Kaf aXXw? de elSevai ere XP^y <*'? "t' 
 ToXacriav ay airwcraL, koi Ttjv ^^pyavtjv Oepa- 
 irevovcraiy Kotrjuno ^lou Koi. croxppoaruvi] crxoXa- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 150 
 
 husband, she may not disgrace her parents. 
 Besides, you must know that those who 
 are fond of spinning wool, and are the 
 handmaids of the goddess of labour, de- 
 vote themselves to an orderly and chaste 
 life. 
 
151 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XLII. 
 
 'Tayija-Tpayytcrog J^TafpvXoSaifMOvi, 
 
 "KpSriv aTToXwXa (TOL' 6 yap xOh^ evirapv- 
 <p09, TTivapoi^, cog opag, Kai rpix^voL^ paKccri 
 KaXvTTTd) rrjv aiSw. ^KireSvcre yap /me Harai- 
 Kicov 6 irajjiirovripog, o? ra Kep/JLara jmov (elxov 
 Sk, ft)? ola-Oa, VTroG-uxvov apyvpiov), Se^iaig 
 Xpwjuievog Taig KoKivSy^areaL tcov kv^cov, axpi 
 SpaxjJLm Ka\ o^okoov ci'irecnjXrjcrev. 'Efoj/ Se 
 uoi irapiSeiv, oaov e^rj/uiiwOriv, eira aOwco 
 yevearOai tov TrXeiovog, e/c rrjg Kar opytjv 
 epiSog Tfjv €19 TOvcrxaTOv vTre/uLeiva /SXa^tjv 
 KaO^ 'iv yap cKacTTOV toov iimaTioov ck ttpokXt]- 
 creft)? aTTOTiOeig, riXog airavTwv iyf/'iXcoOrjv twv 
 ivSvjuLaTCiov. Hot Srj ovv ^aSicrreov ; x«^^'^^? 
 yap KOI Xa^poog eiraiyl^wv 6 /Sofipag SUkti 
 juLov Twp irXevpwv clxrTrcp BeXog. 'E? JLvvo- 
 crapy eg 'l<rwg olxv^eov % yap rig twv eKCi 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 151 
 
 XLII. 
 
 Rhagestrangisus to Staphylodaemon. 
 
 I AM utterly ruined. I, who but yes- 
 terday was clad in fine garments, am now 
 obliged to cover my nakedness with filthy 
 rags made of hair. That accursed villain 
 Pataecion has stripped me bare; with his 
 lucky throws of the dice he has cleaned 
 me out of my money, with which as you 
 know I was well supplied, even to the 
 last drachma^ and obol.'* And when it was 
 in my power, by ignoring the loss I had 
 sustained, to escape a still greater one, 
 in my anger and quarrelsomeness, I went 
 on to the bitter end ; I staked each of 
 my articles of clothing as I was challenged, 
 and, at last, was stripped naked. Where 
 am I to go ? for the north wind, blowing 
 with cruel violence, goes through my sides 
 like a knife. Perhaps to the Cynosarges ; 
 either one of the young men there will 
 ^ About gid. 2 About ijd. 
 
152 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 veavL(TKU>v, eiroiKTelpa^ ajULtpieG-ei /ue iimaTioig, 
 rj KaTa\rj\lrojuLai rag eyyvOev Kajntpovg, koI 
 T(p TTVpL 6 SvG-Trjvog OaXyl^o/iiai ' Toig yap 
 yvfjLvoig (TiG-vpa koi e^ecrrph ^ <pXo^, koi 
 TO €K Trj^ eX»7? OepecrOai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 152 
 
 out of pity give me some clothes to cover 
 me, or I shall be able to get near the 
 stoves and warm my wretched self by the 
 fire ; for to the naked, fire and warmth 
 take the place of both outer and inner 
 garments. 
 
 20 
 
153 AAKT^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 '^iXOKXavcTTtjg Bov k tcov i. 
 
 Tij irporepala ^vpajuLcvoi rag K€<f)aXoi^, eyco 
 KOI ^TpovOiwv KOI K.wai8o9 ol irapacriTOi, 
 Xova-afj-evoL eh to ev Hrjpayylo) PaXavelov 
 oLjUL^l Tre/uLTTTiji/ wpav Spo/uiov a^e^re?, e/V 
 TO TrpoacTTeiov to ^AyKvXrjg to ^apiKXeovg 
 Tou jULeipaKicTKOv (axof^eOa. "Ei/^a avTO^ re 
 acrjuievcog vTreSe^aTO, ^iXoyeXoog re cov koI 
 ipiXavaXooT^^' rjixels; tc SiaTpi^rjv avrcp tc 
 Kot Toig arvjuLTTOTaig irapea-xofxcv, irapa /uL€po<; 
 aXXi]Xovs eTTLppaTTi^ovTeg, Kai avairaKTra eu- 
 KpoTa eiriXeyovTcg avTO(rKOjuLjuLaToov aaTiKwv 
 Kol avTOxapLTWv 'Attikcov Kai aL/uvXiag ye- 
 juiOVTa. 'Ef TOUTM Si^ iXapoTijTO^ KOI ev- 
 (j)po(rvvt]^ SiaKeLjiievov tov (JvjULTroa-iov, cTrecrrr] 
 
 TToOeV XjULlKpLVrjg 6 Sva-rpOTTOS KOI SvcTKoXo^, 
 
 elireTO Se avrw TrX^Oog oIkctcov, ol. SpajuLovrc^ 
 €0' ^/xa? wpiuLJ]crav. Auto? Se 6 ^juLiKpivrig, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 153 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 PSICHOCLAUSTES TO BUCION. 
 
 The day before yesterday, the para- 
 sites Struthion and Cynaedus and myself 
 shaved our heads, took a bath at Se- 
 rangium, and, about the fifth hour, 
 hurried as fast as we could to the suburb 
 of Ancyle, where young Charicles has an 
 estate. He made us very welcome, being 
 generous and fond of merriment ; and, on 
 our part, we afforded amusement to him 
 and his guests, slapping one another in 
 turns to the accompaniment of sonorous 
 anapaests, full of genuine town witticisms 
 and Attic grace and liveliness. In the 
 meantime, while cheerfulness and merri- 
 ment prevailed, that cross-grained, sulky 
 Smicrines came on the scene from some- 
 where, followed by a crowd of servants, 
 who rushed upon us from all directions. 
 Smicrines first smote Charicles on the 
 
 20 — 2 
 
154 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 TT/ocora IUL6V TH KajULTrvXt] iralei tov vwtov 
 Tov ^apiKXeov^, cTreiTa Se eirl KOpprj^ ira- 
 TOL^a^, rjyev o)? eaxaTOv avSpairoSov ^jixeig 
 Se vevjULari juLom tov irpecr^vTOv eh Toviricrw 
 Ta? x^^P^^ iarrpe^XovjULeOa' to. Se /uLeTo. 
 Tavra $yiva<s ^/xa? va-rpLxlSi, ovk oXlyaig 
 ovS^ evapLQiJ.riTOi<s lULaa-ri^i, reXog ayaywv 
 eig TO Sea-jUicoTripiov aireOeTO 6 aypiog yepcov. 
 Ka£ €1 JULY) (Tvv^Orjg wv Koi. TToXXa KaOrjSv- 
 iraOrjaag /meO^ ^jmwv 6 x^P^^^^ Ey^iy^to?, avrjp 
 ev Tol<s irpcoTOig tov arvjj.Troa-lov twv ^Apeoira- 
 yiTcoVj avew^ev riij.iv to Sea-jULOOTrjpiov, tolxci 
 dv KOt Tip Sr]jUL[(p TrapeSoOrj/mep. OvTcog 6 
 Spi/uLvg yepwv Kai iriKpog eiri/j.TrpaTO KaO^ 
 VJIJ.WV, Kai iravTa eirpaTTev w? dv Trjp eir] 
 OavaTcp, tcra Totg apSpocpovoig Ka] lepoa-vXoig 
 airaxOeujuiev. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 154 
 
 back with a crooked stick, and then, 
 hitting him on the face, carried him off 
 like the meanest slave ; at a nod from 
 the old man, our hands were tied behind 
 our backs, after which we were flogged 
 severely with a whip of hog's bristles : 
 the blows inflicted upon us were more 
 than we could count ; and, at last, the 
 cruel old man ordered us to be dragged 
 off to prison ; and, had not that good 
 fellow Eudemus, one of the chief mem- 
 bers of the council of Areopagus, an old 
 acquaintance of ours, who had spent 
 many a pleasant hour with us, opened 
 the prison door for us, we should most 
 likely have been handed over to the 
 executioner, so furious against us was 
 that harsh and cruel old man ; and he 
 did everything he could to get us led 
 away to death, as if we had been mur- 
 derers and temple robbers. 
 
155 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 T paOcov AeixoTT Lv aK I. 
 
 HfjLwv ft)? M-cyapecov rj Aiyiewv ovSet^ 
 \6yo9, evSoKi/ULei Se Tavvv TpvWiow /ulovo^ 
 Kai Karapxci tov acTeog, Km iracra avTw 
 KaOaTrep T^paTtjTt T6d O^^rjOev kvv\ ai/ewyei/ 
 ^ oiKLa. 'E/ioi SoKclv, OerraXiSa tlvu. ypavv 
 ri ^AKapvavlSa (papjuLaKcvrpiav TreTr opKr/ixevog 
 KaTayofjTeveL Tovg aOXtovg veavlarKOvg. T/ 
 yap Koi. (TTOUfxiiKov exei ; tl Se o/uLiXtjriKov 
 KOI ^Su (jyepei ; 'AX\' fcrft)? eujULevecTTepoi^ 
 o/uL/uLacriv eKelvov elSov at ^apireg' wg Tovg 
 Hiki/ aTTOjUiaTTea-Oai irpog avrov, ^fxag Se aya- 
 irav, el ra? aTTOjULaySoXlag wg kvct'l Tig 
 Trapappixfreie. Tax« ^e ov yorjg, aXXa tvxh 
 KexpWOLt- Se^ia. Ti^x*? y^P "Trapa iravTu 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 155 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 Gnathon to Leichopinax. 
 
 We are thought no more of than 
 Megareans or Aegieans ; at the present 
 time Gryllion alone is in good repute, 
 and holds sway over the city : every 
 house is open to him, as if he were 
 Crates the Cynic from Thebes. It seems 
 to me that he has got hold of some 
 Thessalian or Acarnanian sorceress, with 
 whose assistance he bewitches the un- 
 happy youths of our city. What a fund 
 of talk he possesses ! how delightful 
 is his conversation ! But perhaps the 
 Graces have looked upon him with favour- 
 able eyes, so that, while others have the 
 inside of the loaf, we must be content if 
 anyone throws us the leavings, like dogs, 
 after he has wiped his hands upon it.^ 
 But perhaps he is no magician, but only 
 very fortunate; for it is fortune that pre- 
 ^ The meaning of this passage is greatly disputed. 
 
56 AAKI*P0N02 P] 
 
 ecTTi Tu Twv avOpcoTTwv TTpdy/uiaTa' ovSev 
 yap ev avOpooiroig yvco/ULrj, irdvra Se tvx^' 
 KOI TavTT}^ 6 Tuxiiov ^Sv^ iaTi Koi vojuLL^erai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 156 
 
 vails beyond everything in human affairs. 
 Prudence counts for nothing, fortune is 
 everything ; the man who is fortunate 
 is pleasant, and has the reputation of 
 being so. 
 
157 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XLV. 
 
 "JiXyrjara, u> KaXe ^lxIcov, ciKOvcrag Trjv 
 arv/jL^acrav aoL irepi to TrpocrcoTrov crviu^opav. 
 El ^e KOL TOVTOV eyevero tov Tpoirov, ov 
 Sirjyrja-aTO rujiiv eTraveXOovara tov g-v/ulttoo-Iov 
 Aeipiovtj (Xeyo) ^e TJ71/ iraiSlarKrjv ^vWiSo^ 
 T^9 \lraXTplag)y TroXe/nov virecrTtj^ koi irop- 
 Orjariv Uavtjv aveu fjLtjyavrj^ Kai eXcTroXem' 
 CLKOvco yap Koi. tov KaTairvyova kol OtjXv- 
 Splav irepiKaTea^ai aoi Ttjv (pLoXrjv, o)? ra 
 OpavafxaTa Xtafiria-aaQal croi Tr]v piva kol 
 T»]v Seiiau a-iayova, koi tov aifiaTog avaxr 
 Oijvat Kpovvovg, oloug vSaTog ev Tepavia 
 ireTpai (TTaXacrarova-i. Tig €Tl ctve^eTai tmv 
 KaKoSaijULOvcov tovtoov, €1, ToarovTOv to yacr- 
 TpL^ea-Oai TrcoXovirrwv, wvovimeOa KivSvm to 
 
 ^ijVy KOJ. TOV €K XljULOV OttVaTOV ScSlOTC^y TtJV 
 
 ucTCL KivSvvov TrXrjcfJLOVfjv 0.(717 a^o iJieQ a ; 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 157 
 
 XLV. 
 
 Trapezoleichon to Psichodialectes. 
 
 I WAS much grieved, my dear Psi- 
 chion, when I heard of the accident to 
 your face. If it happened as Leirione — I 
 mean the servant of Phyllis the harpist — 
 told us on her return from the banquet, 
 you have indeed been in the wars and 
 exposed to destruction, without any en- 
 gines of war being brought against you. 
 I hear that the disgusting and effeminate 
 wretch broke a goblet over your head 
 with such violence that the pieces injured 
 your nose and your right cheek, and 
 streams of blood spirted up from the 
 wound, like the drippings from the rocks 
 of Gerania. Who will be able to endure 
 such wretches much longer ? They ask 
 so high a price for filling our bellies that 
 we have to pay for it with the peril of 
 our lives ; and, in our fear of being 
 starved to death, we welcome the chance 
 of getting a good meal, even if we have 
 to pay dearly for it. 
 
158 AAKIi»P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 XLVI. 
 
 'LT6jUL(j)vXoxoitp(jop Tpaire^oxoipovTi. 
 
 Q? evTvx'^9, ft)? /ixaKapLcog ireirpaya. 
 ''IcTft)? iprja-i] iUL€, Tiva rpoirov, w Tpaire^o- 
 XCLpov. 'Eytt) Sr] aoL ^pacro) koi irplv epecrOai. 
 'Hye fjiev rj ttoKl^, o)? otnrOa, Trjv li^ovpecoTiv 
 ^jULepav eyo) Se TrapoXtjipOelg iir]. Selirvov 
 TepireLV, wpxovjurjp top KopSaKa. 01 Sairv- 
 jULOve? Se €K ^iXoveiKia^ einvov, eco?, r^? a/mlX- 
 X>/9 eig aireipov Trpoxoipovarfjg, kw/ulo^ KaTecrxe 
 TO (rvjuLTTOG-iop, Kttt TTaPTag vTTvog vTreiXrj^ei 
 pvcTTaKTrjg, oLXpi KOI avTwv Twv oiKeroop. 
 'Eyo) Se irepie^Xeirov fj-ev, e'i tl twv apyv 
 pwv OTKevcov v^eXeaOai Suval/uLrjv wg Se Tavra, 
 €TL vri^ovToov, i^ o^OaXfAcop eyeyopei, koi ^v 
 €P ao-^aXe?, to x^^P^I^^'^'^P^^ ^"^^ /ndXijg 
 Xa^cop e^ijXXojULrjp, cog ep tu (pvyjj tcop Sia- 
 IBaOpoop OLTepop ciTro/BaXetp. ^Opa Se a)g ecrn 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 158 
 
 XLVI. 
 
 Stemphylochaeron to Trapezocharon. 
 
 What a stroke of luck I have had ! 
 Perhaps you will ask me how. Well, I 
 will tell you, and you will have no need 
 to inquire. The city, as you know, was 
 celebrating the Cureotis, and I, having 
 been invited to the feast to amuse the 
 guests, was dancing the cordax. The 
 banqueters vied with one another in 
 drinking, and the contest went on with- 
 out stopping, until drunkenness overcame 
 them all, and at length they became 
 drowsy and fell asleep, even the servants. 
 I looked round to see if I could filch 
 some of the plate ; but since this had 
 been put away out of sight, in a place of 
 safety, while they were still sober, I took 
 a napkin under my arm and ran away 
 in such a hurry that, during my flight, 
 I lost one of my slippers. Look what ex- 
 
159 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 TroXvTeXe?, oOoprig AlyvTrriag koi aXovpyov 
 TTOp^vpag Ttj^ ^p/ULiopiTiSog Xeirrou e? virep- 
 
 /3oX^»/ KOI TTOXVTIJULOV UtpaO-jUia, Ei TOVTO 
 
 aSeoog aTre/uiTroXricraijUii, yaa-rpico (re ayaycov 
 €1^ Tov 'jravSoKca TLiOaXlcopa' TroXXa? yap 
 ojuLOv TToWaKig irapoivLa<s aveifKYHj.ev koi 
 Xpyi (TCy TOP KOIPOOPOP TWP SvorTvxilluiaTcop, 
 fjLepLTrjp yepearOai koi t^9 evTvxovaijg ^/ULcpa^. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 159 
 
 pensive material it is made of— Egyptian 
 linen and purple from Hermione : the tex- 
 ture is exceedingly fine and very valuable. 
 If I can safely dispose of it, I will treat 
 you to a good feed at Pinacion's inn. 
 For, since we have often had to put up 
 with many drunken insults together, it is 
 only fair that you, who have been the 
 partner of my misfortunes, should share 
 my good luck. 
 
i6o AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XLVII. 
 
 Qpo\6yi09 KaxavoSavfjLaa-w. 
 
 l^p/nrj K€pS(i)€f Km aXe^iKaKe UpaKXeig, 
 aTrecrcoOrjv ovSev Seivov yevoiTO en. Upoxoriv 
 v<j)€\6iuL€i/og apyvpav Pavlov tov irXovcrloVf 
 Sp6juL(p Sovg (pepecrOai, ijv yap awpia vvKTog 
 ULea-ovcrr]?) fJTreiyojuLrjv crw^eiv ejuLavroi/. Kwe? 
 ^e e^ai^vrjg oiKOvpol irepixvOevTeg aWog 
 aWoOeu x^^^'^o^ '^^^ Bapetg Tr]v vXaKtjv 
 eTTijecrav, MoXottoi koi ^vcocrioi, v(f wj/ ovSev 
 cKooXve lULe cog fjSiKrjKOTa Tr]u '^ Apre/uLip Siaa-iraa-' 
 Oat fiecrov, cog juLrjSe to. uKpwrripia eig rtjv 
 vcTTepalav 7repi\€i<p6fjvai Trpog racpriv TOig 
 cTOLjULOig €ig eXeov Koi. a-vjuLTrdOeiav. ^vpcov 
 ovv vSpoppoov avewyoTa ovk elg ^aOog aW 
 €7rnro\T}g, Kai viroSug eig tovtov, KaT€Kpv/3i]v. 
 ^'Ert a-ot Tavra Tpejuoav kol iraWo/nevog \iyw. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i6o 
 
 XLVII. 
 
 HOROLOGIUS TO LaCHANOTHAUMASUS. 
 
 O Mercury, god of gain, and Her- 
 cules, averter of evil ! I am saved. May 
 I never be in such straits again. I had 
 filched a silver pitcher from the wealthy 
 Phanius, and had taken to flight; it v^as 
 the dead of night, and I made all haste 
 to get safely away. Suddenly the house- 
 dogs, of Molossian and Cnosian breed, 
 rushed upon me from all sides, and, 
 barking loudly and fiercely, attacked me. 
 I barely escaped being torn to pieces by 
 them, as if I had offended Diana, so that 
 not even my extremities would have re- 
 mained for burial the next day, if any 
 kind people had wanted to show their 
 pity and sympathy. Finding, by good 
 luck, an open watercourse of no great 
 depth, I jumped into it and concealed 
 myself. It makes me shake and tremble 
 
 21 
 
i6i AAKI$P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 ^(ixr^opov Sk ai'aaxovTog, toov jjIv ovk 
 r]G-66jULr}v OVK €& vKaKTOvvToav {o'lKOi yap 
 iravreg eSeSeuro)' avrog Se etg Heipaia 
 Spa/ULcov, vrji XikcXik^ Xveiv fxeWovcru tcl 
 irpvjuLvija-ia 7r€piTVX(*>Vj aTreSojmtjv rw vavKXripcp 
 Trju 7rpoxor]v. Kaf j/vv to TLjULrjjULa e'xwi' ve- 
 vaa-jxai toI<s KepjuLacri, koi veoirXovro^ eirave- 
 \ri\vQa, Kai roarovrov piTri^ojuai Taig eKirlaiv, 
 w? 67riOvjUL€ii/ /foXa/ca? Tpe^eiv, koi Kexprja-Qai 
 TrapaariTOig, ov irapacTLTelv avrog. 'AXX' rjv 
 TOVTL TO TTopia-Oh cLpyvpiov airavoXuxrw, 
 TToXiv eiTL Tt]v apxalav einTriSevcnv TpeyjrojuLai' 
 ovSe yap kvcov crKVTOTpayetv ixaOovca Ttjg 
 Texvii9 €7ri\i](r€Tai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i6i 
 
 even now to tell you. As soon as it 
 was daybreak, I heard their barking no 
 more, for they had all been tied up in 
 the house. I immediately hurried down 
 to the Piraeus, and, finding a Sicilian 
 vessel just about to set sail, I sold my 
 pitcher to the skipper, so that I now 
 have my pockets full of money. I have 
 returned, newly enriched, and I am in 
 such a flutter of expectation that I am 
 eager to support some flatterers, and to 
 keep parasites of my own, instead of 
 being one myself. When I have spent 
 the money I have just gained, I shall 
 return to my old profession. A dog who 
 has once become accustomed to gnaw 
 leather will never forget the habit. 
 
 21- 
 
i62 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XLVIII. 
 
 ^XoLoyXvTTTrjg MaTTTra^acr/ft). 
 
 ^aK09 KaKw^ airoXoLTO kol a(JHcvo<s eirj 
 AiKv/Jivi09 6 Trjg TpaywSla<s. *Q><s yap eviKa 
 Toug avTLTixvov<s K-pirlav top KXecovaiov, koi 
 Iinraa'ov tov 'Ajm^paKKarriv rovg AlcrxuXov 
 UpOTTdjuLTTOvg, TopM TivL KOi yeycovoTepcp 
 (p(ovi]iuLaTi xPW^I^^yo<s, yavpog rjv, kol kitto- 
 (rTe<pr]g ^ye (rvfjiirocnov' ev6a TrapoXrjcpOe]^, 
 ^€if Toov KaKcov oTa VTrifxeiva. Toi^ro ijiev 
 iTLTTOVfJievog Trjv KetpoXrjv, Kai yapco Tovg 
 6<p6aX/ULovg paivojmevog' tovto Se, clvtI 7r\a- 
 KOWTog, Toov aXXcov ajmrjrag icrOiovTMP Kot 
 arrja-ajULOvvrag, avTog jmeXiTi SeSevjuievovg XiOovg 
 aireTpayov. H iraa-oov Se iTajULCoraTi], to ck 
 l^epajjiciKov TTopviSiov, rj /ixeTOiKog, rj ^evearig 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 162 
 
 XLVIII. 
 
 Phloioglyptes to Mappaphasius. 
 
 Cursed be Licymnius the tragedian ! 
 may he be struck dumb ! He had gained 
 the victory over his competitors, Critias 
 of Cleonae and Hippasus of Ambracia in 
 the recital of the Propompi of Aeschylus ; 
 and, although he owed his success only 
 to the shrill and penetrating tone of his 
 voice, he went mad over it, crowned his 
 head with ivy, and gave a banquet. To 
 my misfortune, I was invited : what in- 
 sults did I not have to put up with ! 
 Some amused themselves with smearing 
 my head with pitch, or dabbing fish-sauce 
 in my eyes ; others rammed down my 
 throat stones moistened with honey, while 
 they were eating cakes of milk and 
 Indian corn. But the most mischievous 
 of all was the little courtesan who has 
 just taken up her quarters in the Cerami- 
 
i63 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 'YaKLvOh, KvoTTLv oi/uiaTog TrXripuxraa-a, Kara- 
 tpepei jULOv TyJ9 K€<poX^9' koi ojulov tco ktvttw 
 XeXovjurjv TO) oljULaTi. Kat twv ixev evcoxov- 
 jjLevcov TToXv^ KOI KaTTvpog i^exvOrj yeXwg' eyo) 
 Se wv eiraQov /ullctOov ovk aTnjveyKaiuLriv ol^lov, 
 olXKa lULOL yeyove tcop v^pewv ajuLoi^r] to 
 /uLerpov Tfj^ yacrrpog, irepa Se ovSev. M^/re 
 ovv eh veo)Ta elr], /mrJTe juLyjv /Sio)*] 6 Oeoh 
 exOpog AiKv/ULviog, ov eyco r^? axcuplo-rov 00)- 
 vrj^ evcKa opOoKopv^ov KoXetcrOai tt/oo? ^/ulwv 
 Kol Tov x^P^^ '^^^ Aiovva-OKoXaKODV cKpiva. 
 "Yippwcro. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 163 
 
 cus, Hyacinthis from Phenea ; she filled 
 a bladder with blood, and amused herself 
 by beating me over the head with it ; 
 besides the noise this made, I was bathed in 
 blood ; and all the guests burst out into 
 most immoderate shouts of laughter. And 
 what adequate recompense did I receive 
 for all I suffered? The only compensation 
 for my insults was — that I got a bellyful, 
 and that was all. May that enemy of 
 the gods never live to see the new year ! 
 His voice is so disagreeable that I have 
 determined that he shall be called by 
 us and his fellow-actors — the prince of 
 squallers. 
 
i64 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 }La7rvo(r(j>paPTi]^ 'A/0i(TTO/xaxy. 
 
 "Q Sai/uiov, o? yue KeKXripcoa-ai koI eiXrjxa^, 
 m TTOPtjpog el, Kai Xvireig ael rrj Trevla (TvvSewv. 
 'Hi/ yap airopia tov koXovvto^ yevrjTai, 
 avayKri /me crKavSiKag ecrOietp koi yi'fiva, ri 
 TToas avoKeyeLv, Km rrj^ ^YivveaKpowov irlvovra 
 TTLiULirXaa-OaL Trjv yacrrepa. Erra, ew? imev rag 
 v^peig TO a-w/uLa vire/jieve, kol rjv ev wpa tov 
 iraarxeiv veoTijTi Kai aK/ULu vevpovimevov, ^oprjTog 
 rj vppig. shTreiorj de to Koittov eyo) croL 
 /uL€(rai7ro\io9, Kai to XenrojuLevov tov ^lov 
 TT/oo? yfjpag opa, T19 'laarig tcov KaKwv ; 'AXiap- 
 
 TLOV (TXOLVLOV XP^'-^> '^"^ KpejULrjO-OJULai TTpO TOV 
 
 AiTTvXov, r]v /ULrj tl Se^iov rj Tvx*] /SovXeva-rjTai. 
 Ei ^e Kai Toig avToig eTrijuLelveiev, ov irpoTepov 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 164 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 Capnosphrantes to Aristomachus. 
 
 O FATAL presiding genius of my 
 destiny, how cruel thou art ! how long 
 wilt thou torture me, condemning me to 
 all the horrors of poverty ? For, if no 
 one invites me to a meal, I shall be 
 obliged to eat chervil and leeks, to pick 
 herbs, and to quench my thirst with the 
 water of Enneacrunus. As long as my 
 frame was able to endure ill-treatment 
 and was full of youthful vigour, I managed 
 to put up with it ; but now that my hair 
 is beginning to turn grey, and all of life 
 that is left to me is advancing towards 
 old age, what remedy is there for my 
 woes ? Nothing is left for me but a 
 rope from Haliartus, that I may go and 
 hang myself in front of the Dipylum, 
 unless it please Fortune to improve my 
 lot. And, even if things remain as they 
 
i65 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 o'TpayyaXicrco tov Tpax^^ov^ Trph Tpaire^tj^ 
 dTroXavaaL TroXvreXovg. Ouk etg [xaKpov Se 
 6 Trepi/BXeTTTog ovro^ koi aolSijuLog ydjuLog 
 ^apiTOvg Km AecoKparov^ ixera t^v evtju kol 
 ueav TOV ULvaveyj/'icovog, el? ov Travrcog rj irapa 
 TrjV TTpcoTfjv rjixipaVy r} rolg eTravXloi^ K€k\)]' 
 <ro/ULai. Ae? yap 6v/uLt]8lag kol nrapaarlToov 
 T019 yafjioig, Kai avev ^julwu aveopra Travra, 
 Kai crvcou ovk dpOpooircov Traprfyvpt^. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 165 
 
 are, at least, I won't throttle myself until 
 I have had a regular good meal. In a 
 short time, after the new moon of the 
 month Pyanepsion, the famous and much- 
 talked of wedding of Charito and Leo- 
 crates will take place ; I shall be invited 
 for the first, or, at any rate, for the 
 second day. Marriage feasts need the 
 presence of parasites to amuse the com- 
 pany; without us there is not the same 
 air of enjoyment : the guests are more 
 like pigs than an assembly of human 
 beings. 
 
66 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 L. 
 
 ^OV KOTTV IKT)] ^ ^ A V T O TT L K T U . 
 
 OuK avexojULm opwu Zev^iTTTrrjv rrjv liriro- 
 iropvov uTrfjpm rw /aeipaKLW XP^I^^^^^' ^'^ 
 yap bairavaTai eig auTrjv xP^^^ov julovop kol 
 upyvpLOV, aXX' ^Sri kol crupoiKiag koi ay pov^. 
 
 H Se iiri TrXeov eKTv^ecrOai tov epcora 
 TOVTip firjxavco/ULevtj, tov ISiv/Soecog epav irpog- 
 TToietTai TOV veavloTKOVj ha Ka\ to. tovtov 
 (TTraOrjaraara, ctt' aWov Tpexl^u tov epcoTa. 
 'Eyo) ^e oSvvw/ULaL Trjv KapSlav, opcov viroppi- 
 ovTa Toa-ovTOv irXovTOv, ov ol imaKapiTai 
 avT(p Aver tag Kal ^auocTTpaTtj KaTeXnrov. 
 
 A yap eKeivoL kut ojSoXov crvvriyayov, 
 aOpooog avaXoi to ttoXvkolvov tovto Ka\ 
 alaxpoTaTOv yvvaiov. YlacrxM juiev ovv tl 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i66 
 
 L. 
 
 BUCOPNICTES TO AnTOPICTES. 
 
 I CANNOT endure to see Zeuxippe, the 
 most infamous of all our courtesans, treat 
 that young man so cruelly. He has 
 not only spent all his money upon her, 
 but, at the rate he is going, he will soon 
 have parted with his houses and land. 
 In order to keep his passion alive, she 
 pretends to be in love with a young 
 Euboean ; by her artifices she will succeed 
 in ruining them both ; after which she 
 will turn her attention to a fresh lover. 
 But my heart is torn with grief, when I 
 see the splendid inheritance which Lysias 
 and Phanostrata, of blessed memory, have 
 left to their heir, being squandered so 
 rapidly. What they painfully amassed 
 obol by obol will be swallowed up in one 
 moment at the caprice of the commonest 
 and most disgusting woman in Athens. 
 
16; AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 Kai cttI tm laeipaKtw' Kvpio^ yap yevojmepo^ 
 Trjg overlap, TroWtiv tvjv el<s rifxa^ ^CKavOpwirlav 
 aveSel^OTO. Opco Se koI ra ^/xerepa (tkol- 
 foi/ra* €1 yap eig TavTrjv diravTa redelri to. 
 Trpocrovra tovtco tu) jSeXr/cTTft), KOLK(jii<s, w 
 Oeoi, KoXiag aTToXavarojixev t^? TrXijcriULOvr}?. 
 ''EcTf yap, 0)9 oTa-Qa, ctTrXotVco? 6 ^iXrj^og, 
 Kai TTpog ^yua? Tovg irapa<TLTOv^ eirieiKri^ 
 Kat /JLCTpiog Tov rpoirov, wSaig fxaXXov koi 
 ycXcoTi r] raig el^ ijimag v^pecn OeXyofxevog. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 167 
 
 I feel compassion for the youth, for, as 
 soon as he became his own master, he 
 showed great kindness to us ; it will 
 be a great misfortune for us, if he is 
 ruined. If this excellent young man's 
 entire fortune makes its way into this 
 woman's hands, good Heavens ! what a 
 charming feast we shall have ! Philebus, 
 as you know, is a simple fellow ; he has 
 always been gentle and kind to us para- 
 sites ; he takes more pleasure in our witti- 
 cisms and songs than in insulting us. 
 
i68 AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 LI. 
 
 AaijULOKVK\(p "^ iK\eo\6 Br}. 
 
 ^ISov juLera top ^vpwrav Koi to Kepvaiov 
 vS(i)p KOt ra Jletprivrjg va/ULara, epm Ttjg 
 ILaWippot]^, €K ILopivOov TToXiv ^AOrjva^e 
 KaTeireiyojULai' ov yap fxe toov Tpv^tjjUiaTcov 
 Tu>v ev TOVTOig ovSep fjpearei/' aXX' eroiiuog 
 evOevSe cnrocro^eh, koI cnrevSeiv w? ly/xa?. 
 ^AxapLCTTOi yap co^Orjcrav cuSe Kal {jKicrTa 
 arvjULTTOTiKor Ka\ TrXe/of? Trap' avroig at 
 irapoiviai twv airoKava-eodv. O9 ajueivov 
 ejULol oXvvOovg rj 7ra\aOag eTrijUiaa-aa-Qai tcjov 
 ^Kttlkwv, ri Sia TO irapa tovtoi^ xpva-lov 
 airoSpvirTeG-Qai. Ola yap oXa veovpyeiv eiri- 
 Xeipovcriv, avayKa^ovTe<s acTKwXia^oPTag irlveiv 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i68 
 
 LI. 
 
 PSICLEOLOBE TO LaEMOCYCLUS. 
 
 I HAVE travelled over the countries 
 watered by the Eurotas and Lerna's marsh ; 
 I have seen the streams of Pirene ; now 
 I eagerly leave Corinth for Athens, and 
 return with renewed affection to the 
 fountain of Callirhoe. The luxury and 
 festivities of those places have no charms 
 for me; I abandon them without regret, 
 and hasten back to you. 
 
 The inhabitants of Peloponnesus ap- 
 peared to me ill-mannered and by no 
 means pleasant table-companions ; at their 
 drinking parties, one finds more insults 
 than pleasure. For this reason, I prefer 
 to content myself with the figs and raisins 
 of Attica, rather than run the risk of 
 growing thin for the gold of Corinth. 
 They are always inventing new tortures ; 
 they make us drink while dancing on 
 
 22 
 
iCg AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 Siairvpov T€ oivov kol OepjULOv avev tov wpog 
 vSu)p Kpajmarog KaTaxeoi/reg- elr oarrea, 
 KwXa T€ Kai CKTTpayaXovg, KaOairep TOig 
 Kucri Trapa^piTTTOvvTeg, KOt vdpOrjKag iwifiprjy- 
 vvvreg, koi arKVTe<ri koi roig aWoig ijnacriv 
 avTi iraiSiag TrXT/TTOi/Te?. 'E/xot yepoiro, 
 TTpOjULaxe ^AOijva koi iroXiovxe tov a<TTeo<s, 
 ^AOrjvrja-i Kol ^fja-ai koi tov /Slov airoXi- 
 irelv. ' KjJLeivov yap irpo Trjg Aio/mrjlSog 
 TTvXfjg r] TTpo Twv ^ iTTiraScov CKTaSrjv iraTel- 
 orOat veKpov tvjul^ov TrepixvdevTog, t] r^y 
 HeXoTTOVvrja-ov evSaijuLOvlag avix^a-Qm. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 169 
 
 one leg; they pour down our throats hot, 
 fiery wine without water ; then they throw 
 us the bones and feet from the joints as 
 if we were dogs, break their canes over 
 our backs, and, by way of amusing them- 
 selves, flog us with whips and thongs. 
 O Minerva, guardian and defender of the 
 city, may it be my lot to live and die at 
 Athens ! It is better to be stretched 
 lifeless in front of the Diomeian or 
 Knights' gates, to be trampled under the 
 feet of the passers-by, with the bare 
 earth around me for a grave, than to put 
 up with the pleasures of Peloponnesus. 
 
 22- 
 
I70 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LII. 
 
 i\. oir aS iwv IEjv T] V Icrar (p. 
 
 Ou fxot lULcXei ' TTOiovvTcov oG-a Koi pov- 
 Xovrai pi\}roKLvSvvoL VpovOwv koi ^apSavd- 
 TraXos" €juL€ yap Koivoovrja-ai Ttjg cltottov 
 Trpa^ecog aSwarov, ovSe el juLavTevjUid /xoi e/c 
 T^9 AcoScoi/aias Spvog einTpeiroL Ttjv irpa^iv, 
 o)? ecTTiv ipyd^earOai xPWT~>i' <j>v€Tai yap 
 enravlcog Kal ev iraicri to xPWTOv Ka\ iricTTOv 
 ^609 KOI uyie^. IldvT(D9 ovv CKpcKTeov vtto- 
 ireipuxTL yap rrji/ TraWaiajv tov Ttjg oiKtag 
 Sea-TTOTOV, Kai tjSi] avroig r] Trpa^i^ eis Trjp 
 CLK^rjv -TrpoKexooprjKe. Ka\ ovk dpKOvvrai Trj 
 Toov acppoSicrlcoif dOecrjuLw TrXtjo-jmoviJ, dWd yap 
 Ta e/c TfJ9 OIK lag a-Kevrj KaO^ ev cocnrep <pu)pia 
 Xajn^dvovcri. JLat la-ws fiev axpt Tivog \i]<t€- 
 rai Tovpyov TrparTojuLevov iravTco? Se irore 
 5/ XaXo? yeiTwv 5/ yjAOvpoq oiKeTrjg dyopcvcrei 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 170 
 
 LII. 
 
 COPADION TO EVENISSUS. 
 
 I WILL have nothing to do with it ! 
 Let Gronthon and Sardanapalus do what 
 they please. They are regular mad-caps, 
 and they shall never persuade me to take 
 part in so disgraceful a deed. I will do 
 nothing of the sort, even though the 
 oracle of Dodona were to recommend it as 
 an honourable act. It is a rare thing to 
 find in slaves either prudence, faithfulness, 
 or honour. The whole affair is by all 
 means to be avoided. You must know they 
 are trying to seduce the mistress of the head 
 of a household, and have already suc- 
 ceeded in the attempt; and, not satisfied 
 with having got all they wanted, they 
 are carrying oif the furniture, one article 
 after the other. 
 
 Perhaps their thefts will escape notice 
 for a while ; but, sooner or later, the 
 neighbours will talk, the servants will 
 
17 1 AAKIi^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 TO irpayiJ.a eig TOUfx^ave^' Kai avayKtj julctu 
 TTvp KOI a-lSrjpov Koi rag TroXXa? ^a(Tavov<s 
 TeKo^ avToh yevearOaL to Kwveiov rj to ^dpa- 
 Opov a(p€iS(Jog yap xpodjJievoL tu) To\fXi]HiaTi 
 Icroppoirov Tij irpa^ei Trjv Ti/Jiwpiav iKTicrova-i. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 171 
 
 whisper, and the whole affair will be 
 found out ; and the end of it all will be, 
 that the criminals will be condemned to 
 drink hemlock, or thrown into the pit 
 after they have suffered torture, imprison- 
 ment, and other punishments. Those 
 who aid and abet such a crime without 
 any shame will certainly suffer punish- 
 ment in proportion to their' misdeeds. 
 
172 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPO: 
 
 LIII. 
 
 X^€9 l^apl(3dvo<s irepi to (ppiap acrxoXou- 
 jjiivov €ia'e<f)pr]ara ci? TovirTavLov elra evpoov 
 XoiraSa ev juLoXa KeKapvKeujiievrii/, Kai oXeKTpv- 
 ova OTTTOV, Koi xvTpav jmcjuL^paSag exovcrav, 
 Kol a(j>va9 Meya/Dt/ca?, e^ripTraara' Kai airo- 
 7rfjSrj(ra9, ttoi KaraxOeirjv e^riTovv^ Kai evKaipw^ 
 /ULOVog dv ^ayoijULi. ^ Kiropia Se tottov SpajUicov 
 eirl rhv HoiKtXrjv (kol yap ovk jjj/ox^ei rauTr/v 
 ovSe el? Tcov aSoXecrxcov tovtwvI (pLXocrocjxiiv), 
 K€i6i Twv irovcov airriXavov. 'Apavevtrag Se 
 Tfjg XoiraSog, opw TrpoarlovTa rm airo rrj^ 
 TriXlag Tiva veavicTKCov, Kai Sclera^, ra jmev 
 /Spco/ULara oincrQev aTreOeimrjv, avrog Se eig 
 TOuSa(p09 eK€i/j,r]v KpvirTWv to. KXe/u/uiaTa- Kai 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 172 
 
 LIIL 
 
 ACRATOLYMAS TO ChONEICRATUS. 
 
 Yesterday, while Charion was busy 
 at the well, I sHpped into the kitchen. 
 There I saw a large dish filled with ex- 
 quisite dainties, a roast fowl, and a pot 
 containing anchovies and sardines from 
 Megara. I seized hold of it, and, hastily 
 retiring, looked about for a convenient 
 spot whither I might betake myself to 
 have a comfortable meal. As I could 
 not find any place handy, I ran to 
 the Painted Porch, and, as it just 
 happened to be the time when it was not 
 infested by any chattering philosophers, I 
 began to enjoy the fruit of my labours. 
 But, looking up firom my dish, I saw ap- 
 proaching one of those young men from 
 the gaming-table, and, seized with alarm, 
 I threw what I was eating behind me, 
 and flung myself on the ground, intend- 
 
173 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 vjvxojuLrjv TOig airoTpOTracoLg irapekOeiv to 
 V€<po9i vxocrxoywej/09 Xifiavayrov xovSpov^, 01)9 
 OLKOL avaXe^a/ULevog twv lepthv exoo, €v /ULoXa 
 evpcoTicovrag, koi ovk tjarToxw^^' ol Qeoi yap 
 avTOv aXXrjv oSov eTpeyfrav' Kayw o-ttovSij 
 KaraPpoxOia-ag iravO^ oca eveKciTO TOig 
 (TKevea-i, (plXo) iravSoKel rrjv XoiraSa Ka\ to 
 XVTplSiov, Ta Xelylrava twv KXejuL/naTcav, 
 Xapi<r/JLa Sov^, air€X(^pw^^ eTrieiKrjg Tig kol 
 fxeTpiog e/c twv ScoprjiaaTOov ai/a^avelg. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 173 
 
 ing to conceal my theft. I prayed to 
 the averting gods that the storm might 
 pass by, promising them some grains of 
 incense, which I had picked up at the 
 sacrifices and keep at home, although 
 they are quite mouldy. My prayers were 
 heard ; for the gods made him turn 
 in another direction. Having hurriedly 
 gulped down all that was in the dishes, 
 I gave the plate, the pot, and the frag- 
 ments of what I had stolen to a friendly 
 tavern-keeper, and departed, having thus 
 gained a reputation for liberality and 
 generosity. 
 
174 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LIV. 
 
 ^uTpoXeiKTtjg HareWoxcipovTi. 
 
 T/ SaKpveig ; fVw? eprjcru fxe, rj iroOev 
 Koriaya to Kpaviov, r] ttw? to avOrjpov tovto 
 €ig jmeptj KaTcppwyo^ I/jlcltiov <popco ; ^^viKtja-a 
 
 KVpevOOV, ft)? jULIJ TTOT (jO(p€AOV. 11 yap €061 
 
 fie acrOevecrTepov ovTa poofxaXioi^ avve^eTa.' 
 ^etrOai veaviaig ; Exe^ yap et? ijuiauTOv oXag 
 Ta^ 6K6ea-ei^ (TvveXe^aiULriv, airopla Se r]v avTOtg 
 TravTeXrjg apyvpiov, ctt' cfxe Trai/re? ct)piuLi](rav 
 Kal ol imev irv^ eiraiov, aWoi Se XlOoig 
 €Xpu>VTO, OL Se Siicrxi^ov to Ijulcltiov. 'Eyw 
 ^€ airpl^ eixo/mriv twv KepjuLaTcov, airoSaveiv 
 irpoTEpov "vj irpoearOat tl eKeivoig twv ejuol 
 TreTTOpiarjuLevcov alpovfjLevo^' Ka\ Stj jmexpi Tivog 
 avT€crTr]v yevvalw^, Ka). Tag <popag twv TrXrjycov 
 vTTOfievwv, Kai Tag €KcrTpo<j>ag twv SaKTuXwu 
 avexo/mevog, Kai tjjuLtjv ota T19 ^irapTiaTrjg 
 avrip eiri tov ^co/ulov Tfjg ^OpOiag TvirTOjuievog. 
 'AXX' ovK ?i/ AaKeSai/ULWv, ev fi TavTa virejULcvov, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 174 
 
 LIV. 
 
 Chytroleictes to Patellocharon. 
 
 Perhaps you will ask me why I am 
 weeping, how I got my skull broken, 
 and why I am wearing this fine coat 
 torn to rags. I won some money — would 
 to Heaven I never had ! What right 
 had I, weak as I was, to pit myself 
 against stalwart young men ? When I 
 had swept in all the stakes, and they 
 were entirely cleaned out, they all fell 
 upon me ; some beat me with their fists, 
 others pelted me with stones, and others 
 tore my clothes. But I kept tight hold 
 of my money, resolved to die rather than 
 surrender any of my winnings to them. 
 For a time I resisted bravely, enduring 
 the blows they dealt me, and the wrench- 
 ing of my fingers ; I was like a Spartan 
 who is being flogged at the altar of 
 Diana. But it was not at Lacedaemon 
 
175 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 a\y ^AOfjvai, KOI Twv 'AOrivrjcrL Kv/Sevrcov oi 
 €^w\e<rTaTOi. TeXo? odv XeiTroOujuii^a-ag a<j>rjKa 
 T019 evayeai XajuL^apeiP' ol Se Kai to irpo- 
 KoXiriov Sirjpevvrjcrav, Kot ra ev tovto) eyKei- 
 juLCva ^epopTcg wyovTOy tout ijULov \mov 
 ^yrjcrajuLevov to ^rjv avev \prjiJLaTUiv rj julctci 
 XprifxaToav TeBvavai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 175 
 
 that I endured this treatment, but at 
 Athens, and at the hands of the most 
 rascally gamblers in the city. At last, 
 I gave up the struggle and left myself at 
 the mercy of the vile wretches, who turned 
 out my pockets and went off with what 
 they found in them. I thought it better 
 to live without money than to die with 
 it in my possession. 
 
76 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LV. 
 
 AuT0/cX>/T09 l^TOi/mapla-Ttp. 
 
 'OX/ya t] ovSev Sia^epovcri tcov iSiwtwv 
 ol are/uLvol koI to KaXov koi Trjv ap€Tt]v 
 e^vjULvovvTcg- TOVTOvg Xeyo) roug epyoXa- 
 fiovvTag Tct /meipcLKta. Oiov yap, olov cXaOe 
 ere arvfjiTrocriov, ^KajuLwvlSov yevecria Ovyarpog 
 eopTOL^ovTog. KaXecra? yap €vayxo9 ouk 
 oXlyovg Twv Trpoux^i^ Sokovvtoov ^A6r]vr}(ri 
 ttKovtw Ka\ yevei, wr'jOrj Seiv Kai Toig (piXo- 
 (TO(pov(rt Koafxrjcrai ttjv evwxlav. Tiaprjv ovv 
 ev TOVTOig l^vOvKXtjg 6 crTWiKog, ovrog 6 
 TTpea-fivrrig, 6 Kovpeicov to yheiov, 6 pvwapog, 
 6 Tt]v K€<paXr]i/ avxfjLfjpog, 6 yeyrjpaKcog, 6 
 pvaroTCpop toov ^aXavTioov exi^v to fxeTWirov. 
 llaprjv Se Ka\ OejuLtcTTayopag 6 e/c tov irepi- 
 TTctroy, avrjp ovk axapig 6(j>6fjvai, ovXn t>/ 
 yeveiaSi Xa/uLTrpvvojiievog. "Up Se Kai 6 'Exf- 
 Kovpeiog ZrjvoKpaTfjg, ovk aTrjiuLeXrjTog Tovg 
 KiKivvovg, Ka] avTog viro fiaOei tm Trcoywvi 
 (Tefivvvofievog. "Ore aolSi/ULog (tovto yap 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 176 
 
 LV. 
 
 AUTOCLETUS TO HeTOEMARISTUS. 
 
 Those solemn personages, who are 
 always singing the praises of the good and 
 of virtue, differ little or nothing from or- 
 dinary individuals ; I mean those fellows 
 who go after our young men for money. 
 What a banquet you missed, when Sca- 
 monides gave a feast in honour of his 
 daughter's birthday. Having recently in- 
 vited a number of the wealthiest and 
 noblest in Athens, he thought it his duty 
 also to grace the festivities with the 
 presence of philosophers. Amongst these 
 was Euthycles the Stoic, an old man 
 with a long beard, dirty, filthy-headed, 
 decrepit, with more wrinkles in his fore- 
 head than a leather pouch. There were 
 also present Themistagoras the Peripa- 
 tetic, not an unpleasant person to look 
 at, with a fine curly beard ; Zenocrates 
 the Epicurean, with carefully trimmed 
 locks, and a long and venerable beard; 
 
 23 
 
177 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 irpog airavTdov CKaXeiTo), 'A/)x//?fO? o TLvOa- 
 yopiKog, (axpov eirt tov Trpocrcoirov ttoXw 
 €7r I /Se/SXrjiuLevog, TrXo/ca/xof? oltto t^9 Ke^oXrjg 
 jui.€xpt (TTepvwv avTwv aioopw]/, o^v koi [xaKpov 
 KaOeiKO)^ TO yeveiov, rrju plva e7rf/ca/x7r>79, to 
 CTTOjuLa cTrix^iXrj^, avrw to) TreTriecrOai Kai 
 Xlav juLcnivKevai rrji/ exeimvOlav VTroa-ij/uiaLvcDV. 
 ^Yi^aL<pvr]9 Se Koi 6 HayKpaTtjg 6 Kuwj/, pv/mn 
 Tovg TToWoug Trapaxra/uLevog eicTTjpprja-e, crre- 
 \€(p irpLvlvw eTrepeiSojUievo^' V^ yotp avTi tov 
 irvKvcojuLarog rm o^cov x^^'^o?? Ticrtv ij\oi9 
 €/uL7r€7rapjj.evJ]v (pepcov ^aKTrjplav, Kai rrjv 
 irripav Siclkcvov, koi irpog to. \ei\lrava ev^co- 
 1/0)9 rjpTrifxevrjv. 01 /jl€V ovv clWol ott' apx^9 
 eig TeXo9 TrapaTrkria-lav Tiva Kai Trju avrrjv 
 eixov T^9 ecTTiacrecos Ttjv aKoXouOiav ol 
 (piXoaro^oL Se, irpoXovTO^ tov (TVjUL7ro(Tiov, koi 
 Trj^ (piXoTrjcrlag (tvv€XO09 irepLO-o^ovixevr}^, aX- 
 \o^ aWrjp TcpaTeiav cTreSei^aTO. ^vOvKXtjg 
 yap 6 eToyiKog vwo yrjpcog Kai 7r\ri<r/ui0Vf}9 
 eKTaSrjv Keljuievog epeyx^v- TLvdayopeiog 
 Se Tijv ariooTrijv Xvcrag, toov xP^^^^ eirwv KaTa 
 TLva ixovG-iKriv ap/JLOviav cTepeTi^ev. '0 /3eA- 
 Tf<7T09 Se OefitG-Tayopag, oLTe Trjv evSai/mo- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 177 
 
 the " famous " Archibius the Pythagorean, 
 as he is called, with a very pale face, 
 waving hair that reached down to his 
 chest, a long and pointed chin, a turned- 
 up nose, lips drawn in and tightly com- 
 pressed, an indication of his reserve. 
 Suddenly Pancrates the Cynic, violently 
 thrusting the others aside, forced his way 
 in, leaning on a staff of holm-oak, which, 
 in place of thick knots, was studded with 
 brass nails, and carrying an empty wallet, 
 conveniently slung for carrying away the 
 remains of the feast. All the other guests, 
 from beginning to end, maintained a uni- 
 form and orderly behaviour ; but the 
 philosophers, as the entertainment went 
 on, and the wine-cup went round, began 
 to behave in a most extraordinary fashion. 
 Euthycles the Stoic, overcome by his years 
 and having eaten and drunk too much, 
 lay stretched out at full length, snor- 
 ing loudly. The Pythagorean, breaking 
 through his silence, began to trill the 
 " Golden Verses " to a kind of musical 
 air. The excellent Themistagoras, who, 
 according to the doctrine of the Peripa- 
 
 23 — 2 
 
178 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 viav Kara tov tov irepLirarov \6yov, ov 
 yjrvxii Kou a-cojULari julovov, aXXa koi T019 cKTog 
 6pi^6jui€vog, a7r{]Tei ifKelova 7rejm.juLaTa, koi 
 TTOiKiXlav Tcov o\l/-ct)p SaxfriX^. Zr]V0KpaTtj9 Se 
 6 ^JEiTTiKOvpeio? Trjv '^aXrpiav 0)9 avTov 
 evYjyKakl^eTO, raKcpov kol vypov irpoa-^Xe- 
 irwv VTrojULe/ULVKoa-i roh ojuLjuiaa-i, Xeywv tovto 
 eivai TO T^9 crapKog a6)(\r]TOV, koi Trjv 
 KaTairvKvoocriv tov ^Sojuievov. ILvoov Se 
 TrpcoTa ovpeL KaTa Trjv KVPiKrjp aStacpopiav 
 et? (TvpfJia x^^^o-a?, Kai KaOeig to Tpi^wviov, 
 eireiTa Km AcopiSa tyjv fJLOvarovpyov, 0T09 W 
 €V o^OaXjuLOig airavTcov opcovTcov evepyelv, 
 (pacTKCov o-pxh^ yeveareco^ elvai tjjv tpvcriv. 
 ''Qo'Te ^juLwv Tcov irapaa-LTcov ovSelg ecrTi 
 Xoyog' TO yap Oeajuia koi Trjv OvjuLrjSlav 
 irapel'xev ovSei^ tcov etV tovto KeKXrjpcojixepcov, 
 KaiTOL ye ^oi^iaSrj^ 6 KiOapwSog, Kal julijuloi 
 yekoLcov ol irepl 'Eavvvplcova Koi ^iKia-TiaSriv 
 ovK aireXeiirovTO. 'AXXa iravTa (j)pov8a kol 
 ovK a^LoOea' evSoKi/ULei 8e /uovog 6 twv aro- 
 ^icTTcov Xfjpog. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 178 
 
 tetics, places happiness not in bodily or 
 mental advantages alone, but also in ex- 
 ternal enjoyment, asked for more pastry, 
 and plenty of different dainties; Zeno- 
 crates the Epicurean took the girl who 
 played the harp in his arms, looking at 
 her wantonly and lasciviously with half- 
 shut eyes, declaring that this quieted the 
 desires of the flesh, and was the per- 
 fection of enjoyment. The Cynic, with 
 the indifference of his sect, let down his 
 cloak and publicly made water, and then 
 proceeded to copulate with Doris the 
 singing-girl, so that everyone could see 
 him, declaring that nature was the prin- 
 ciple of generation. No one took any 
 notice of us parasites ; none of those who 
 were invited had a chance of showing 
 what they could do to amuse the com- 
 pany, although Phoebiades, the lute- 
 player, was there, and the comic mimes 
 Sannyrion and Philistiades were not 
 absent. But it was all in vain ; these 
 were not thought worth looking at ; the 
 nonsense of the sophists was the only 
 thing that met with approval. 
 
79 AAKI^PONOZ PHTOPOS 
 
 LVI. 
 
 ^Tralpeig a-eavrov, ovSev Seov, Ka\ jSaSl^eig 
 'i<ra Stj, Kai tv^ov irKrjpr}^ el, tovto Stj to tov 
 \6yov, UvOoKXei, koI airoc/iepij jneplSag toov 
 apLCTTWV. OvKovv Ttt? (TTrvplSag KaOrjjmepap 
 i^oyKcov (TV jUieyeOeL XeiyJ/^avoov (KaOdirep irpwrfv 
 ApTraSrjg 6 ypa/j-jULaTiKog eiroUi, 'Ojmripov cog 
 ecpacTKev eiriXeyoov (ttix^Slov, ev/uLijxavcog avTw 
 irpog rag apirayag twv ^pcojuLaTCOv ^pjuLoar/uievov. 
 Kaf (payefxev, Triejmep re, eweira Se Kat ri 
 (pepecrOai) ireiravcro' Kara^aXe rrjv aXa^ovelav, 
 TpKTaOXie, \] avayKf] ere yvjULvov Trjg oiKiag 
 Ovpa^e ev ciKapel xpovov eKpXriQevra eKirearelv. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 179 
 
 LVI. 
 
 Thymbrophagus to Cypellistes. 
 
 You are puffed up with pride for no 
 reason at all, and swagger about full of 
 insolence, like Pythocles in the proverb, 
 and yet you carry off your share of 
 breakfast. Give up filling your basket 
 every day with fragments, like Harpades 
 the Grammarian, who quoted a verse 
 from Homer, which was singularly ap- 
 plicable to his own fondness for carrying 
 off food : " To eat and drink, and then 
 carry something away." Wretch, have 
 done with your insolence, or, in a twink- 
 ling, we shall be obliged to kick you 
 naked out of doors. 
 
1 80 AAKI^PONOZ PHTOPOE 
 
 LVII. 
 
 OivoXaXog UoTt]piO(pXuap(p. 
 
 OvK €ig Seou oivcofjLepog ecTKCoxl/a/uajv tov 
 Tpo^ea TOV veavlcTKou Zwirvpov. 'E^ eKelvov 
 yap \<Twg Sia^oXiJ Tvireig ra (ara, irepl 
 Tag Socreig KaT€<TTrj iJUKpoirpeirecrTepog, Ka\ 
 (peiSuiXw TO) juLeTpo) Kexp^otf- EfwOw? yap 
 €v Taig eopTao'TiKaig toov ^jmepcov, rj ^ltoovlov 
 rj Tpi^wviov ^ c^ecTTplSa Tre/uLTreiv, evayxog 
 }LpovL(t)v eva-TavTMV ^I(piKpaTlSag juloi veovpyelg 
 eTrejuLylye, tu) ApojuLwvi Sovg KojJLi^eiv. '0 ^e 
 eiri TavTaig e^pevOvcTO, koi jULia-Oovg Ttjg 
 SiaKoviag OLTTiiTeL' e'yo) Se SaKvo/uai, Ka\ Trjv 
 irpoireTrj yXcoTTav SLa/ui,a<T(rM/uLai, Kal oyjre Trjg 
 ajuLapTiag aiarOai/ojuLai. ''Otup yap to pev/ma 
 Tcov Xoycov JUL}] KaOrjyovjULevrjg Trjg Siavoiag 
 (t>epYiTai, TOTE (T(paXXe(rOaL Tt]v yXwTTav 
 avayKvj. "^ppwcro. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i8o 
 
 LVII. 
 
 Oenolalus to Poteriophlyarus. 
 
 Having taken too much wine, I 
 ridiculed Zopyrus, the young master's 
 tutor. From that time, perhaps from 
 listening to accusations against us, he 
 has been less liberal, and treats us rather 
 stingily. On feast days he used to send 
 me a coat, or a cloak, or an upper gar- 
 ment ; but lately, just before the Sa- 
 turnalia, he sent me a pair of new shoes 
 by Dromio. The latter gave himself airs 
 about it, and asked me to pay him for 
 his trouble ; but I feel terribly vexed, 
 and bite my hasty tongue, and see that 
 I was wrong, now that it is too late; for, 
 when words flow without reason to guide 
 them, the tongue is bound to make mis- 
 takes. Farewell. 
 
AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 LVIII. 
 
 'AX OK V fA. Li/ OS ^iXoyape\ai(fi. 
 
 OvSev irpoTLiJiw crov, kuu aTreiXrjg \ln6u- 
 pieiv Kar cjulou, koi kuttvi^s Sia^oXag ayev- 
 veig. 'A-TrXoiKog yap koi yewaiog 6 MaXtevg 
 (TTpaTi(jOTi]g 6 /36(TKU)v rifjiag. Ta vvv Se 
 TavTa KOI TOcrovTOV a7re\€L tov ^rjXoTVTreiv 
 Tag eralpag, wg Trpcorjv Xoyov pvevrog avTcp 
 iirl TOV (Tv/jLTTOcrioVy TroXXr]v KaTex^e ^Xa(Tcl>Y}- 
 jULiav Twv Ta TOiavTa virofjievovTOdv. "^Xeyev 
 yap yajixeTatg eTriKXr/poig oiKovptag irpeireLV 
 Ka\ TOV orejuLvov /Slov Tag CTalpag Se Seiv 
 eivai iravTOdv avacpavSov, Kal Traa-iv eKKelcOai 
 TOig ^ovXojuLepoig. Ovirep ovv Tpoirov Tolg 
 XovTpoig Kal TOig (TKevecri Koivoig Kexp^ilu'-eOa, 
 Kciv evog cTvai SoKei, ovt(o Kal Taig eig tovtov 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i8i 
 
 LVIII. 
 
 Alocyminus to Philogarelaeus. 
 
 I don't mind you in the least, al- 
 though you threaten to whisper about 
 me, and patch up disgraceful accusations 
 against me. For the Malian soldier, who 
 keeps me in food, is a simple and honour- 
 able man. Far from being jealous in the 
 matter of women, only lately, when his 
 tongue began to wag freely at table, he 
 heaped abuse upon those who allow 
 themselves to be jealous. He said that 
 the duty of married women was to look 
 after their household affairs and to lead 
 a chaste Hfe; but that courtesans ought 
 to be looked upon as common property 
 for all who wanted them. Just as we 
 use the baths and their appliances in 
 common, even though they are supposed 
 to belong to one person, so is it with 
 women who have registered themselves 
 
1 82 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 a'iroypa\lraiJi.evai9 tov ^lov. ^ISvo^ oivv Ttj- 
 va\\(i09 Tr]v Sia^oXriv crov x^/'^^oycrai/, ov 
 TpejuLiJt) ivSaKcov to x^^^o?, w? ol tov criyrjXov 
 "H/aw 7rapi6vT€?, fjLrj kukov tl irpoarXa^dOfxar 
 ov yap ecTTi twv ^Attikoov tovtoov etg tcov 
 Xavvwv fieipaKLcop, aXX' avrip oTrXo/xaxo? Kal 
 aprfCo^j Trap (h KoXaKcla Kai Sia/3o\r}9 Tpoirog 
 efipei. 'AvayKrj Se tov jur] Sia^oXas irpoa-ie- 
 jmevov T019 SiaPa\\ov(riv uirexOuvecrOai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 182 
 
 courtesans. Therefore, since I know that 
 your accusations will be fruitless, I do 
 not tremble and bite my lip, like 
 those who pass by the silent hero, for 
 fear that some harm may come to me; 
 for this man is not one of those puffed- 
 up Athenian youths, but a gallant soldier, 
 on whom flattery and slander are lost — 
 and he who does not open his ears to 
 slander is bound to be hated by the 
 slanderers. 
 
1 83 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LIX. 
 
 AllULeVT€p09 *A/ULa<T7}T(0 . 
 
 Hap* eva tcov tu irivaKia irapa to 'la/c- 
 Xelov TrpoTiOevTWv, koi Tovg oveipov^ vtto- 
 KpivearOaL ifTriarx^ov/uLevwv /SovXojmai eXOcoi/, 
 Tag Svo ravrag Spaxi^<^9, a? otcOa /me ev 
 yepolv exovTa, KarapaXoov, Trjv (pavetarav 
 oyfriv JULOL Kara Toug inrvovg SirjyriaraarOai. 
 Ov xeipov Be Kai irpog ce cb? (piXov ava- 
 OecrOai to Kaivov tovto Kai irepa Trao**/? 
 TrlcTTewg (pauiiia. '^Sokovp yap Kar ovap 
 evirpeirhg elvai i/eavia-Kog, Kai ovx o tvxwv, 
 aXX' €K€LV09 (ehai) 6 'IXtet'? 6 TrepiyjrvKTois 
 Kcu 7r6pLKaX\i<TT09, 6 Tov Tpcoog Trah Ta- 
 WjUL^Srig' Kai KaXavpoira exeiv Kai crvpiyya, 
 KOI Tidpa ^pvyio) crTe(f)eiv Tt]v Kecj)aXr]Vj iroi- 
 jmaiveiv re, Ka\ elvai Kara Trjv "ISriv e^alipvrjg 
 Se eiriiTTavTa juloi yaiuL\lrcopvxcL Kai /meyav 
 aerov, yopyov to pXe/uLjua, Kai ayKvXox^^Xrjv 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 183 
 
 LIX. 
 
 LiMENTERUS TO AmASETUS. 
 
 I INTEND to go to one of those people 
 who hang out placards at the temple of 
 Bacchus, and profess to interpret dreams. 
 I will pay him the two drachmas which 
 you know I have in hand, and give him 
 an account of the vision which appeared 
 to me in my sleep, to see if he can ex- 
 plain it. But it will not be out of place 
 to communicate to you also, as a friend, 
 my strange and incredible vision. I 
 thought I was a handsome young man, 
 no ordinary person, but Ganymede, the 
 son of Xros, the beloved and beautiful 
 boy of Ilium. I had a shepherd's crook 
 and a pipe ; my head was encircled with 
 a Phrygian tiara, and I was tending a 
 flock of sheep on Mount Ida. Suddenly, 
 a large eagle, with crooked talons and 
 bent beak, and a savage look, flew 
 
1 84 AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS 
 
 TO (TTO/uLa, Kov<p[cravTa /me toi^ ovv^iv, a^' 
 ovirep CKaOrjjULrjv Trerpov jULeTecopl^eiv eig tov 
 aepa, Kat TreXa^eiv Toh ovpavloig TOTTOig 
 €7reiyojUL€vov' elra /uLeWovra Tore yp-aveiv 
 Tcov TTvXwv, oX<s at 'Qpat i(p€crTa(Ti, Kepavvw 
 PXtjOevra irecre'lv' koi tov opviv ovkcti tov 
 SioireTrj tov jxeyav etvai aeTov, yvira Se, 
 iriKpov oScoSoTa, e/me Se tovtov, o? eliju, 
 KijJLevTepov, yvfJLVov iracrrj^ ea-OtjTog, ola Trpo<s 
 XovTpov rj TToXaia-Tpav ijvTpeTrio'iuLevov. 'E^- 
 TapaxOeig odv, 009 eiKO^, e7r\ toctovtw tttco- 
 /iiaTi, i^rjyeipojULrjv, Kot irpo<s to irapaSo^ov 
 T^9 bxjrecog ayoDviu), koi SeojuLat, oXov <pepei 
 TO ovap, /uLaOeiv irapa toov TOiavTa uKpi/Sovv- 
 Twv, ei fieWoi T19 cnrXavcog eiSevai, koi eiSwg 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 184 
 
 towards me, lifted me up in his claws 
 from the rock on which I was sitting, 
 and flew away with me into the air up 
 to heaven : when I was close to the 
 gates, guarded by the Hours, I fell, 
 smitten by a thunderbolt ; and methought 
 the bird was no longer the mighty eagle, 
 swooping down from the clouds, but a 
 vulture, stinking foully, and I was the 
 same Limenterus as I am now, without 
 any clothes on, as if I had been getting 
 ready for the bath or the wrestling- 
 ground. Greatly shaken, as was natural, 
 by such a fall, I awoke. I am still 
 troubled by the strange vision, and I 
 want to find out from those who are ex- 
 perienced in such things what is the 
 meaning of my dream, if anyone really 
 knows for certain, and is willing to tell 
 me the truth. 
 
 24 
 
1 85 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LX. 
 
 XacrKo/BovKfjg *Y irvoTpaire^w. 
 
 OvK en ela-fjXOov €i<i ttjv l^opivQov eyvcov 
 yap €v Ppaxei Trjv /SSeXvplav tcov eKeia-e 
 irXova'mv kol rrju tcop TremjTcov aOXioTtjTa. 
 'Qg yap eXovcraPTO oi ttoWoI, Kal /mearovaa 
 ^jULepa rjv, aTcojuLvXovg eOeaarafjLrjv Kal ev<j)veig 
 veavl(TKOv<i, ov Trepl rag oiKtag, aXXa Trepl to 
 l^pdveiov eiXovjuievovg, Kai ou juLaXiarra Taig 
 apTOTTCJoXiart Kai oirwpoKairrjXoig eOog ava- 
 aTpe(p€iv. ^^vravOoi yap ei*? TovSa^og eTri- 
 KvirrovTe^j 6 jmev <pXoiovg OepjuLcov avupeiro, 6 
 Se eXvTpa tcov Kapvwv eTroXvirpayjULOvei, /mrj 
 TTOv ri Twp eScoSljULiJOV OLTTOjULelvav SieXaOep, 6 
 Se Tcov poicov ra irepLKapiria, a ariSia rifuv 
 Tolg ^ArriKOig irpocrayopeveiv eOog, aireyXucpe 
 T0?9 ovv^LV, el, TTOV Ti Twv KOKKWv eTTiSpa^acrOai 
 SvvijOeltj' 01 Se Ka\ ra ck tcov aprwv airo' 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 185 
 
 LX. 
 
 Chascobuces to Hypnotrapezus. 
 
 I HAVE not been to Corinth again ; 
 for I soon discovered the disgusting man- 
 ners of its rich men, and the misery of its 
 poor. After most of them had been to 
 the bath, when it was midday, I saw 
 some talkative and comely young men, 
 who were sauntering, not round the 
 houses, but in the neighbourhood of the 
 Craneium, where the bakers' and fruit- 
 erers' shops are. With their eyes bent 
 upon the ground, one picked up bean- 
 pods, another carefully examined nut- 
 shells, to see if any of the kernel had 
 been left in them accidentally, while 
 another peeled off with his nails pome- 
 granate-skins (which we Athenians call 
 Sidia), to see if he could lay hands on 
 any of the seeds; while others picked 
 up pieces of bread, which had fallen on 
 
 24 — 2 
 
1 86 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 TTLTTTOVTa TT/oo? TToWoov r/Sf] TTeTTaTtj/Jieva 
 avoXiyovTe<s, eKaiTTOv. HoiavTa ra t^? 
 TLekoTTOvvria-ov TrpOTrvXaia' koi rj Svotv Oa- 
 \dcr(ratv ev /JLecrcp Keijjievri TToXt? xapUcrara luev 
 iSeiv, Kai ayu^fXa0a)9 exovcra Tpv(pr]jULaT(jov, 
 Tovg Se oiK^Topa^ a\apla-Tov^ kou aveira- 
 (ppoStTOv^ KeKTrj/iiepri' kqitol ye ^acrl rrjv 
 ^A<ppo6iTr]v €K TLvOi'ipcov avaarxovcrav Ttjv aKpo- 
 KOpivOov aarTraaracrOai' el /mr] apa TOig /uev 
 yvvaloi's ^A^poSiTi] TroXfouxo?, Toh Se av- 
 SpaaLv 6 Ainiog KaOlSpvTai. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i86 
 
 the ground and been trodden underfoot, 
 and greedily gulped them down. Such 
 is the entrance to Peloponnesus. The 
 city lying between the two seas is cer- 
 tainly agreeable to look at and abundantly 
 furnished with luxuries, but its inhabit- 
 ants are disagreeable and unamiable ; and 
 yet they say that Venus, when she rose 
 from the sea near Cythera, saluted the 
 citadel of Corinth. Perhaps Venus is the 
 protecting goddess of the women only, 
 and Famine is the tutelary god of the 
 men. 
 
8; AAKIi'PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LXI. 
 
 Y S p OCT ^ p avTt] 9 Mep((5a. 
 
 'Hpa/cXef?, oara vTrearTrjv TT/oay/xara, pu/uL- 
 /uLttTi KOI VLTpcp ^oXacrrpaLM x^'-t'-^^^ ^co/ulou 
 Tou fiioL TrepiXvOevTog rrjv yXicrxpoTtira oltto- 
 KaOalpcov. Kaf ovx ovtoo /me eSaKcv rj v^pig, 
 o(Tov TO irap* a^iav vTrojUievetv. 'Eyo) /mev 
 yap ^ AvOe/ULiwvog viog rod TrXovcncoTaTov tcov 
 ^AOtjvrjcrt, KOI ^A^ioOeag rrjg Kara yeVo? e/c 
 Mey aAcXeof? opjuLwjuevrjg- 6 Se ravO^ rjimag 
 €pya^6jUL€vog, Trarpos /J^ev acnj/uiov, /ULrjTpog Se 
 pap^apov, ^KvdlSog ol/mai rj KoXx^^o? ev 
 veojULtjvla icovrjfjieptig, ourot) yap juloi tcov yvit)- 
 pljULCtyv Tiveg Sirjy^aravTO. 'AXX' eyo) jmeu ev 
 Taireipw tw (rxyilJ^o.TL Ttjv iraTpwav airo/SaXaJv 
 ovaiav, ayairu) tu yacTTpi Tt]v avayKalav 
 TrXtjcr/jLovtjv eKiropi^wv. Ao(naSrjg Se, w Oeoi, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 187 
 
 LXI. 
 
 Hydrosphrantes to Meridas. 
 
 O Hercules, what a job I have had 
 to wash off the sticky soup, which was 
 thrown over me yesterday, with soap and 
 Chalastraean nitre ! It was not so much 
 the insult itself that annoyed me as that 
 it was undignified. I am the son of An- 
 themion, one of the richest men in 
 Athens; my mother Axiothea is descended 
 from Megacles ; while the father of the 
 man who treated me like this is some 
 low fellow, and his mother a barbarian, 
 a Scythian or Colchian slave, bought at 
 the monthly fair : at least, some of my 
 acquaintances have told me so. And 
 now I, having lost all the fortune that 
 my father left me, in humble guise am 
 content if I can procure enough to satisfy 
 the cravings of my belly. In the mean- 
 time, O ye gods ! Dosiades harangues the 
 
AAKI^PONOS PHT( 
 
 Tt]P HvvKa KaToXa/ULpavei Srj/mtjyopwv, koI roh 
 ev HXia/a KarapLOfxeiTaL SiKu^ova-i, koi rag 
 ijviag ex€L tov Sy/mov, tto/o' w M.iXTiaSt]g 
 eSeSero, 6 to ev MapaOcoui rpOTrmov eyetpag, 
 Kai o ^ ApicrreiStjg 6 SiKaiog e^wa-TpaKi^ero. 
 AvTrei Se julc ovx VKiara tt/do? roig aXXoig 
 Km tj Ttjg Trpoartjyopla^ a7ro/3oX>i- ol jmev yap 
 Trare/oe? HoXv^iov juce eOevro KaXeia-Qaf rj 
 Tvxv ^e a/uLelyl^acra Tovpojuia 'YSpo(r<j)pavTrjv 
 TTpog Tcov 6iJ.0T€Xvwv r]vayKa(r€ Trpoarayopev- 
 ecrOat. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON i88 
 
 people from the Pnyx, is one of the 
 judges of the Heliaea, and guides that 
 people, who imprisoned Miltiades, in 
 whose honour the trophy at Marathon 
 was set up, and ostracised Aristides the 
 Just. But what most grieves me is the 
 loss of my name : my parents called me 
 Polybius; but Fortune has changed it, 
 and forced me to take the name of Hy- 
 drosphrantes^ amongst those of my pro- 
 fession. 
 
 ^ Water-smeller. 
 
89 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LXII. 
 
 Xi^poXeTTfo-o? K.a7rvpocr(f>pdvTi]. 
 
 ^HiriarTacro Tr]v airlav, e(j> ij fue SieciX- 
 Xaivov at yvvatKcg- TcXevraiov Se ^ ypavg tj 
 SovXij eXoiSoprjcraTO jULOi, ciTrova-a, aXX' ckko- 
 pyjOeirjg, OTL OLKaipoi el Kai XaXo^. ^varrrjpiov 
 ev avTai<i <TTp€<j>eTaL ralv Oeaiv toIv 'EXef- 
 (TLvlaiv a(T(paX€(TTepov, Koi. ^oiiXovrai ^fxag 
 ayvoelv rovg elSorag, rj Kai oiovTai aKrjKooTag 
 ov7r<a TreTreicrOai. 'Eyw Se olSa to Spajma, 
 Koi. ocrov ovK etV fiaKpav Karepco tw SeciroTH' 
 ov yap PovXo/iiai xeipcov (pavfjvai tcov kuvcov 
 di Twv TpecpovTWV TTpoVXaKTOvarL koi Kr'iSovTai. 
 Motxo? iroXiopKel rrjv oiKiav 6 'HXeFo? vea- 
 vlcTKo^, 6 et? Ttoi/ ^0Xv/ii'7rta(TL /Saa-Kavcov koi 
 irapa tovtov ypajmjuLaTiSia ocnj/mepai ^olto. 
 SlOvpa irpog rrjv yafxerr^v tov TpetfiovTO^ 
 rj/jLOL^y Kai aT€<l)avoi ^/ULiiiiapaPToi Kai HJLtjXa 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 189 
 
 LXII. 
 
 Chidrolepisus to Capyrosphrantes. 
 
 You know the reason why the women 
 jeered at me. An old slave lately abused 
 me, telling me to go to the devil for a 
 troublesome chatterbox. There is a secret 
 amongst them which they keep more care- 
 fully than the Eleusinian mysteries, and 
 they try to conceal it from us, who know 
 all about it, or else think that, although 
 we have heard of it, we do not believe 
 it. But I know what is going on, and I 
 intend presently to tell my master ; for 
 I do not want to show myself less grate- 
 ful than the dogs, which bark in defence 
 of those who feed and take care of them. 
 An adulterer is laying siege to the house- 
 hold — a young man from EHs, one of the 
 Olympian fascinators ; he sends neatly- 
 folded notes every day to our master's 
 wife, together with faded bouquets and 
 
90 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 uTToSeSijyiuLeva. Ac ^e aXacrro/oe? avrai Oepa- 
 iraivlSes (rvvi(ra<n, Koi rj eTriKijSeio^ ypav<;, y]v 
 "Yijuirovorav diravreii ol Kara rrjv oiKiav KoXeiv 
 elwOacriv, ck tov iruvra iroLelv kol ^la^efrOai. 
 Eyo) ^e ovK ecO^ otto)? criy^arojULai, BovXojULai 
 yap cjiiavTOV ov TrapacriTOv, aXXa (plXov eiri- 
 Sei^ai' KOI aXXo)? ^£i/rco Trjg Kar avTCOv Ti/xw- 
 /ota?. OtSa yap, olSa, ei ravTa etV (pavepov 
 axOelrj, at /mev OepaTraiviSe^ SeSr/arovrai, 6 
 IU01X09 Se airoiXeiTaL pa^avoig Ttjv eSpav 
 /Se^ucriuiivog, tj /miapa Se yvvrj rlcrei Trjv a^lav 
 T^9 OLKoXacrlag Slktiv, €l /mr] HoXvaypov tov 
 KvpTOv KaKWTepo<s ecTTi Ta Toiavra AvotikX^^' 
 eK€ivo^ yap Xvrpa irapa rwv jholxImv eirl rii 
 ya/ULeT^ irpaTTO/JLevog aOcoovg T^g Ti/mcopLag 
 
 r](pL€L. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 190 
 
 half-eaten apples. These accursed ser- 
 vants are in the plot, as well as the old 
 woman, with one foot in the grave, whom 
 the rest call Empusa, because she is 
 ready to do and suffer anything. I can 
 hold my tongue no longer; I want to 
 show myself a friend, not a parasite ; 
 besides, I thirst to have my revenge upon 
 them. For I am certain, if this affair 
 be brought to light, the servants will be 
 put in the stocks, and the adulterer will 
 be put to death, with a radish stuffed up 
 his backside. And the abandoned wife 
 shall pay the just penalty of her wanton- 
 ness, unless Lysicles is more stupid in 
 such matters than the hunchback Poly- 
 agrus, who, after exacting compensation 
 in money from his wife's lovers, let them 
 go without further punishment. 
 
191 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LXIII. 
 
 ^i\o/ULay€ipo9 HivaKOCTTToyya). 
 
 Ola SovXevovrai koi SiavoouvTai al Oeolg 
 exOpai XaiKa<TTpiai. Avrai t?J KeKTrj/uLevn 
 crv/uiTrpaTTOvcrL' koi oiSe tovtcop ovSev 6 
 ^aiSplag. M.rjvl TrejULTrro) fxeTa rovg ydfAOvg 
 T€TOK€v avT(p TO yvvaiov iraiSlov af>pev' tovto 
 jnera tcop a-irapyavodv, depaia Tiva kol yi/w- 
 pla-fJLaTa irepiSeia-ai, eScoKav ^ A(T(f>a\[(jopi tu 
 (Tvpyaa-TOpL KOjUil^etv eirl rag aKpcopelag rrjg 
 HapvijOo^. HjULoig Se Teoo^ [xev avdyKrj 
 Kpvirreiv to kqkov, koi 7r/0O9 to irapov 
 a-iycoriv' criyt] Se ecTTt tov Ovjulov Tpo(pi]. 
 ^^TreiSap Se tl kolv ^paxv Xvir^a-ooan, KoXaKa 
 Koi. irapaa-LTOv oveiSl^ovarai, koi Tag aWag, 
 ag etdoOacriv, v/3peig €7rnpepoucrai, e'larcTai to 
 yey ovog 6 ^aiSplag, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 191 
 
 LXIII. 
 
 Philomageirus to Pinacospongus. 
 
 What tricks these accursed harlots 
 are always devising ! They are in league 
 with my mistress, and Phaedrias knows 
 nothing of what is going on. Five months 
 after marriage, the woman had a child — 
 a boy; they wrapped him in his swad- 
 dling-clothes, fastened a necklace and some 
 tokens, by which he might be afterwards 
 recognised, round his neck, and gave him 
 to Asphalion, one of the labourers, to 
 carry to the summit of Mount Parnes, 
 and leave him there. In the meanwhile, 
 we were obliged to keep the cruel deed a 
 secret, and I would keep silence now, but 
 silence is the food of anger. If they 
 annoy me ever so little, reproaching me 
 for a flatterer and parasite, and heaping 
 the usual insults upon me, Phaedrias 
 shall be informed of what has taken 
 place. 
 
192 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOZ 
 
 LXIV. 
 
 T ovpSoa-vv ay og ^^(paWoKvOpa. 
 '0 IUL6P K/o/rwt' vTT^ uvoLa<s Koi apxaioTtjTog 
 
 TpOTTOV TOP vlov €1^ ^iXoOTO^OV (ftOLTOV eiTE- 
 
 Tpe\}re' rov avcTTrjpov irpecr^vTriv Koi a/meiSfj 
 TOP €K T^g HoiKiXijg e^ a.'TravTcov twv fpiXo- 
 aro^wv KaOrjyelcrOaL tov TraiSog a^tcorepou 
 ^yrjcra/uLevog, cog dv ttq/o' avT(p \6ywv Tivag 
 (TKivSoXjULOvg eK/ULaOcov, epicFTiKog koi ayKvXog 
 Trjv yXwa-Q-av yevrjrai. '0 Se Traig eg to 
 oLKpiPea-raTOv e^ejua^aTO top SiSdcTKaXov' ov 
 irpoTepov yap Xoywi/ ylveaOai jmaOtjT^g, aXXa 
 Kat TOV ^lou Kal Trjg aywyrjg ecrirovSaae. 
 Qeacra/uievog yap top SiSa<TKa\op t^ ^/mepa 
 (Te/ULPOP Kai (rKvOpoDTTOP Kai Toig peoig eiri- 
 Ti/ULOopTa, PVKTCop Se irepLKoKviTTOPTa t^p 
 KecpaXrjp Tpi^copLM Kal irepi x^M«''^'^*'«? 
 eiXovjULepop, €^r]Xo)(Tep ep KaXw' Kal ire/ui'TrTijp 
 TavTf]P ^/ULcpap eig epcoTa ^AKoXapQlSog Trjg 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 192 
 
 LXIV. 
 
 TURDOSYNAGUS TO EPHALLOCYTHRAS. 
 
 Crito has been so foolish and such a 
 dotard as to allow his son to go to a 
 philosopher's school ; he has sent him to 
 that austere and gloomy old Stoic, whom 
 he thinks the fittest instructor for the youth, 
 that he may learn from him the art of 
 splitting straws, and turn out disputatious 
 and double-tongued. The lad has copied 
 his instructor most faithfully ; he has paid 
 more attention to imitating his life and 
 manners than to learning his doctrines. 
 Seeing that his master, during the day, 
 was solemn and severe and always lectur- 
 ing the young men, while at night he 
 covered his head with his cloak and 
 haunted the brothels, he has admirably 
 copied his model; and for the last four 
 days he has been madly in love with 
 Acalanthis of the Ceramicus. She is a 
 
 25 
 
193 AAKI^PONOX PHT0P02 
 
 €K K.€paiuL€tKov KaTo\i(rO}]cra9 (pXeyerat. Av- 
 ri ^e eirieiKM^ e^eL irpo^ ijue, koi epav ojulo- 
 Xoyer tm juLeipaKicp Se iiravaTeiverai iJcrOi]- 
 fjiivri TToOo) TV<l>6jUL€V0V, Ktti ov TTpoTCpov, ^r]crh, 
 eTTiSuxrei eavTrjv, irpiv av eyo) tovto eiri- 
 TpeyJrcD' ifxe yap Kvptov tov tu roiavra 
 TTpocTTaTTeiv eiroLYicraTO. IloXXa kol ayaOa 
 Soir]9, ^A(f)poSLTri iravSrjiiie, th (piXraTi] yv- 
 vaiKL' CTalpov yap, ovx eralpa^ epyov Sieirpd- 
 ^aro. 'E^ eKCLPOv yap OepaTrevoimai Xnrapw^ 
 aWoT€ aX\ai9 Soi)po<popLaig' kqI tjv fxoi 
 peva-eiev tov xpovov irpoXovTog SayJ/^iXearTcpop, 
 ovSep KcoXvG-ei jue, tovtov yajULOvvTog eirUXri- 
 pov yvvaiKa, ev yajULerrjg crxvjui.aTi rrjv 'A/ca- 
 XavOlSa Xvcrafxevov avaXa^eiv. 'H yap tov 
 ^ijv aiTia Koivcovog tov ^^v SiKalayg av KaTa- 
 (TTalr}. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 193 
 
 friend of mine, and professes to love me ; 
 she knows that the youth is mad with 
 desire, but refuses to yield to him, and 
 declares that he shall not enjoy her 
 favours until I give my consent to it, 
 for she has left the decision to me. 
 O Venus, goddess of sensual love, bestow 
 every blessing upon this excellent woman ; 
 she has behaved more like a friend than 
 a prostitute ! Since that time I have 
 been loaded with handsome presents; if 
 they pour in upon me even more abun- 
 dantly, as time goes on, nothing shall 
 prevent me from ransoming her from her 
 master and making her my lawful wife. 
 For she to whom I owe my support has 
 every right to share my comforts. 
 
 25—2 
 
194 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LXV. 
 
 M.iar 6yv I (p o^ 'Y i y o juLaxV- 
 
 Meya tovto ayadov rj e^ ^larrplag pavg, r] 
 eiri TOv xwixarog opjuLcocra, eig 'AOT^vag rjice, 
 (pepovcra tov OavjuiacrTOv tovtov ejj.iropov, o<5 
 Toug irXoucriovg Tovg ^ KOyivhctl kol yueyaXo- 
 Scopovg, KijuL^iKag koI jmiKpoTrpeTreig cnrefjiYivev, 
 ovTO) KexvjuLevwg irpog Tag Socreig Kexp^Tai tu> 
 PaXavTLU). Ou yap €va irapaa-iTOv e^ acrTeog, 
 aWa iravrag ^juag juLeTaTrejuLyJ/ag, Kai ovx 
 rijiiag jnovov, aWa Kai twv eTaipcov Tag ttoXv- 
 TeXecTTepag, Kai jmovarovpycov Tag KaX\icrT€v- 
 ovcrag, Kai Tovg eir] crKrjvrjg aira^aifkodg elireiv 
 diravTag, ov Trjv iraTpwav ova-lav, Ta Se €k 
 SiKalcov avTO. Tropi^ojueva cnraOa, Kai \l/^aW6- 
 Hievog Ka\ KaTavXovjuLevog ijSeTai, Kai Trjv Sia- 
 Tpi^h^ TTOieiTai x^P^'^^^ '^^^ ^ AippoSiTtjg 
 ye/ULOva-av, koi v/3pi^€i ovSev. "E(7Tf Se Ka\ 
 o^Ofjvai KexapiorjuevcoTaTog, Kai to irpoo'coTrov 
 avTov Tag lopag avTag evopxov/mevag ex^i, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 194 
 
 LXV. 
 
 MiSOGNIPHUS TO RhIGOMACHUS. 
 
 The vessel from Istria, which is an- 
 chored off the pier, has brought great 
 good luck. One of its passengers is the 
 wonderful merchant, whose lavish open- 
 handedness makes the wealthiest and 
 most generous of our citizens seem mean 
 and niggardly by comparison. He has 
 invited not one parasite only from the 
 city, but all of us, as well as the most 
 expensive courtesans, the most beautiful 
 singing-girls, in fact, all who perform in 
 public. He is not squandering his patri- 
 mony, but all the money he spends has 
 been honestly earned by himself. He is 
 fond of music, makes his stay in the city 
 very agreeable to all, and is never rude 
 to anybody. He is very pleasant to look 
 at ; you would say that his face was the 
 dancing-ground of the Hours, and that 
 
195 AAKI^PONOZ PHT0P02 
 
 KOI Tf]v TreiOo) Tip (TTO/uLaTL €7riKa6fj<rOaL e'nroi^ 
 av. Ylpoa-irala-ai re yXacpvpog Kai XaXfjcraL 
 <TT(iOjULvXo9. Ovv€Ka ol yXvKV M.ov(ra Kara 
 (TTOixaro^ X^e veKrap' elirelv yap ov x^^P^^ 
 Kara roug iraiSela (rxoXa^ovrag e^ ^AOrjvwv 
 op/ULWjUievov, ev alg ovSe eh tovtcov ayeuo-Tog 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 195 
 
 Persuasion was seated on his lips. His 
 wit is refined, his conversation agreeable. 
 " The Muse has poured sweet nectar over 
 his lips," in the words of the poet; for 
 it does not seem inappropriate for a na- 
 tive of Athens to use the language of 
 those who have received a liberal educa- 
 tion — which is the case with all of us. 
 
[96 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LXVI. 
 
 Mox 
 
 V' 
 
 'E^e 
 
 leaaco oia /me eipyacraTO o Karaparog 
 ovTO(i Kovpev<s, 6 Trpog th oSw, Xeyw Se rw 
 aSoXea-xov Km XaXov, tov ^^pevTrjcTLOv irpo- 
 TiQefj-evov earoTTTpa, tov rou<! x^^/oor/^ei? k6- 
 paKag TLOaararevovTa, tov Taig /maxotipio-L KVfx- 
 ^aXio'iuLOV evpvOjixov avaKpovovTa. Q? yap 
 a^iKOjmrjv ^vpielorOai Ttjv yeveiaSa fiouXo- 
 jmevog, acr/mevoog T6 eSe^aTO, koi e(j> v\frr]Xou 
 Opovov KaOlarag, crivSova Kaivtjv ' TrepiOeig, 
 irpaw<i €u jULuXa KaTe(j)epe julol toov yvaOcov to 
 ivpov, airoyfriXwv to TrvKvco/ULa twv Tpixwv. 
 'AXX' ev avTcp TOVTM iravovpyo<i j]v Kai 
 CKaiog' eXaOe yap tovto Trapa /mepog tfoicov, 
 Kal ov KQTa Tracrrig Trjg yvaOov, cocttc vTroXei- 
 (pO^vat juioi TToXXaxov /mev Sacretav, iroXXaxov 
 Se Xeiav Trjv criayova. Kayo) /mev ovk eiSm 
 Tr]v iravovpylav, {pxo/mrjv /cara to eicoOog 
 aKXrjTog eig llacrlcovog, ol (jvixiroTai Se, o)? 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 196 
 
 LXVI. 
 
 Gamochaeron to Phagodaetes. 
 
 You saw how that accursed barber who 
 lives by the roadside treated me ; I mean 
 that chattering gossip, who offers his 
 mirrors for sale at Brentesium, who tames 
 jackdaws, and plays a kind of tune with 
 his razors. When I went to him to get 
 shaved, he received me most politely, 
 made me sit down in a high chair, and 
 put a clean cloth round my neck ; then 
 he gently drew the razor over my cheeks, 
 and took off my thick hairs. But, in 
 doing this, he was cunning and mis- 
 chievous, for he only half shaved me, 
 and left one part of my face rough, while 
 the other was smooth. I, knowing 
 nothing of the trick he had played me, 
 went as usual to Pasion's house, with- 
 out waiting to be invited. When the 
 guests saw me, they nearly killed them- 
 
197 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 elSov, e^eOavov tw yeXoori, ecog ayvoovvra 
 /UL€ €((> oToo yeXwcriv, eh Tf? etg /meaovg 
 TrapeXOwv, twv airoKei^OeLawv Tpix^v eiri- 
 Xa^ojULCvog etX/cyo-ei/. 'E/cetVa? jmev ovv irepi- 
 iraOwg KoirlSa \a/3m aire^pl^oocra, eroiniog 
 Se eijuLi ^vXov ev/uieyeOes aveXofxevog Kara tov 
 PpeyixaTO^ irara^ai top aXiTrjptov. *A yap 
 ol Tpe^ovTcg Trai^ovcn, Taura /mrj Tpecpoov 
 eToXjj.Yja-e. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 197 
 
 selves with laughing. I could not make 
 out what had excited their mirth, until 
 one of them came forward into the 
 middle of the room and caught hold of 
 and pulled at the hairs which had been 
 left. I took a knife, and, feeling greatly 
 annoyed, uprooted them somehow ; and 
 now I intend to look for a big stick and 
 go and break the rascal's skull. What 
 those who keep us do, in order to amuse 
 themselves, this fellow had the audacity 
 to do, although he has never contributed 
 anything to my support. 
 
198 AAKIi>P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 LXVII. 
 Ai\lro(j)a7rava'LXv7ro9 UXokovvtojulvcdvi, 
 
 l^euplSa iSwv Kavri<j)opov(Tav, irapOevov 
 KaWiTTtjxvv, Koi evSaKTvXov, Taig ^oXaig 
 Twv 6<j>0a\iULU)v aa-TpaiTTOVcrav, eu/uiriKr] Kai 
 euxpovv, ^9 at Trapetai /uLap/uLalpoucriv, ovtw<; 
 e^cKavOrjv eig epwra, co<tt€ /ul€ eTTiXaOojUievou 
 OLO^ eijULi, irpoo'Spa/uiovTa eOeXeiv Kvcrai to 
 (TTOjuLa' eTTetra iwl (rvvvola^ yevo/iievov, irpos- 
 ^vvTa ^ovXeaOai to. tolv ttoSoiv 'ix^>j Kara- 
 (piXeip. Aa ou Ttjg ayepcoxicL^, vvv eyue /xi; 
 ewiOvjULeip 6ep/uL0)v, r) Kua/ULCOV t] aOapag, aX\' 
 OVTC09 vTrepjULa^av, kol tmv avecpLKTWv epav, 
 KaTaXev<raT€ /ze Travreg eig TavTOV avveX' 
 Oovre^, 7rp]v rj ppiOfjvm toi^ ttoOol^, kqi 
 yevearOco julol rvjuL^og epooTiKog 6 tcov XiOi- 
 Slcov koXwv6<;. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 198 
 
 LXVII. 
 
 DiPSOPHAPAUSILYPUS TO PlACYNTOMION. 
 
 When I first saw Neuris, the maiden 
 who carried the basket, with her beautiful 
 arms and fingers, her eyes flashing glances 
 like lightning, her charming figure and 
 complexion, and her glistening cheeks, 
 I was so inflamed with passion that, 
 forgetting who I was, I ran up and 
 attempted to kiss her; then, when I came 
 to my senses, I was ready to follow her 
 and kiss the marks of her footsteps. 
 Alas, alas, for my insolent folly ! to think 
 that I could not be content with lupins, 
 beans, and pulse, but, grown wanton 
 with high feeding, must needs long for 
 what was beyond my reach. Assemble, 
 all of you, and stone me to death, before 
 I am consumed by my desires, and let 
 me have, as a lover's tomb, a mound of 
 pebbles. 
 
199 AAKI#P0N02 PHTOPOS 
 
 LXVIII. 
 
 HSvSeilTPOg ^ApKTTOKOpaKl. 
 
 Oeoi jULaKape^, IXyKOire kg] evfxevelg e'lrjTe. 
 Otov a7r6<j>vyov klvSvvov, toov Tpia-Karapdrcov 
 epavia-Twv Xe^rjra /moi ^eovra vSarog eTrix^ai 
 ^ov\i]OevT(iov. ^ISm yap iro^pwOev evrpeireig 
 aireirriSrida' ol Se airpo^ovXevTa)^ e^ex^op, 
 Km TO Oep/ULOV eirifipvev BaOJXo) rw oivoxo- 
 ovvTL TraiSi ^iXov eipyaoraro' Ttjg K€(pa\fjg 
 yap airecTvpe to Sepjua, koi <p\vKTaivag eiri- 
 vwTiovg €^r]vOr](r€. Tig apa jjlol Siafxovoov eiri- 
 Kovpog eyevero ; furi irore ol crwT^peg avaKreg, 
 wg ^iiuLiovlSrjv tov AecoTTpeirovg tov J^pavcovlov, 
 Kat fJLe Tcop tov irvpog Kpovvwv e^rjpTraarav : 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 199 
 
 LXVIII. 
 
 Hedydeipnus to Aristocorax. 
 
 O BLESSED gods, be kind and pro- 
 pitious ! What a danger did I escape, 
 when those thrice-accursed clubmen tried 
 to throw a kettle of boiling water over 
 me ! I saw what they were ready to do 
 when I was a long way off, and jumped 
 out of the way. They poured at random, 
 and the boiling contents, falling over 
 Bathylus, the lad who was handing the 
 wine, completely flayed him ; the skin 
 has peeled off his head, and his back is 
 covered with blisters. Who then of the 
 gods was it that protected me ? Was it 
 the Saviour princes, who preserved me 
 from the streams of fire, as in time 
 past Simonides the son of Leoprepes at 
 the banquet at Cranon ? 
 
200 AAKI<^P0N02 PHT0P02 
 
 LXIX. 
 
 Tpix^voa-apa^ TXooara-orpaTre^M. 
 
 ^^^rjyopeucra M.vt]<riX6x(p tw TLaiaviei Trjp 
 Trjg yajuLCTtig aa-eXyetav koi 09, Seop ^aaravLcaL 
 Siepevvav re to irpayjuLa ttoikIXoo?, opKco to 
 TToiv, 6 x/o^^oi/S', €'7r€Tp€\[r€v. ^ Ay ayovcTa ovv 
 avTOV r] yvvt] eig to l^aXXlxopov to ev 'EXey- 
 (Tivi (ppeap, aTTW/xocraro, koi (nreXvaraTO Tr]v 
 aiTiav. Kaf o /mev a/uajyeirr] ireireiarTaL, koi 
 Tr]v viroyl/lav aire^aXev iyoo Se Trjv <pXvapov 
 yXfjdTTav air OT€juipeiv ocrTpaKM TeveSlu) toI^ 
 povXojuL€VOig eTOifJLog ei/ixi irapexeiv. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 200 
 
 LXIX. 
 
 Trichinosarax to Glossotrapezus. 
 
 I HAVE informed Mnesilochus of 
 Paeania of his wife's wantonness ; and 
 he, when he ought to have thoroughly 
 sifted and investigated the matter in 
 various ways, Hke the precious fool that 
 he is, left it to his wife's oath. The 
 woman led him to the well of Callichorum 
 at Eleusis, swore she was innocent, and 
 cleared herself. He was somehow or 
 other convinced, and has abandoned all 
 suspicion; and I am ready to let anyone 
 who pleases cut out my chattering tongue 
 with a potsherd from Tenedos. 
 
 26 
 
20I AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 LXX. 
 
 Al jULOva-Ttj ^ G p acr OKU 8 o I iuL(p . 
 
 l^opuSoovi TO) yeoDpyu) aruv^Orj^ eTrieiKCog f}v, 
 Koi TO. TToWa e^exetTO eir cjuloi tco yeXwTi, 
 aarriKf}^ arrcojuLvXlag koi ^evrj^ rj Kara Tovg 
 XW/OiVa? i'jrai'cov. Tovtov iSwv epfxaiov wy/^iyi/, 
 el TU)P KttT acTTv 'TTpayjuLaTWP ci'TraXXayeh, 
 eig TOP aypov ^aSiolfjLrjv, koi . a-vvecroliULijv 
 avSpl <pi\M, yecopyw airpayixovi kol epyarih 
 
 OVK €K SlKaCTripLWV, OvSe €K TOV (TcUlV KQT 
 
 ayopav aSUovg einvoovvTi iropovg, aWa yfj- 
 Oev avajuLevovTi rrjp eiriKapirlav exeiv. KaJ 
 SrJTa SiavorjOeig TavO' ovtco Spav, WKeiaxra- 
 /mrjv TOV Ko/3u^ft)i/a, Kai cTelXag ijuavTov 
 aypoiKLKwg, puKog evayfraimevog, koi (r/ULivvrji/ Xa- 
 ^cov, avTOCTKaTrapevg cSokovp. Ea)9 julcv ovv ev 
 TraiSiag jmepei ewpaTTOV TavTa, olvcktov rjv, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 201 
 
 LXX. 
 
 LiMUSTES TO ThRASOCYDOEMUS. 
 
 I WAS fairly intimate with Corydon 
 the farmer, who often used to laugh 
 heartily at me, since he understood city 
 wit better than country people usually do. 
 When I first saw him, I thought it would 
 be a regular piece of luck for me, if I 
 could give up a city life and retire to 
 the country, and live with a friend who 
 passed his life quietly working on his 
 farm ; then I need no longer think about 
 making money by questionable practices 
 in the courts, but could wait patiently 
 to enjoy the fruits of the earth. Having 
 determined to do this, I made friends 
 with Corydon, dressed myself like a 
 countryman, clad myself in a sheepskin, 
 took up a mattock, and got myself up 
 as a regular ditcher. As long as I did 
 this for amusement, it was endurable, 
 and I thought I had made a very good 
 
 26 — 2 
 
202 AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02 
 
 Kal /xeyaXa airoKepSalveiv (pojmrjVy v^pewv kou 
 paTria-jixaTcov koi t^? ttc/oI tu eSooSijuia twv 
 irXova-lwv avicroTrjTog aTnjWayjuLevo^' eirel 8e 
 €K TiJ9 KaOrj/uiipav arvvrjOelag, e^ eTriTayrj^ 
 €7rpaTT€To Tovpyov, Koi eSei TravTW? 17 apovv, 
 rj (peWea eKKaOaipeip, rj yvpovg irepiarKaTTTeiv, 
 Kal Toh ^oOpoig €/jL^vT€V€iv, ovK €T avacT' 
 X^TOS V Siarpi^r], aWd juloi yuere/xeXe t^? 
 aXoyov irpa^eco^y Kai rrjv ttoXip eiroOovv. 
 *EX0ft)»/ ovv eiri fxriKio'TOV XP^^^^> ^^'^ ^^' 
 op-olm ScKTO^y ov8e xapUi^ eSoKOVVf aWa 
 T(9 opeio^ KOI Tpax^9 koI ainixv^, coarre ai 
 fJL€V oiKiai Twv TrXovcrliJdv Tracral juoi Xonrop 
 aTreKCKXeivTO, 6 Se \i/ul6^ rijv yacrrepa eOvpo- 
 Koirei. 'Eyw Se avo9 lov viro rfj^ tcop avay- 
 Kalwv evSela?, XiJCTTah tktl M.€yapiK0i9, oi 
 TTcpl Ta^ XK€ipoopi6ag T019 6Soi7r6poi9 evcSpev- 
 ova-iv, CKOivwvricra- evOev 6 ^[09 fxoi apyog i^ 
 aSiKiag iropl^erai. Ef Se \i](r(o ravTa iroiwv 
 ri fit], aSriXov' SeSia Se rrjp /jLeraWayrjp rod 
 plov eiwOacri yap at TOiavrai juLera^oXai 
 OVK etV TO ^fjp, aXX' eig a'TrcoXeiap KaTacTTpe- 
 <t>eip. 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 202 
 
 bargain, since I was free from blows and 
 insults, and the unequal footing on which 
 I stood with my wealthy patrons ; but 
 when he made a daily practice of order- 
 ing me to work, and I had either to 
 plough, clear the stony ground, dig holes, 
 or plant in the ditches, then this kind of 
 life became unbearable; I repented of my 
 foolish act, and longed for the city again. 
 When I returned after my long absence, I 
 did not meet with the same reception as 
 before; instead of being looked upon as a 
 wit, I was considered rough and unculti- 
 vated, in fact, a regular boor. All the 
 houses of the wealthy were from that time 
 forth shut against me, and hunger knocked 
 at the doors of my belly. Hard pressed 
 for the bare necessaries of life, I joined a 
 band of Megarian brigands, who lie in wait 
 for travellers near the Scironian rocks; 
 and since then I have gained a dishonest 
 livelihood without working. I do not 
 know whether I shall escape detection ; 
 but I am alarmed about my new pro- 
 fession, for such a change of life generally 
 ends in destruction rather than safety. 
 
203 AAKI^PONOE PHT0P02 
 
 LXXI. 
 
 ^ iXoTTwp og '^ ixo fxdxfp' 
 
 Ae^i(j)avtj£ 6 rfjg KOjULwSlag TroLrjrrjg Qeacrd' 
 jULevog jUL€ irpog raig ev a-v/ULTrocrioLg Trapoivlaig, 
 Xa^wv KaO^ eavTOV, irpwra /mev evovOerei /uli] 
 Toiavra €7riTr]Sev€iv, e^ mv v^pig to reXog' 
 kireiTa tou (ppovrjjULaTog cog exoi/ULL Sia ^pa- 
 Xewv aTTOTreipaOeig, tm X^PV "^^^ kcojulikwv 
 (ryXXafji^dveL' ck tovSc Tpa^rja-o/ULevov ecjyacTKe 
 Kai ejUie. 'E/ceXefei/ ovv eKjuadovTa Aiovvcrioig 
 
 Tolg eiTLOVCTL TO TOV OtKGTOV CTX^I^OL (IVoXa- 
 
 /36uTa, TO juL€pog cKelvo tov opd/uLaTog viro- 
 KpLvaaOai. 'Eya? Se 6\j/^e tov Kaipov kul 
 (pvcriv Kai eTTLTT^SevcTiv /meTa^aXwv, SvcKoXog 
 Tig Kai SucrjULaOrig e^aivo/uLrjv' iirel Se ovk ?i/ 
 CTepcog irpaTTeiv, to Spa/ua i^ejUiaOov, Kai 
 /JieXeTtjv acTKriarei puxrag, CTOi/mog ei/ui tw 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 203 
 
 LXXI. 
 
 Philoporus to Psichomachus. 
 
 Lexiphanes, the comic poet, seeing 
 me treated with drunken insults, took me 
 aside. He first advised me not to con- 
 tinue my present manner of hfe, which 
 only ended in insult ; and then, having 
 tested my abilities, got me into the 
 comedians' company, which he said would 
 enable me to earn my living. He ordered 
 me to get up the part of a slave for the 
 next Dionysia, at which I was to make 
 my first appearance. As it was rather 
 late in Hfe for me to change my nature 
 and habits, I seemed peevish and hard 
 to teach ; but, as I had no alternative, I 
 learned my part, and, now that I have 
 studied and practised it, I am ready to 
 perform with the rest of the company. 
 You and your friends must be ready to 
 
204 AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS 
 
 XO/ow a-vvreXetih Xv Se rj/miv /mera twu crvvfj- 
 Ocov cTr/crete Tovg KpoTOV^, %a, kuv tl XaOcojULev 
 airo(T(f)a\evTes, jmh Xa^ij x^P^^ "^^ aamKa 
 IxeipaKLa kXco^civ r] avpLTTeiv, aXX' o TOdv 
 eiralvdov Kporog tov Opovv twv (TKoo/mjuLaTwv 
 irapaKixTH. 
 
 I 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 204 
 
 start the applause, so that, if I should 
 happen to make any mistakes, the city 
 young men may have no opportunity of 
 hooting or hissing me. Let the clap- 
 ping of hands in applause drown the 
 noise of the scoffers. 
 
205 AAKIi'PONOE PHTOPOS 
 
 LXXII. 
 
 Iv ox^'- P^^ 'Pa^ai/oxopracrw. 
 
 Oux ovTcog ol Tovg Ep/xa? irepiKoyjravTe^, 
 r] TO. rfjg Oeov iv ^l^XevoriVL jULVCTTiipia i^opxi' 
 erdjuLevoi) top irepl "^vxrj^ aywua vireixeivav, 
 ft)? eyw, ef? x^^P^^ ejULTrecroov, cS deoly t?? jULiapw- 
 rarr]^ ^avo/uLax^9. 'YtTrel yap eyvoo top 
 cavrf}^ irpocTKelixevov rij 'IwviKiJ TraiSla-Kr}, t^ 
 Tag (r<paLpag ava^pLirTOvan Kai ra? Xa/uLiraSag 
 irepiSivovcru, vTreTOirria^ev efxe irpo^evov elvai 
 Trjg KOLvcoplag, Kal Sia tow oiKeTcov avapira- 
 G-acra, TrapaxpW^^ 1^^^ ^v KvcoSoxtl Srja-aa-a 
 KaTccrx^v, elg t^v vcrTepaiav Se irapu tov 
 eavTtjg ?ye iraTepa, tov (TKvQpwirov KXeatVe- 
 TOVy o? Tavvv Srj TavTa irpcoTevei tov crvve- 
 SpLov, Kal €ig avTov 6 "KpeLO<s Trayo? 
 airo^XeTTOvcTiv. 'AXX' oTav tlvol OeXcomv oi 
 Oeol cru>^€(r6ai, koi e^ avTwv avacnrwa-i /3apu- 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 205 
 
 LXXII. 
 
 Oenochaeron to Raphanochortasus. 
 
 Those who have mutilated the Hermae, 
 or betrayed the secrets of the Eleusinian 
 goddess, have never endured such agony 
 as I did, when I fell into the clutches 
 of that accursed woman Phanomache. 
 When she found out that her husband 
 was devoted to that Ionian wench, who 
 is clever at tossing up balls and 
 swinging lamps round, she immediately 
 suspected that I was the go-between 
 in the connexion, ordered her servants 
 to seize me, and clapped me into 
 the stocks. The next day, she took me 
 before her father, the sulky Cleaenetus, 
 who is now President of the Council, and 
 held in great respect by the members of 
 the Areopagus. But when it is the will 
 of the gods that anyone should escape, 
 they can draw him up even from the 
 
2o6 AAKI^PONOZ PHTOPOS 
 
 Opwv, 0)9 KcijuLe Tov TpiKaprjvov Kvvog, ov (ftaa-iv 
 e^earravai Tatg Taprapem^ TruXai^, e^ripiraaav. 
 OvK e^Otj yap to, /car' e/xe 6 Seivog CKclvog 
 irp€(rPvTrjg tu /3ov\u koivovjulcpo^, Kai ^iriaXw 
 arva-xcOeh, eig rrjv ew airiyjrv^e. Kat 6 jmev 
 €KTaSr}v Kelrai, irpo^ rrjv €K<j>opav twu oikol 
 7rapa(rK€ua^oiuL€VU)v' eyw ^e [\l/-vTTa Kara- 
 re/i/a?], jj ttoSwv elx^v, (pxoju^W' '^ct^ crcofo/xai 
 ovx vTfo TOV Ttjg 'AtXoj/t/^o? Ma/a? iraiSo^ 
 yjrvxo.y(ay^OeL<s, aXX' viro tcov iroSwv kol 
 TOV To\/uLr]/JLaT09y Trjv eXevOepav iropla-ag 
 OLTpairov, 
 
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON 206 
 
 bottom of the pit, just as they saved me 
 from the clutches of the three-headed 
 dog, who, they say, keeps guard before 
 the entrance to the nether world. For, 
 before the terrible old man could bring 
 my case before the Council, he was at- 
 tacked by the hot ague, and died in the 
 morning. He now lies stretched out in 
 death, and his household are making 
 preparations for the funeral; meanwhile, 
 I ran off as fast as my feet could carry 
 me. I owe my safety and freedom, not 
 so much to the escort of the son of Maia, 
 the daughter of Atlas, as to the swiftness 
 of my feet and my own boldness. 
 
NOTES 
 
 These Notes are merely intended to give brief explana- 
 tions of names or allusions^ and do not deal with 
 matters of textual criticism. 
 
 BOOK I 
 
 The first figure refers to the page, the second to the line of the page. 
 Pagk Line 
 
 2 20 Phalerum : One of the three harbours of 
 
 Athens, the other two being Piraeus 
 and Munychia. 
 
 3 7 The cask of the Danaides : These were 
 
 the fifty daughters of Danaus ; they 
 were married to the fifty sons of 
 Aegyptus, and all of them, except 
 one, put their husbands to death on 
 the wedding night. As a punishment, 
 they were sentenced, in the lower 
 world, to keep incessantly pouring 
 water into casks which were full of 
 holes. Hence the expression is used 
 to signify *' useless labour." 
 
 3 8 Sea nettles : Fishes called by this name. 
 
 3 18 In the pool of Eurynome : There is 
 great doubt about the reading here. 
 Eurynome is supposed to be either 
 the name of a sea-nymph or a place. 
 
208 NOTES 
 
 Page Line 
 5 4 Aneisidora : Corn is said to have been 
 first produced in Attica ; hence its 
 inhabitants gave the earth the name 
 of Aneisidora, *' producer of gifts." 
 
 5 II Who hang about the Painted Porch: i.e., 
 the Stoic philosophers. The o-roa 
 ttolklXt] was one of the most re- 
 markable of the 2Toat, or porticos 
 of Athens ; it was so called from the 
 variety of curious pictures it con- 
 tained. Here it was that Zeno, the 
 founder of the Stoic school of philo- 
 sophy, taught, and for that reason 
 his followers were called Stoics. 
 
 5 i6 Aratus : He wrote two poems on astro- 
 nomical subjects; he is supposed to 
 have lived about b.c. 270 ; Cicero 
 translated part of his poems into 
 Latin Verse. 
 
 7 15 The Oschophoria and Lenaea : Two festi- 
 
 vals in honour of Dionysus (Bacchus). 
 The former was properly the name 
 given to a day of the Athenian 
 festival ^KLpa or ^KLpo(f>6pia, on 
 which chosen boys, sons of citizens, 
 in women's dress, carrying vine- 
 branches (ocrxot) loaded with grapes, 
 went in procession from the temple 
 of Bacchus to that of 'Adrjva ^Kipds. 
 The Lenaea was so called from Xrjvos, a 
 wine-press. Dramatic contests, es- 
 pecially between the comic poets, 
 took place on this occasion. 
 
 8 I Aegina : A well-known island in the 
 
 Saronic Gulf, which played an im- 
 portant part in the history of ancient 
 Greece. 
 
NOTES 209 
 
 Page Line 
 9 6 Darks : A Persian gold coin, about 
 equal in value to a guinea. Said to 
 have been first coined by King 
 Darius, but the name is probably 
 derived from the Persian dara, " a 
 king" — cf. our "sovereign." 
 
 9 7 Salamis : b.c. 480, when Xerxes was 
 defeated in a naval engagement by 
 the Athenians under Themistocles. 
 
 10 4 Stiria : One of the demes or town- 
 ships into which Attica was divided. 
 
 10 14 Hermione : In Argolis, in Peloponnesus. 
 
 11 8 //ajr-w^^s ; A woman's head-dress made 
 
 of net, used to confine the hair with, 
 especially indoors, such as are still 
 used in Italy and Spain. 
 
 13 16 Corycian bark : So called from a moun- 
 tain in Lydia, in Asia Minor, which 
 was famous as being the haunt of 
 pirates. 
 
 15 3 After the fashion of Maiidrobtilus : That 
 is, from bad to worse. The following 
 is the explanation given of this pro- 
 verbial expression : Mandrobulus, 
 having had the good luck to dis- 
 cover a vast treasure, in gratitude 
 to the gods, offered a golden ram 
 to them; he afterwards offered one 
 of silver ; then one of brass ; and, 
 finally, none at all. 
 
 15 12 Sphettus . . . Cholargus : Two Attic 
 demes. 
 
 15 17 Dionysia : Festival of Bacchus. 
 
 Apaturia : A festival first instituted at 
 Athens, so called from aTrar^, " de- 
 ceit," because it celebrated the 
 memory of a stratagem by which 
 
 27 
 
210 NOTES 
 
 Page Line 
 
 Melanthius, king of Athens, over- 
 came Xanthus, king of Boeotia. 
 
 1 6 I Market-inspectors : Clerks of the market, 
 
 who regulated the buying and selling, 
 like the Roman aediles. 
 
 17 18 Malea : The southernmost point of 
 
 Greece. It was considered a very 
 dangerous part for navigation. There 
 was a proverb, " When you double 
 Malea, forget those at home." 
 
 18 2 Caphareits : A promontory of Euboea. 
 
 19 4 Paralus . . . Salaminia : The two 
 
 Athenian galleys, reserved for state- 
 services, religious missions, embassies, 
 the conveyance of public moneys and 
 persons, and also frequently as ad- 
 mirals' galleys in sea-fights. 
 
 ig 16 Sunium : In Attica. 
 
 19 17 Geraestus : A harbour and promontory 
 in Euboea. 
 
 22 16 A Telchinian : The Telchinians were the 
 
 first inhabitants of Crete, Cyprus, 
 and Rhodes, and the first workers in 
 metal. They had a bad reputation as 
 spiteful genii; hence, a "Telchinian" 
 was used generally for "a spiteful, 
 mischievous person." 
 
 23 4 The Areopagus : The highest judicial 
 
 court of Athens, so called from the 
 "Apeios Trayos, or hill of Ares, over 
 against the Acropolis, where it was 
 held. 
 
 27 I Watcher : A man whose duty it was to 
 help the fishermen by keeping a look- 
 out and giving them notice of the 
 approach of a shoal of fish. 
 
NOTES 211 
 
 Page Line 
 
 29 5 Gulf of Calydon : Part of the Gulf of 
 Corinth. 
 
 29 7 Crataiis : A reference to Homer's Odys- 
 sey. When Ulysses learns from Circe 
 that he must lose six of his com- 
 panions at the rock of Scylla, he asks 
 how he can avenge their death ; but 
 Circe advises him to flee without 
 delay and invoke Crataiis, the mother 
 of Scylla, to protect him against 
 further loss. 
 
 31 6 Wine from Chalyhon : Wine from a town 
 in Syria, which was a favourite drink 
 of the kings of Persia. 
 
 35 13 A plan worthy of Ulysses : A proverbial 
 
 expression, signifying a very clever 
 plan, Ulysses being considered a 
 model of cunning. 
 
 36 5 ^ couple of obols : An obol was worth 
 
 about three halfpence. 
 
 38 19 Propontis : The Sea of Marmora. 
 
 39 7 Colonus : One of the boroughs of Attica, 
 
 famous for the tomb of Oedipus, and 
 immortalised by Sophocles, who was 
 a native of it, in his tragedy of Oedipus 
 at Colonus. 
 
 39 17 How many talents ? A talent was worth 
 
 about ^250. 
 
 40 7 For a month : The interest on borrowed 
 
 money was paid monthly, and the 
 day of collecting it was the last day 
 of every moon. 
 
 40 12 A wolf : Wolves were such a pest to the 
 
 country that a reward was publicly 
 offered for their destruction. 
 
 41 8 Completely ruined 7ne : 'L\iQr2l\y,^^i\iTTiedL 
 
 me upside down." The allusion is 
 
 27 — 2 
 
212 NOTES 
 
 Page Line 
 
 to casks o£ wine which, having been 
 drained of their contents, are turned 
 upside down and used for sitting on. 
 
 42 6 Decrepit: Literally, "as old as three 
 crows." 
 
 42 17 Cecrops : The oldest legendary king of 
 
 Athens : hence used for " an old 
 dotard." 
 
 43 3 The Isthmian Games : So called from 
 
 the Isthmus of Corinth, where they 
 were celebrated. They were sup- 
 posed to have been instituted by 
 Theseus, king of Attica, in honour 
 of Neptune. 
 
 44 5 Olympian : Read " Isthmian." 
 
 44 13 Chremes Or Diphilus : Two characters 
 in Menander's plays. 
 
 50 17 The Festival of Ceres : The H aloa ( * A Awa) 
 was a festival in honour of Demeter 
 (Ceres) as the inventress of agri- 
 culture. 
 
 52 7 The Academy : A gymnasium in the 
 suburbs of Athens, where Plato the 
 philosopher taught : hence his pupils 
 were called Academics. 
 
 54 6 Aspasia : The mistress of the famous 
 Athenian statesman, Pericles; she is 
 said to have studied under Gorgias 
 of Leontini, a famous sophist and 
 rhetorician. 
 
 54 17 The Lyceum : A public wrestling-ground 
 in the eastern suburbs of Athens. 
 
 56 5 /I poor consolation : The commentators 
 differ greatly as to the interpretation 
 of this passage. According to some, 
 the reference is not to a "flower," but 
 
NOTES 213 
 
 Page Line 
 
 to a lock of hair from Petale's head ; 
 others explain it by the Greek proverb, 
 cK rpixos Kpcfxarai^ implying that a 
 man is in great danger, " hanging 
 by a single hair " or thread. But 
 " the flowers " seems to suit the epithet 
 fiapatvoixevov. 
 
 57 8 Myrrhinus : An Attic deme. 
 
 57 9 The silver mines : The mines of Laurium, 
 
 in the neighbourhood of Attica, were 
 famous. 
 
 58 10 Well, my friend: We find similar sug- 
 
 gestions in Lucian's Dialogues of 
 Courtesans (xii.). 
 
 59 3 ^^^ festival of Adonis : Celebrated in 
 
 most of the cities of Greece in honour 
 of Venus, and in memory of her be- 
 loved Adonis. See the account in 
 the Adoniazusae, the 15th Idyll of 
 Theointus. 
 
 65 15 A staff of flgtree wood: The allusion is 
 
 obscure ; nothing is known of Philo. 
 The proverb itself is said to be used 
 of those who have attained to happi- 
 ness and fortune beyond their 
 deserts ; the idea implied by " fig- 
 tree wood " is that of weakness 
 and untrustworthiness ; but it is 
 not easy to see the application here. 
 
 66 14 A serious dispute : For a similar con- 
 
 test compare Athenaeus, Book xii., 
 and the Amores of Lucian. 
 
 67 12 Then she showed : Lit., but it (fvy))) 
 
 did not tremble, &c. 
 
 68 4 The Golden Alley : This topography 
 
 occurs again in Book iii. letter 8. 
 
 68 12 Colyttus : An Attic deme. 
 
214 NOTES 
 
 Page Line 
 
 68 1 6 A dice-box : Others propose K-qpiov^ 
 " a waxen image." 
 
 68 17 Coral image : Some take Corallium 
 (KopdWiov) as a proper name ; 
 others interpret it as " counters." 
 
 BOOK II 
 
 70 6 Demetrius: Surnamed Poliorcetes, son 
 
 of Antigonus, one of the generals of 
 Alexander the Great. He was sent 
 by his father against Ptolemy at the 
 age of 22. He defeated this prince, 
 delivered Athens from the yoke of 
 Cassander, and drove out the garri- 
 son established by Demetrius of 
 Phalerum. He seized Cyprus, forced 
 Cassander to raise the siege of 
 Athens, defeated him at Thermo- 
 pylae, and restored their liberty to 
 the Rhodians and Phocidians. He 
 was appointed commander-in-chief 
 of the Greeks, took part of Thessaly 
 from Cassander, and was defeated 
 at Ipsus (302) by Lysimachus and 
 Seleucus. The Athenians refused to 
 admit him to Athens, but he after- 
 wards forced his way there, took 
 possession of the city, defeated the 
 Lacedaemonians, and ascended the 
 Macedonian throne. He died in 
 B.C. 2og. 
 
 71 5 Gnathaena : A contemporary and rival 
 
 courtesan. 
 
 71 6 But this does not grieve me : The mean- 
 ing of this passage is much dis- 
 puted ; others render 'qX.oyrjficvrjy " I 
 am greatly perplexed." 
 
NOTES 215 
 
 Page Line 
 
 73 16 Who behaved like foxes at Ephesus : 
 There was a Greek proverb, olkol fxkv 
 AeovT€?, €v fJ-dxy S' aAw7r€Kcs. We 
 are told that this was applied to 
 the Lacedaemonians by Lamia, in 
 consequence of their having been 
 corrupted in Ionia by the influence 
 of Lysander. 
 
 73 1 9 Taygetus : A mountain in Laconia. 
 
 74 3 Epicurus: The founder of the Epicurean 
 
 sect of philosophers, whose motto, 
 roughly speaking, was that pleasure 
 was the chief good, the summum 
 honwn. His antithesis was Zeno, the 
 founder of the Stoic school. Consult 
 Zeller's Stoics, Epicureans, and Sceptics. 
 
 74 13 His doctrines about nature: His Kvpuau 
 
 So^ai, or special tenets. 
 
 75 3 In his irony : A reference to the Socra- 
 
 tic €t/)wv€ia, an ignorance purposely 
 aifected to confound an opponent. 
 
 75 3 Pythocles : The favourite of Epicurus, as 
 
 Alcibiades was of Socrates. 
 
 76 5 Some Cappadocian : A reference to the 
 
 inelegance of Epicurus's style, which 
 is mentioned by Athenaeus. 
 
 76 21 The Lyceum: A building dedicated to 
 Apollo, on the banks of the Ilissus, 
 one of the three Gymnasia, the other 
 two being the Academy and the 
 Cynosarges. 
 
 76 26 This A treus : The following is the com- 
 parison drawn. If Epicurus is Atreus, 
 king of Mycenae, Timarchus will 
 represent Thyestes, the younger 
 brother of Atreus, and Leontium 
 Aerope the wife of Atreus, who com- 
 
2l6 
 
 NOTES 
 
 Page Line 
 
 77 26 
 
 79 
 
 80 
 80 
 
 80 13 
 
 80 
 
 mitted adultery with Thyestes, who 
 on that account was driven out of the 
 kingdom. 
 
 Sophists: The so-called "professors of 
 wisdom," who undertook to teach 
 everything for a consideration. There 
 is a celebrated chapter on these 
 people in Grate's History of Greece. 
 
 The Eleiisinian goddesses and their mys- 
 teries : These mysteries were cele- 
 brated every fifth year at Eleusis, a 
 borough town in Attica, in honour of 
 Ceres and her daughter Proserpine. 
 It was the most solemn and mysterious 
 of all the Greek festivals. 
 
 The Haloa : See note on 50, 17. 
 
 Ptolemy, King of Egypt : Ptolemy Soter 
 or Lagus (360-283). He had been 
 one of Alexander's most trustworthy 
 generals, and, at the partition of the 
 Empire, was made governor of Egypt. 
 He remained as a nominal tributary 
 to the Macedonian power until 306, 
 when he became the actual king and 
 assumed the title of the Pharaohs. 
 He laid the foundation of the great- 
 ness of Alexandria by inaugurating 
 its Hbrary and school. 
 
 Philemon : A comic poet, contemporary 
 of Menander. 
 
 18 ■ Menander (b.c. 342-290) : He was 
 drowned while bathing in the har- 
 bour of Piraeus. He wrote more 
 than 100 comedies; but was only 
 crowned eight times, through the in- 
 trigues of his rival Philemon. Only 
 a few fragments of his works remain, 
 found in Athenaeus, Suidas, and 
 
NOTES 217 
 
 Page Line 
 
 Stobalus ; he was the creator of what 
 was called the New Comedy. 
 
 80 21 My Heliaea: The Heliaea was the chief 
 
 law-court of Athens. 
 
 81 18 Thericlean drinking-cups : Broad drink- 
 
 ing-cups, of black clay or wood, 
 called after Thericles, a Corinthian 
 potter. 
 
 81 21 Our yearly Choes : The Feast of Pitchers, 
 
 the second day of the Anthesteria, or 
 Feast of Flowers, the three days' 
 festival in honour of Dionysus 
 (Bacchus) in the month Anthesterion 
 (the eighth month of the Attic year, 
 answering to the end of February 
 and the beginning of March). 
 
 82 6 The legislators: The Oea-fioderai, or six 
 
 junior archons at Athens, who after 
 their year of office expired, became 
 members of the Areopagus. 
 
 82 8 The roped inclosure : In the Athenian 
 law-courts, the judges were separated 
 from the people by a rope. There 
 may also be an allusion to the ver- 
 milion - painted rope, with which 
 loiterers were driven out of the 
 Agora into the Pnyx. See Aristo- 
 phanes, A charnians, 22 ; and Ecclesi- 
 aztisae, 379. 
 
 82 9 The Feast of Pots: The third day of 
 the Anthesteria. 
 
 The Ceramicus : Literally, the Potters' 
 Quarter ; there were two places of 
 tnis name, the inner and outer. 
 
 82 12 The Stenia : A nightly festival in which 
 the return of Demeter (Ceres) from 
 the lower world was celebrated by 
 
2X8 
 
 NOTES 
 
 Page Line 
 
 82 
 
 85 
 86 
 
 89 
 
 13 
 
 87 19 
 
 88 
 
 88 16 
 
 90 19 
 
 91 
 91 
 
 16 
 
 women. Others propose ISrct/ata, the 
 name of a deme or borough in the 
 tribe of Pandionis. 
 
 Psyttalia : A small island near Salamis. 
 
 The glorious Mother : Ceres. 
 
 Even if an ox were to speak : That is, if 
 something unnatural were to happen. 
 
 The promontory of Proteus : The promon- 
 tories of the island of Pharos, which 
 was afterwards famous for its light- 
 house. 
 
 Its echoing statues : Especially the statue 
 of Memnon. 
 
 Its famous labyrinth: For a description, 
 see Herodotus, ii. 148. 
 
 Bushels : A /xe8t/xi/os was properly a 
 measure containing six bushels. 
 
 Like another Ariadne: Ariadne, having 
 fallen in love with Theseus, delivered 
 him from the Minotaur, by giving him 
 a ball of thread, which conducted him 
 out of the labyrinth, after he had de- 
 stroyed the monster. In return for 
 this, Theseus carried Ariadne with 
 him as far as Naxos, and there aban- 
 doned her. She afterwards became 
 the priestess of Bacchus. 
 
 Those A thenian wasps : In the well-known 
 play {The Wasps) of Aristophanes, the 
 chorus is composed of these creatures, 
 the chief reason given for this being 
 the ** irritable and passionate charac- 
 ter of the Athenians." 
 
 Theophrastus : The tutor of Menander. 
 
 The stretching of the branches of the broom : 
 
 Others read aa-rpaiv Sta^ccret, *'the 
 
 arrangement of the stars." 
 
NOTES ai9 
 
 91 23 Sty rax : The shrub which produces the 
 sweet-smelling gum or resin used for 
 incense. 
 
 94 6 Your damsel inspired with divine frenzy : 
 The title of one of Menander's come- 
 dies {Oeo<f>opoviJi€vrj). It may simply 
 allude to Glycera herself. 
 
 BOOK III 
 
 96 I Orchomenus : A city in Arcadia where 
 there was a temple of the Graces. 
 
 96 2 Gargaphia : A fountain in Boeotia. 
 
 96 7 The Lesbian Sappho : Who threw herself 
 
 into the sea for love of Phaon. 
 
 97 3 yl dose of hellebore : Supposed to be a 
 
 specific for madness. Anticyra was 
 a town in Phocis, on the Corinthian 
 Gulf. 
 99 7 Phloea : One of the Attic demes. 
 
 100 II Pa/aw^^^s : The great inventor amongst 
 the Greeks. Astrology and the 
 measuring of time were two of his 
 notable discoveries. 
 
 102 12 The Leocorium: The temple of the 
 daughters of Leos, who, in time of 
 famine, sacrificed his daughters in 
 order to put a stop to it. 
 
 102 14 Mendos : In Egypt. Others understand 
 it of wine from Mende in Thrace. 
 
 105 2 What god unexpectedly interfered? Lit., 
 acted the part of the Deus ex machina 
 (^€os (XTTo /xT/xa^^?)? ^ proverbial ex- 
 pression signifying a happier issue 
 of a disagreeable situation than might 
 have been expected. 
 
220 
 
 NOTES 
 
 Page 
 107 
 
 Line 
 6 
 
 III 
 
 112 
 
 From the Scyrian quarter : The common 
 haunt of courtesans. 
 
 Fall of the leaves : Plutarch (Symposiaca, 
 viii. 10) says : " Dreams are unreHable 
 and false, especially in the months 
 when the trees shed their leaves." 
 
 Dryads, Epimelides, and Naiads : The 
 Wood Nymphs, Nymphs of the flocks 
 and herds (or fruits), and the Water 
 Nymphs. 
 
 112 10 Coliades . . . G emty Hides : Both names 
 of Venus. 
 
 114 17 The son of Calliope: Orpheus. 
 
 The Edonians : A Thracian people. 
 
 A Melian or Acarnanian mercenary : Sup- 
 posed to be a reference to characters 
 in Menander's plays. Compare the 
 Miles Gloriosus of Plautus. 
 
 The Cordax : The Athenian representa- 
 tive of the cancan. 
 
 Oechalia : There were five towns of this 
 name. This Eurybates was a well- 
 known thief and sharper. 
 
 The stony field : The name of a rocky 
 district of Attica. 
 
 126 13 The Eleven : Composed of one repre- 
 sentative from each of the ten tribes 
 of Athens, together with a clerk. 
 They had charge of the prisons, 
 police, and the punishment of 
 criminals. 
 
 128 14 Brilessus : A mountain in Attica, almost 
 as famous for its honey as Mount 
 Hymettus. 
 
 131 5 That rascal Strombichus : Lit., Corycian 
 evil spirit. There was a Greek pro- 
 
 119 
 
 121 
 
 124 
 
 125 
 
 12 
 
 13 
 
 10 
 
NOTES 221 
 
 Page Line 
 
 verb, " A Corycian has heard him." 
 It had its origin from the brigands 
 who infested Mount Corycus. (See 
 note on 13, 16.) 
 
 134 7 ^^^ Metichcunt : The name of an Athe- 
 nian law-court. 
 
 134 12 A greater chatterer than a turtle-dove : A 
 proverbial expression. According to 
 Aelian, the turtle-dove kept up a 
 perpetual cooing, not only in front, 
 but also behind. 
 
 139 I Timon : Compare Timon the Misan- 
 thrope as described by Lucian, and 
 Shakspere's Timon of Athens. 
 
 141 I The soldier : A stock character with 
 
 Greek comic writers; compare Le- 
 ontichus in Lucian' s Dialogues of 
 Courtesans. 
 
 142 2 Hermaphroditus : The special god who 
 
 presided over the destinies of married 
 people. 
 
 142 4 A lopece : One of the Attic demes. 
 
 144 6 Numenius : It was customary at Athens 
 to buy and sell slaves at the com- 
 mencement of the new moon. 
 
 144 13 Epimenides the Cretan : This person, 
 being tired with walking, is said to 
 have gone into a cave, where he 
 slept for 47 years. 
 
 144 14 Hercules : His birth was said to have 
 
 taken three nights to accomplish. 
 
 145 7 The Thesmophoria : An ancient festival 
 
 held by the Athenian women in 
 honour of Demeter (Ceres) Thesmo- 
 phorus, the law-giver, so called as 
 having introduced tillage and given 
 the first impulse to civil society. 
 
2tt 
 
 Page 
 
 Line 
 
 147 
 
 8 
 
 148 
 
 10 
 
 149 
 
 150 
 
 151 18 
 
 Dogs: i.e. the Cynics. 
 
 Draco: The oldest Athenian legislator. 
 His laws, which were very severe, 
 were afterwards considerably modi- 
 fied by Solon. 
 
 Decelea : About 14 miles north of Athens, 
 on a ridge of Mt. Parnes. 
 
 The goddess of labour : Especially women's 
 labour. Minerva is meant. 
 
 The Cynosarges: A gymnasium outside 
 the city, sacred to Hercules, for the 
 use of those who were not of pure ' 
 Athenian blood. 
 
 153 3 Serangium: In Piraeus. 
 
 155 2 Megareans or Aegieaus : Both these 
 people were regarded with contempt, 
 as we learn from Homer, Theocritus, 
 and Erasmus. 
 
 155 6 Crates : We are told by Diogenes Laer- 
 tius that he was called Ovp€7ravoLKT7j<;, 
 that is, the door-opener, because all 
 doors were open to receive him. 
 
 155 17 After he has wiped his hands upon it : 
 Others take this to mean that " the 
 Graces have wiped their hands upon 
 him," that is, bestowed a part of their 
 grace and powers of fascination upon 
 him. According to the translation in 
 the text, the passage refers to the 
 custom of placing a piece of fine soft 
 bread before each guest at an enter- 
 tainment, with which he wiped his 
 fingers, and afterwards threw it to 
 the dogs. 
 
 158 5 The Cureotis : The third day of the 
 Festival of Apaturia, on which the 
 sons of Athenian citizens were ad- 
 
NOTES 223 
 
 Page Line 
 
 mitted, at three or four years of age, 
 among the (fipdropes or tribesmen, and 
 their names entered in their register, 
 which was afterwards a proof of their 
 citizenship. 
 
 159 2 Hermione: In Argolis. 
 
 160 8 0/ Molossian and Cnosian breed: From 
 , Molossus in Epirus. The Cnosian 
 
 came from Crete. 
 
 161 15 A dog who, &c, : A common proverbial 
 
 expression. Cf. Horace : Ut canis a 
 corio nunquam absterrebitur uncto. 
 
 162 5 The Propompi : Possibly the " Seven 
 
 against Thebes " may be meant ; or 
 it is one of the lost tragedies of 
 Aeschylus. 
 
 163 I Phenea: A town in Arcadia. 
 
 163 14 His fellow-actors : Literally, flatterers of 
 
 Dionysus. 
 
 164 8 Enneacrunus: Another name for the 
 
 fountain of Callirhoe, so called from 
 its having " nine springs." 
 
 164 16 Haliartus: In Boeotia. 
 
 164 17 DipyUivt : The " double gate," the largest 
 
 in Athens. 
 
 165 4 Pyanepsion: October- November. 
 
 165 8 The second day : Which was spent by 
 
 the bridegroom at his father-in-law's 
 house. 
 
 166 6 His houses: Properly, houses in which 
 
 several families live, " flats," or 
 •' lodging-houses," answering to the 
 Roman insulae. Such houses were 
 a common investment amongst the 
 wealthier Athenians. 
 
224 
 
 NOTES 
 
 Page 
 
 i68 
 
 Line 
 
 2 
 
 i68 
 
 3 
 
 i68 
 
 6 
 
 i68 
 
 17 
 
 170 
 
 172 
 
 174 
 
 176 
 
 179 
 179 
 
 180 
 
 176 17 
 
 177 
 
 10 
 
 Eurotas : Anciently called the " king 
 of rivers," and worshipped by the 
 Spartans as a powerful god. It rose 
 in Arcadia and flowed through La- 
 conia. 
 
 Pirene : A spring near Corinth. 
 
 Callirhoe: See on 164, 8. 
 
 Run the risk of growing thin : Others 
 render " of being torn to pieces." 
 
 The oracle of Dodona: The prophetic 
 oak of Dodona, the most ancient 
 oracle of Greece. 
 
 The Painted Porch: See on 5, 11. 
 
 Like a Spartan : It was part of the 
 severe discipline which prevailed 
 among the Spartans to flog their 
 young men to make them hardy 
 and able to bear pain. 
 
 These solemn personages : This letter 
 bears a very close resemblance to 
 Lucian's Symposium, or Banquet of 
 the Philosophers. 
 
 The Peripatetic : The Peripatetics were 
 the school of Aristotle and his fol- 
 lowers, so called because he taught 
 walking in a Tre/atVaTo? or walk of 
 the Lyceum at Athens. 
 
 His reserve : The Pythagoreans were 
 famous for their silence. 
 
 Pythocles : The favourite of Epicurus. 
 
 To eat and drink : A quotation from the 
 speech of Eumaeus to Ulysses, Odys- 
 sey, XV. 377. 
 
 The Saturnalia : The festival in honour 
 of Cronus or Saturn, celebrated at 
 
NOTES 225 
 
 Pack Line 
 
 Athens on the 12th day of the month 
 Hecatombaeon (July- August). 
 
 180 9 Shoes : Called 'I^tKpaTtSe? after the 
 Athenian general Iphicrates. 
 
 182 4 The silent hero: Probably Harpocrates, 
 
 the god of silence, who was usually 
 represented with his finger on his 
 lips. 
 
 183 12 Ganymede: Who was carried up to 
 
 heaven by an eagle to Jupiter to be 
 his cupbearer. 
 
 185 9 The Craneium: The market-place of 
 
 Corinth. 
 
 186 9 Cythera: The modern Cerigo, where 
 
 Venus is said to have sprung from 
 the sea. 
 
 187 4 Chalastraean nitre : Yxovci ChdlesiTdi^ the 
 
 name of a town and lake in Macedo- 
 nia. It is highly spoken of by Pliny. 
 
 188 I The Pnyx : The place at Athens where 
 
 the 'E/c/cAT^o-iai or assembHes of the 
 people were held ; it was cut out of a 
 hill about a quarter of a mile west of 
 the AcropoHs or citadel, and was 
 semi-circular in form like a theatre. 
 188 5 Ostracised : When it was decided to re- 
 move a powerful party-leader, after 
 the Senate and Ecclesia had decided 
 that such a step was necessary, each 
 citizen wrote upon a tile or oystershell 
 (oa-rpaKoq) the name of the person 
 whom he desired to banish. The 
 votes were then collected, and if it 
 was found that 6,000 had been re- 
 corded against any one person, he 
 was obliged to withdraw from the 
 city within ten days. 
 
 28 
 
226 
 
 NOTES 
 
 Page Line 
 
 189 17 One of the Olympian fascinators: The 
 
 commentators do not venture upon an 
 explanation. It may simply refer to 
 the athletes who had gained prizes 
 at the Olympic games, and gave 
 themselves airs in consequence. 
 
 I go 4 Empusa : A hobgoblin that assumed 
 various shapes. 
 
 190 12 A radish: This, as is well known, 
 
 formed part of the punishment of 
 an adulterer. 
 
 191 8 Some tokens : The recognition of children 
 
 in later life through these tokens is 
 a favourite device with Greek and 
 Roman dramatists. 
 
 193 7 Goddess of sensual love: Venus popu- 
 
 laris, or UdvSrjfxo^^ the goddess of 
 *' common " as opposed to " spiritual" 
 love. 
 
 194 I Istria: On the Euxine Sea. 
 
 196 I That accursed barber : We are reminded 
 of the barber in the Arabian Nights, 
 
 198 2 Who carried the basket: This basket 
 
 contained the sacred things that 
 were carried in procession at the 
 feasts of Ceres, Bacchus, and Mi- 
 nerva. The office was highly prized. 
 
 199 14 The Saviour princes: The Dioscuri, 
 
 Castor and Pollux. The following 
 is the story of Simonides: He was 
 at a banquet, when someone came 
 to tell him that two young men in 
 the street wanted to speak to him. 
 He went out : and at the same 
 moment, the roof of the house fell 
 in, and destroyed all beneath it. 
 The two young men were supposed 
 
NOTES 227 
 
 Page Line 
 
 to have been Castor and Pollux. 
 Simonides of Ceos was the most 
 prolific poet of Greece, and is con- 
 sidered as a first inventor of a 
 mnemonical system. 
 
 200 7 The Well of Callichorum: Wives sus- 
 pected of infidelity to their husbands 
 were obliged to declare their inno- 
 cence at this well. 
 
 203 10 For the next Dionysia : At which new 
 plays were performed. 
 
 205 I Hermae : Figures of Hermes (Mercury) 
 in the public streets, which it was 
 considered a heinous offence to mu- 
 tilate or remove. 
 
 205 2 Betrayed : Literally, " danced out," 
 apparently referring to certain dances 
 which burlesqued these solemn rites. 
 
 205 7 That loniati wench : Ionian girls were 
 famous for their wanton dances. 
 
 207 I The three-headed dog: Cerberus, who 
 guarded the gates of .the nether 
 world. 
 
 207 12 The son of Maia : Hermes (Mercury), 
 who escorted the souls (^vxaywycii/) 
 of the dead to Hades. 
 
BIBLIOGRAPHY 
 
 The Aldine edition, Venice, 1499 : the " editio 
 princeps." 
 
 Recensuit, emendavit, versione ac notis illus- 
 travit S. Bergler, Lipsiae, 171 5. 
 
 Cum Bergleri commentario integro, cui aliorum 
 criticorum et suas notationes, versionem 
 emendatam indiculumque adiecit J. A. 
 Wagner, Lipsiae, 1798. 
 
 Recensuit cum Bergleri integris, Meinekii, 
 Wagneri, aliorum selectis, suisque annota- 
 tionibus edidit, indices adiecit E. E. Seller, 
 Lipsiae, 1853. 
 
 Translated from the Greek with annotations, 
 by T. Monro and W. Beloe. [Apparently 
 the only English version published.] 
 
 Lettres grecques; traduites en Fran9ois [par 
 J. Richard], avec des notes historiques et 
 critiques. Amsterdam, 1785. 
 
 Lettres grecques traduites en Fran9ais, par 
 S. de Rouville, Paris, 1874. 
 
 A's Briefe, aus dem Griechischen Ubersetzt 
 von J. F. Herel, Altenburg, 1767. 
 
 Letter! di Alcifrone : tradotte dal Greco per 
 F. Negri, Milano, 1806. 
 
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