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Digitized by the Internet Archive

in

2007 with funding from

Microsoft Corporation

http://www.archive.org/details/alciphronliteralOOalcirich

THE ATHENIAN

SOCIETY'S

PUBLICATIONS
III

250 Copies of
printed on

this

work have been privately

for
distribution

ordinary paper solely

amongst

the

Members

of the Athenian

Society,

None of these copies are for sale. 5 Special Copies have also been privately None of these copies printed on Japanese Vellum,
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
I

LITERALLY AND COMPLETELY TRANSLATED 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 respecting his life or the age in which he lived. Some assign him to the fifth
century a.d.
;

others,

to

the

period

between
(170-350
are

Lucian
A.D.)
;

and
while

Aristaenetus
others

again

of opinion

that

he lived before
regard
is

Lucian.

The

only circumstance that

in

suggests anything

to

the

period at which he lived

that,

the fact

amongst the letters of Aristaenetus, there are two which passed between Lucian and Alciphron and, as
;

Aristaenetus

is

generally trustworthy.

vi

INTRODUCTION
infer

we may

that

Alciphron was a
is

contemporary of Lucian, which

false,

not

incompatible with the opinion, true or

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
it

in the

second century

a.d.,

but

does not follow that he wrote

the letters.

The
ject
is

letters, as

we have them,

are

divided into three books.

Their ob-

to delineate the characters of

certain

classes

of

persons

by

intro-

ducing them as expressing their peculiar

sentiments and opinions upon

subjects with which they are familiar.

For

this

purpose
people,

Alciphron

chose

country

fishermen,
All are

parasites,

and courtesans.
graceful

made

to ex-

press themselves in

most elegant and language, even where the

INTRODUCTION
subjects
are

vii

low and
thus to

obscene.

The

characters are
raised

some extent

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
is

reign

of

Alexander

the

Great, as

clear from the letters of

the

second book.

The New
chief

Attic

comedy was the

which Alciphron
rial,

source
his

from
mate-

derived

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
style
;

Lucian in which he
different,

but

the

spirit
is

in

treats his subjects

far

very

and

more

refined.

In the great majority of cases the

names

in the

headings of the
in

letters,

which seem very clumsy

dress, are fictitious,

an English

coined to
of

and are purposely express some characteristic

between

the

persons

whom

they

are supposed to pass.

In the volume of
series

"Lucian"

in this

some account has been given

It

of the courtesans of Athens.

will

here be interesting to describe briefly

another curious class

the parasites

of

personages,

word which has had

amongst
the

a remarkable history.
Originally,

Greeks,

the parasites were persons

special functions.
like

who held They had a right,

and
their

the priests, to a certain portion

the
sacrificial

of

victims,

particular

duty

the

storage

was to look after and keep of the sacred

INTRODUCTION
corn,

ix

hence their name.

They

en-

joyed
the

an

honourable

position,

the Athenians resigned to

and them even

management of the temples, which gave them rank next to the priests.
Soon, after the example of Apollo,
the
witty
richest
citizens
-

looked
to

out

for

amuse jests, and flatter them in proportion to their importance and

table

companions,

them with

liberality.

By

degrees, however, these

parasites, lending

themselves to

ridi-

cule, fell into discredit

and contempt.
its

The name,
logical

diverted from

etymoto

signification,

was

applied
of

every

haunter

of

the

tables

the

rich, to

every sponger for a free meal,

to

every shameless flatterer

to
satisfy

who,
of

in

order

the

needs
to

his

stomach,
insults

consented

divert

the the

company and

patiently

endure

which it pleased the master of the house to heap upon him.

At

first

this

was by no means

INTRODUCTION
all

the case with

audacity,

parasites.

Gaiety,

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 profession. One of the most famous of parasites was Philoxenus of Leucas,
liveliness,

of

whom we

read in Athenaeus.

It

was
to

his practice,

whether at home or

abroad, after he had been to the bath,

go round the houses of the prin-

cipal citizens, followed

by boys carryAfter he

ing in a basket

oil,

vinegar, fish-sauce,

and other condiments.

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
he

day,

at

Ephesus, finding
left

that

there was nothing

in the market,

asked

the

reason.

Being

told

that everything

had been bought up

INTRODUCTION
for

xi

wedding
to

festival,

he

washed
bridere-

and

dressed himself,
the

and

deliberately

walked
groom,
ceived.

house of the

by

whom

he

was

well

He
**

took his seat at table,

or

ate, drank, sang an epithalamium

marriage
guests.

song,
I

and delighted the hope you will dine here

said

to-morrow,"

the host.
**

'^

Yes,"

you lay violent hands upon the market as you have done to-day." ** I wish I had a crane's neck," he sometimes exanswered
Philoxenus,
if

claimed;
relish

''then

should be able to

the flavour of the food for a

longer time."
of Syracuse,

Dionysius, the tyrant

very

fond

dinner,

he was him to and, while an enormous mullet

that
of
fish,

who knew

invited

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
it,

to
if

and put
hear
its

it

close to his ear, as

to

reply.

^*Well,"

said

Dionysius, somewhat annoyed, ''what

is

the matter?"

"I was asking him

about
the
sea
;

certain

information
interests

which
for
fish
is

me

but he has been

is

caught too young: this

having nothing to
in front of you,

his excuse

tell

me.

The

on the contrary,

old enough to satisfy

my

curiosity."

Dionysius, pleased with the rejoinder,

him his own fish. To perpetuate his memory, Philoxenus composed 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
sent on to
'*

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
mirth.

xiii

This being the case, it does seem at all unnatural that we should at the same time find them the friends and companions of the Such characters could courtesans.
not not but be mutually necessary to each
other.

The

courtesan
of

solicited

the
that

acquaintance
she

the

parasite,

might

the

more

easily

obtain

and carry on intrigues with the rich The parasite was and dissipated.
assiduous
courtesan,
in

his

attention

to

the

as

procuring

through her

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

means

dishonourable

signification

in

the

works of the writers of the Middle

and
used

New Comedy.
it

The

first

who

so

is

said

to

have been Alexis.

xiv

INTRODUCTION

In the later comedians they are stock

characters,
to
it.

whose
are

chief

object

was

get

dinner without paying for

divided
into
different

They

classes.

There were the

not

yeXwroTroioly

or jesters, who, in order to secure an

invitation,

only endeavoured

to
in(cf.

amuse, but endured the grossest

sults

and
III.,

personal
Letters
in

ill-treatment
6, 7,

Book

49).

They

had notebooks,
K6\aK9y

which they kept a

for use.

collection of jokes ready

The
to

or

flatterers,

endeavoured

get

invitations
their

by playing upon the

prospective
or
**

vanity of

patrons.

The
sites,

QepairevTLKoi,

officious "

paraser-

tried

to

curry favour
lowest

vices

and degrading character, which are detailed in the sixth book of Athenaeus. They haunted the markets, wrestlingschools, baths, and other public places
of

the

by most

in search of patrons.

INTRODUCTION

xv

The Romans
sites.

also

had

their para-

As the

stern rigour of the Re-

pubHc relaxed and degenerated into the splendour and dissipation of a

despotic
parasites

government,

the

Roman
and

became

less respectable

more

But it does not appear that in the most licentious ages of the Empire they ever equalled in meanness or in vice those worthprofligate.
less characters

described in such lively

colours by Athenaeus, Alciphron,

and

the comic poets of Greece.

allusions to

Frequent

them

are found in Horace,

Juvenal, Plautus, and particularly in

Terence.

The

latinized forms of the

names

of Greek gods

and goddesses (such as

as

Jupiter for Zeus) have been preserved

in

the

translation

being

more

familiar,

although,

strictly

speaking,

they cannot be regarded as correct.

THE LETTERS
OF

ALCIPHRON

AAKI^PONOS
PHT0P02

EniETOAAI.
LIBER PRIMUS
I.

^ptja-Trjv
Ttjv

rifxiv

tj

OaXacrcra TOTrffxepov elvai

yakrivriv

ecrTopecrev.

'Q?

yap

Tplnrtjp

Kara tov ireKayovq

Tfjpicov

eireirveov

e/c

rm

ctKpct)-

ol

fiopeig, koi

eTre^piKei

fxev ttovto^
i^rjvOrJKei,

lixeXaivojULevog,

tov vSarog Se acppog

iravraxov
I'cov

TfJ9 OoXaarcrr)^

eTraWrjXoov eTrz/cXwyue-

Tcov Kv/uLarcov,

ra
Se

jmev
e'lcrco

yap rah
avoiSovvra

Trerpaig
efipriy^locri

TrpocnjpacrcreTO,

ra

vuTO, aepyla 'TravreXyjg rjv Ka\

ra

eiri

rai^

KaTa\a/36vT9
KOjjLfxaria,

KaXv/Sia,

oXiya

^vXta-a/uiepoi

ocra

ol

vavTrrjyoi

Trpwrjv

tcov

THE

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
BOOK
I.

LETTER

I.

EuDius TO Philoscaphus.
Happily smooth and
lasted
for
for

us,

the

sea

to-day

is

calm
from
;

again.
:

The storm
headlands
to-

three

days

the north winds

blew

violently

the

wards the open

the blackening sea grew

rough, the waters were white with foam

the billows everywhere broke
other,

over each
rocks,
It

some dashing against the

impossible
to

while others swelled and burst.

utterly

was
col-

work

we betook
wood,
the

ourselves to the huts

lected

on the bank,
of

few
of

fragments

remains

the

oaks

which

had

been

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE
SpVCdVy aj ^6Te/J.0V,
CLTreXlTTOU,

K TOVTCOP TTVp

ava\[ravTe9
jULcOa.

to

iriKpov

tov
avrrj

Kpv/uLov TrapejuLvOov-

TerapTfj Se

eTriXafiovcra

^jmag

oKicvovig
T(p

oljuiai

^jmepa,

ecm yap tovto

ttAouco(p6t]

KaOapw T^9 aWpiag

6
Trpwrrj Se

reKjuLaipecrOaL,

Tov aOpoop ayaOwv

juLCP

cSei^ev.

'Qg yap
eig

7J\i09,

aKrh

to ireXayog
UKatplSiov

CLTTea-TiX^e,
CTTTOvSii

to

Trpcotjv

vecoXKrjOev

KaTe<Tvpafxev elr evOe/mevoi to, SiKTva

pywv

ciXpfxeOa.
<l>ev

MiKpov Se
t^?

airtaOev

rri<s

ctKrfjg

XoXaa-avreg,

evoyp-iag,

ocrov

IxOvwv
eSetja-e

e^eiKKvcraiJ.ev' fxiKpov Ka]

tou? (peWov^

Karaarvpai
Iiv6vg

v^aXov to Slktvov
oyfriJovaL

e^wyKco/uLevov.

ovv

TrXtjcrlov,

Kal

virep

avTwv
eirw-

Kara^aXovreg apyvpLov,
/ULiovg aveXojULevoi,

Tct?

aa-iXXa^

Kal Tag eKarepcoOev (TirvpiSag

e^apTrfcravTeg,

acTTvS^ ck ^aXijpwv ^Treiyovro.

jjpKecraiuLev
ijimeig'

HacTf ^e TOVTOig

Ka\

irpog

TOVTOig aTTtjpeyKajmeOa ya/meraig Kal TraiSioig

oyKov
ixOvMVy

ovK
OVK

oXlyov
eig
juLiap,

exeiv

tmv
el

XeirTOjuiepcoi/

aXX

x^^l^^^ eTriXd-

/3oiTOi Ka] eig TrXelovg ^/mepag e/ULipopijaaL

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
felled

by
a

the
fire

ships'

carpenters,

and

lighted
cold.

to

relieve

the

piercing

At

last

the

fourth

day came, a

truly

halcyon day, as

we may conclude
air,

from the clearness of the

us wealth
as

and brought
For,
first

and fortune
as

in

abundance.

soon

the

sun

rose,
sea,

and

its

beams
been

glittered

on the on

we

quickly
lately

launched our

little

bark, which
land,

had

drawn

up

and,

putting

our nets aboard, set to work.

We
!

cast

them not far from land. enormous haul we made

laden
net,

Ha
!

what an
heavily-

The
it.

carried

under water, almost

dragged down the corks with

Imme-

diately the fish salesmen gathered round,

with their yokes over their shoulders, from

which hung baskets on

having

either side
fish

and,

purchased

our

for

money

down, hastened from Phalerum to the city. We had enough to satisfy them all, and besides, took back to our wives and children a quantity of small
days,
fry,

enough to

keep them not only for one, but for several

if

bad weather should come on.

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

II.

T aXiJV 6
M.aTrju
^juLepa^
rnuLiv

K.V pTODV I
cb

iravra Troveirai,

J^vprcou, Si

jULev

viro

r^?

e^Xtjg

(pXeyo/uLevoi^,

vvk-

Twp Se Kai TO
ovTcog
'HjULiv

VTTo

Xa/ULTrao'L

top /3v06v

airo^voviTL.

XeyoiJievov

Srj

tovto

ei?

tov

twv

Aava'tScov

Tovg

a/JLcfiopeaq

eKXeofxev

tt'lOov

OLTTpaKTa
juLV

Km
rrjv

avrivvTa

/ui.oxOovfjLv.
rj

yap
Koi

ovSe

ciKaXi^cprjg

ecrrh

ttcXco-

plSog

iuL7rXrj(raL

yaa-repa' 6 Sea-TroTtjg Se
icai

crvXXeyei

tov^ ixOvag
Se

tu

Kepfxara.

OvK airoxpv

avTco

TOcravTa

exeiv

irap
cru-

^jmm, 6 Se SiepevvaTai kol to orKa^lSiop

vex^ioS'

Kat

irpwrjv,

ot

k M.ovvvxlci9 eVe/xi/ra-

fiev

avTM

KojuiiouvTa

to

o\lrcoviov

^p/mcova
ij/mlp eire-

tovtovI top jmeLpaKia-KOP, criroyyovg

TaTTe Kai ra
eirieiKwg
fjLep

e/c

Trj^ 6aXa(T(rtj^

epia d (j^veTai
''Q?
S^

ep

l^vpupo/mt]^

Xl/ulpi}}

ouTTO)

TavTtt
1

Trpocra-n-iiTei,

Kai 6 '^pfAOOP

Locus corruptus.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

II.

Galenus to Cyrton.

All
the sun,

our labour

is

in

vain,

Cyrton

By day we
by the
words
the
light

are scorched by the heat of

by night we explore the

of torches, and yet, in

deep
the

of the

proverb,
of

we
idle

are

pouring
into

contents

our

pitchers

the

cask of the Danaides

are our efforts
nettles
!

so

and
to

useless

We
But

have not even sea

fill

or

Pelorian

mussels

our
fish

belly; but the

master collects both the

all

and the money.

us
is

that he gets from

:

not enough for him

he

is

con-

tinually searching our

lately,

little

bark.

Only

him

when we sent the lad Hermon to Munychia with the fish, he ordered us to bring him some sponges
from
large

and sea-wool, which grows in fairly quantities in the pool of Eurynome.

Be-

fore he had finished giving these orders,

AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS
a^ef?

TO

<j)opTiov

avroig
a-KacjieL,

ixOvcriv,

a^ef?

Se

Kai rj^ag
KWTrr/poug,

avTW tm
FoSioig

cpxero iwl Xe/uLJSov

Ticrl

/SaXavcmoupyoh avarunelg

^ixOelg.

Kal

6 imev Sea-Trortjg oiKeT>]Py

7rev6r}(TaiJ.ev.

Se (Tvvepyov

ayaOov

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
Hermon
left

his load of fishes, the boat,

and ourselves, and went off on a rowingboat, 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
fxaTijv
^

rj

yrj Kai

rj

/3w\o^ clklvSwov.
ravrrjv
Sl

Ov

yovv

aveicriScopav

ovojma^ouariv
<ttl

A6t]vaiOL avielcrav Swpa,

&v

^v
rj

Kat
vau-

(Tu>^e(rOai.

^aXeirov

r]

OaXaTTa

Kai

TtXla pfilroKLvSvvov.
Trelpa
oyfrov v
rfi

OpOoog eyu) tovto Kpivu)

jmaOwv.

Koi

SLSaarKoXla

II ore

yap

airoSoaOai ^ov\r]6ei9 tjKOvaa evog tcov

TLoiklXu Siarpi^ovTwv avvTroSrJTOu koi
(ttlxlSlov

vep6xp(*>Tog

aTro^OeyyojULevov, Ttjv

airovoiav
Se

twv

ttXcoptcov exfo-rJ^oi/TO?,

eXeye

^Aparov
?!/

Tivog

ehai

crofpov

ra

/merecopa-

KOL

o(rov

airofj.vriij.ovevG-avTa

ovx

oXov

elirelv ^oS eiptj/ULevov'

'OAITON
'EPY'KEL

AE'
T/

AIA
oh,

SY'AON

'AI'-A'

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

III.

Glaucus to Galatea.
Happy
is

he

who

lives

on land!

Hus-

bandry involves no danger.

reason, then, do the
Aneisidora,

With good Athenians name it

it

because
live

bestows
health.

gifts,

whereby we
sea
is

and enjoy

The

and a sailor's life is full of I have judgment is right and instruction. experience learnt this by I remember that, once, when I wanted to sell some fish, I heard one of those
cruel,
perils.

My

fellows

who
a

hang

about

the

Painted
livid

Porch,
features,

bare -footed wretch with

reciting

verses

and declaiming

against the folly of sailors.

He
by

said that

the

verses

were

written
I

certain

Aratus, an astronomer.
all

cannot repeat
I

that he said

but, as far as

remem:

ber,

one of the verses ran as follows

thin partition keeps off destruction.

AAKriPONOS PHTOPOS
yvvai,

ov

craxppovovjuLei/,

koi d^/re

tov Kaipov
yeirvlaa-Lv,
oT?
ei

(fyeuyojULev

Tr]v

irpog

tov Oavarov
^covreg'

Koi

Tavra

cttI

TraiSloi^
Si

koi

jULrjSev

yueya irapix^iv

axpVl^f^'TLav exo/meu,

TaSe
HJiLag

irape^oiJLev Kai xapLovfjieOa,

to

ret?

TpiKu-

Kat

Tovg K jSvOou KivSvvoug

Se
<ruvTpa<l)fivai,

aypofjcraiy
acrtpaXfj

yecopyla

kol

tov

Kai aSea /3lov aa-TracracrOai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
Why,
that
is
;

then, wife, should

it

we
late,
?

not be wise, avoid a

life

and, even though

be

so near to death

We

have

chil-

dren
us

and, although our poverty prevents

leaving

from

them
at

anything
least

conable

siderable,

to

leave

we them

shall
in

be

blessed

ignorance

of of
to
life

the

stormy waves

and the
be

dangers

the deep.

They

will

brought
will

up

an agricultural

life,

and

enjoy a

of security, untroubled by alarm.

AAKI#PONOS PHT0P02

IV.

KuyUW^O? T p ITWV iSl.

"Oo-oi/
tj

OoXarra
^/JLCig
rj

rm

y^? SiaWdrrei,

TOCOVTOV KOL

ol TavTrjg

epyarai

tcov

Kara

TroXeig

Kcofiag

oIkovvtwv
eia-oo
i]

Sia(l)pojuLv.

01

iuLv

yap

rj

/mepovreg

ttvXoov

ra

SrjjULo-

TLKa

SiairpaTTOva-iv
Tfjv

yecopyia
TTpog
Se,

irpocrave-

XOVTCS

T^g ficoXov

SiaTpo^rjv
otg 6

avajj-ivovariv

eiriKapirlav
rj

^juliv

^tog

ev vSacri,

Oavarog

yfj,

KaOairep roig ixOvcriv

riKia-Ta SwajuLevoLg avairvelv

tov aepa.

T/

St]

ovv TraOovcra,
KOI

c5

yvvai, rrjv aKT^jv cnroXnrovcra

Ta

v^jULara

tov Xivov, acrrvSe

Oajui^eigy

^Qa'XO(p6pioL KOI Ar/vaia Taig irXovcrlaig 'A^iy-

vaiwv (TvveopTa^ovcra
tppoveiv,

Ovk

ecrri

tovto

ario-

ovSe

ay aOa

Siavoeia-Qar

ovx ovtio
ov rexOtjval

Se

are

6 Trarfjp

k Ttjg Aiylvrjg,

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

IV.

Cymothus to Tritonis.

There
us, toilers

is

as

much
sea,

on the

difference between and those who Hve

in cities

and

villages, as there is

between
with

sea and land. the

gates

They

either

remain within

and

occupy

themselves

public affairs, or, devoting themselves to

agriculture, wait quietly for the crops that

are their support

but we, whose

find

life

is

spent

upon the water,

air.

land

death

to us, even as the fishes,

who

are unable
is

to

breathe the

Whatever, then,

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 It was not for this purpose modesty. that your father brought you up in

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
Koi.

ere

Tpa<f)fjvai

(rvve^yi,

/mveia-Oai

vir

ejuLoi

yajuio)

irapeSwKev.
el

Et
Se

Triv
e/c

irokiv

acnra^ri,

Xar^e Kai aTriOr

eTrapiOi,
Kridrj
eig
croi

Ta

0aXaTT>j9 ayaTrag,

top

avSpa,

to

Xwoi^
tcov

eXojmevr].

84

ecTTCO

jiiaKpa

kut

olcttv

TovTODP airaTrjXwv Oea/maTwv.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
Aegina and gave you to
If

me

in marriage.

you are so fond of the go but, if you love the

;

city,

farewell

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/)8aT79 'Po^/w.

Oief

juiovog

irXovTetv,

oti
w<s

roug Trap

ejuol

OrjrevovTag SeXca^cov ayeig

ovcrla
juLLcrOcojuLaTwv,

ceavTov
^ol

irepi/jlcv

koi

eiKOTcog.

yap

^oXog

ijveyKe
eiri

irpcorjv

xpycrov

KojuL/uLara
'itrcog

AapeiKov T^g
Xelyfrava,

XaXa/ULiPi
oi/uLat

vav/maxtag
vrjog

KaTaSvcrrig

liepcriKfjg

avTOig
67r\

avSpacTL

Ka\

avTolg
tcou

xprajLacnv,

ore
Qejuii-

Toov

irpoyovodv

rjjmeTepcov

(TTOKXrjg

Tov Neo/fXeoy?
M.^Scov

tjparo

to fxeya
ayairw
KaOrj-

Kara twv
Trjv

Tpoiraiov

eyoj ^e
rrjg

TOdv

avayKalwv eviroplav k
epyacrlag

ixepivrjg

rm

x^^P^^

Tropi^ojuepog.

'AXX'

el

TrXovreig,
croi

avv

SiKaiw
/mij

TrXovrer

yivecrOw Se

6 TrXovrog

KaKiag

aXXa

KaXoKayaOlag

virrjpeTrig.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

V.

Naubates to Rhodius.

You
are
entice

flatter

yourself that

you alone
able
to
offer
;

wealthy,

because

you
the

are

my

sailors

with

of

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

Persian ship went to the

bottom there

with the crew and

board,
at

all

the treasures on

the

time

when Themistocles,
honour
for

son of Neocles, in the days of our forefathers, set

up

his great trophy in

I,

of his victory over the Medes.

part,

my
the

am

content
life,

if

can

procure

necessaries of

by the daily work of

let

my
to

hands.

If
is

you are wealthy, do not

just
:

forget

what you an
unjust,

your wealth be
in

assistance

performing,

not

but

good

and

generous

actions.

10

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

VI.

Uav OTT
Hyayoy
IULvr]v

tj

EuOvySoXft).
l^vOv^oXe
Tcov tcov
ucrr/iuLwv, ucrr/iuLwv,

jme,

c5

yuvaiKaf
fxev

ovSt fjnav ovoe

aX\*

^ ayaOov
yeyovvlav,
Trarrjpy

Trarpog,

ayaOfjg

Se

jjujrpog

XwcrOevtjg
AajULO(pl\r)
eirl

^Tcipievg
jmyTrjp,

yv
/ulc

/noi

koi

ol

eyyvt]-

yvtjrrjv
arlcov

cTriKXfjpov

TralScou

aporw
Se

a'uvfj\l/'av

aoi

yaiuM.
Kcu
irpog

^v

paSiog
^Sovijv

wv

TO)

6<p6a\iULco,

iraa'av

CKppoSiariMV
TO.

KXV/iJLV09,

CiTLIMacrag

/Ji6

Kal

Koiva

TraiSia,

TaXypijv koi QaXacraricova,

rjv

epag
Tcop

Trjg '^pjuLiovlriSog ijltolkov,

ew).

kukw

epwvTMv

6
eig

Yleipmevg
avrtjv
rj

eSe^aro.
tt/oo?

Kw-

jULa^ovcri

yap
Kai

6a\a(rarav

peoiXala,
r/

aWog aXXo

Swpov

aTro^eper
SiKrjp.

Se i(rSexTai Kat avaXoi

^apv/3Sem

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

Damophile, my mother. was my father I was their sole heiress and they consented to our union, in the hope of our
;

having

lawful

children.

But,

notwith-

standing, you are ever

glances

upon

dicted to

casting amorous women, and are adevery kind of wanton pleasure

the

you neglect
the strange

me and
:

our children, Galene

and Thalassion

you are enamoured of

from Hermione,
wives.

woman
and

who

has arrived in Piraeus, to the misfortune

of

husbands

The

young

fishermen of the coast hold orgies at her

house

each gives her different presents

all,

and she accepts and swallows

like

II

AKI^PONOZ PHT0P02
^e virep^aivcov ra? aKievTiKa^ Scopotpopla^,
fJ^^v
?f

Su

imaii/iSas

TpiyXa^

oure

^epeig,

oure
koI

OeXcL^

SiSovar
iraXaL
7raTf}p,

oXX
(tvvwv

w?

a^rjXiKecTTepo^
TraiSlooi/

yuvaiKl
vrjirlcov

Km

ov /maXa

7rapayK(iovl<racrOat

tov avreM.iXri(TLovg,

pacrrag ^ovXofjievog, KKpv<paXovg

KOI ^IKcXlKOV IfXaTLOV, KCU Elf
eiarTrefJLTreig.

aVTlp XP^^^^^

*H

ouv ireTravcTO r^? ayepwxiGL^

OrjXvjUiavtjg airocrxov,

KCU Tou Xayvo^ elvai Koi

rj

'la-Oi

lULe

irapa

tov

it are

pa

oixwofJieptjv,
ere

o?

ovS^

e/iie

7rpi6\lrTai,

koi

ypa^erm

irapa tols SiKacrTals KaKoxrews.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
Charybdis.
a

ii

But you, more

can
afford

lavish
be,

than
not
or
old,

fisherman

to

are

satisfied

with
:

giving

her
are

sprats

mullets

although you

getting
time,

have

been

married

long

and
in

are the father

of grown-up

children,

your desire to oust your

her

rivals,

you send
dresses,

Milesian

hair-nets,

Sicilian

and

even

gold.

Either

give

up
tell

this

insulting conduct,

your debauchery, and

your madness
plainly that
I

for

women,

or

you

will

go back to

my

father,

who
will

will know how to protect me and summon you before the court for

your cruel behaviour towards me.

^x

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

VII.

OaXacrcTfo?
'E7ryu\/ya croi

Hovt lo).
Kot

\fnjrTav Kot (ravSaXioP

irevTe

K<TTpea
arv

Kai

KrjpVKa^

Km

TpiuKOvra'
eireiSri

Se

/uloi

tmp

epCT/mcov Sua

TrejULyfrov,

Ta/iia
<f)L\wv

Karedyero.
ets*

'AvTiSoorig

yap

irapa
Kal

<I>l\ov^'

yap

Trpox^^pM?

uapcraXeo)^

aiTwv,
irpog

evStjXo^

ecrTiv

wg airavTa

KOLva

Ta

rovg

(JytAoug

Kai

ra

twv

^lKoov exiv ^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.
thing
boldly

He who
without
that

asks

for

and

ceremony
the

thereby

declares

he
are

considers

possessions of friends
that he

common, and

has a right to share what be-

longs to his friends.

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

VIIL

^v K o\u p 09 T\av Krj.

/UL

01

rrjv

yucojuit]}/

aiuL(pL/3o\oL

rrjv

irapa twv

evvoovvTcov

Kpicnv

cKSexovTai.
SLaXaXrjcrag
c3

Kayw tu
(ovSe

TToXXa

Taig
ere

aupai^

yap
e^aarvjUL-

ovSev irpog
yopevco,
Koi.

eOa^povv,

yvvm), vvv
euprj/aevtjv

Seo/mai

to Xwov
Se

^ovXevcrai.

"Akovc

wg

ex^i,

koi

irpog
rume-

OTL

(T

Sel Ttjv
olcrOa,

yvcojULijv

e^eveyKelv.

Ta

Tpa,

cog

iravreXwg ea-Tiv air opa,

Tpe<peL

Ka\
rj

plog

KO/ULiSiJ

(rrevogXejui/Sog

yap

ovSev

OaXacra-a.
KOOTT^pijg,
/Jievog,

'O
TOig

ovv ovrog, ov opag,

TToXXoig
tl

ipeTaig

KanipTvSe
/me

K.ot)pvKi6v

(rKa<f)og,
orvarTri/ULa.

Xi](TTal

OaXao'arrjg

to

ev

avT(p

Ovtol

KOivcovov

eOeXovai
CK

Xa^eiv tov
ev/neyeOeig

ToXjULrj/uiaTog,

iropovg

iropwv

vTricrx^ovjULevoi.

Upog

imev ovv tov xP^^oi/, ov eirayyeXXovTai,

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

13

VIII.

EUCOLYMBUS TO GlAUCE.

Those who
minds wait
them.
the
wife
for
I,

are

undecided

in

their

some kind

friend to advise

So

who have
to

often addressed
I

myself to the winds

courage

since
to

never had

consult

you,

my
speak

dear
out,

have
beg
if

now
you
to

decided
assist

and

me

with

your
of

advice,

you have anything better to

Listen

suggest.

now
I

to

the

state

things as to which

want your opinion. know, in a very embarrassed condition, and I find it very

My

affairs

are,

as you

hard to get a

living, for there are

hardly

any

fish

in

the
see,

sea.

This
its

rowing-boat

which you
is

with bark
to

numerous crew,

a Corycian

They want me
their venture,
I

manned by pirates. become a partner in

and promise

me

vast wealth.

confess that

my mouth

waters for the

14

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
rrjv

Kai

eaS^Ta Kexw^^'
yevea-Oai,

CLvSpofpovo^
jULiavai
e/c

Se

ovx
rcc?

VTro/mevct)

ovSe

XvOpio
eig

X^ipag,

a? ^

OaXaTTa

iraiSog

Sevpo

KaOapag

aSiKfj/uLUTcoi/

iipvXa^e' imeveip Se irevia

(Tv^wvTa xaXeirov
(TV

kol

ov

(jyoprfTOv.

Tovtcov

rrju

alpecriv

TaXavrevedira^,
eicoOe
CKet

ottov
ere

yap

dv

P^V^) w

yvpai,

ciKoXouOrja-oy
rj

airoKOTTTeiv
a-ujUL/BovXrj

yap

yv(io/uLi]g

twv (piXwv

TO

aiuL(pL^oXov.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

14

gold and garments which they hold out

to

me

as an inducement

but

have not

become a murderer and stain with gore these hands of mine, which the
the heart to
sea

has kept pure from evil-doing, from

my
yet,

childhood to the present day

and

on the other hand,

live

it

is

hard and

unendurable to

in continual poverty.

The

decision
:

of

my

choice

lies

in

your

hands

to

whatever course you are favourI

ably inclined,
for the advice

will follow you, dear wife

which friends give us often

cuts the knot of indecision.

15

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

IX.

AlyiaXevg Xt p ov6 iwv

BaXX
Kara
Xoopei
t*]V eg

fxaKapiav

cog

evavTioog
to,
juih

f tj/mip,

Kai

irapoi^lav
irpayjULara.

cttI

MavSpa/BovXou

ra

To

yap

cttI

Xex-

Twv

KepiuLaroov

aTroSlSoarOai

Ka\
Trju

wveiarOai

ra

eiriTYiSeLa,

Xi/uirjpav
(T

^epei

Trapa/uivOiav.

"Qpa
OlooVj

ouu
Tr}v

orvjuLTTpaTTOVTa
rjjjiwv

^fJLiv,

w Hrpov-

Trap

e^ wv av ^ OaXaTTa
cKSexecrOai.

TTopl^r]

Trapa/ULvOlau

^ovXo/uLai

Se

Trpog

eva
t]

twv

XaKKOirXovroov

Sia

crov

TTpo^evov
rj

irpog 'E/oao-f/cXea top X^^ttiov,

oiKelcog

TTpog

^iXoarTparov top XoXa/)yea

eiri

ex^iv,

w? avTog
ixOvag'

(pepveicov

KO/ul^eiv

avTw
KaraSia

Tovg
PoXfj
crov

iravTcog

yap
Trap

Trpog

th

Tapyvpiov
TrapajuLvOLa
?/

ea-rai

avrw ng
j^
^

Aiovvaloov

ATrarovplcov
TriKpag

TeXovjULCPoov.

K.ai

aXXwg

Tfjg

twv

; !

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

15

IX.

Aegialeus to Struthion.

Confound
All

it,

how unlucky
wrong,
and,

am
the

my

affairs

go

as

proverb says, after the fashion of Mandrabulus.

It
is

a sorry comfort to be

always buying and selling the necessaries

of Hfe for worthless
is

bits

of

money!

It

time for you to help me,

shall share the fruits of
sea.
I

Struthion

you

my

labours

on the

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
of
fish

may
in

take

my

baskets

to

them

person.

By

this

means, in addition to the price of the

fish,
I

hope through your

trifle at

interest to get

some
sides

their

house on the day of

Besave
us

the festival of Dionysia or Apaturia.

this,

they

will

from the

i6

AAKI<IP0N02 PHT0P02
^julcl^

ayopavo/ULCDv e^eXovvrai
KacTTriv

X'^^P^^^

^'^

Kade-

ein

t<w

cr^eTepw

KepSei

eig

Tovg
Se

aTrpdy/uLOvag

ejuL<popov(Tiv v/Speig.

HoWov
irapa

SvvacrOaL
VOig

rovg irapaa-iTOvg v/mag

irXovarloig

roig

Koi

ov

\6y09 oX\

epyov

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
cruel

i6

hands
for

of

the

market - inspectors,
profit,

who,
insults

their

own

daily

heap

upon the
but
also

inoffensive.

Not only
proves that

report,

experience

you parasites have great influence with the young and wealthy.

17

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

X.

KecpaXog Ilopr lm.

Trjv fiev
Xi,

OdXarrav,

opag,

(fypiKij

Kare^ai

Kol

Tov ovpavov
iravraxoQev

vTTO^e/SrjKev ax^v?,

iravTa

cruvvecpeXa,

Kot

oi ape/uLOi
outtcd

Tpog
KYjcreLv

aXXr'iXovg

apaarcrojuievoi

ocrov

kv-

TO TreXayof eirayyeWovTaL.

'AXXa
OaXar-

KOL ol Se\(plv<s avaoTKipToovTeg koi rrj^

Tfj<s

avotSoviuLvr]g

\eiwg <paX\6jULV0iy x^^l^^^^

(jLtivvovci.

Koi

Tapaxov

eiriovTa

Tavpov

Se

(f>aariv

eTTiToXrjp /car

ovpavov ol tu /merewpa

Seivol

Tavvv earavai.

JloWaKig ovv

arco^ov-

Tai vir
aa-Oai

acr^aXeiag ol Trpo/uLriOovjuevoi <pu\a^-

tov

kivSvvov

eia-l

Se

ol
vtt

irapaSovTcg
aimrjxavlag
(pipecrQai.

eavTOvg
Tij

dira^
'TOV'S

tw

TreXayei

T\>Xd

o'laKag

eTriTpeTTOvari
fiev

"OSev

CLKOvojUiev

Tovg
Se

kutq to
tov

MaXea?
^ikcXikov

aKpwTYipLOv,
iropdfJLOVy

Tovg

/cara
eig

aXXovg Se

to Avkiukov ireXa-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

17

X.

Cephalus to Pontius.

The
is

surface of the ocean, as you see,

;

already rough

a thick mist has over;

spread the heavens

the sky

is

everywhere

covered with clouds.

together, threaten

The winds, driven every moment to disturb

leaping
lightly

the

sea.

The

dolphins,

over the swelling waves,

herald the ap:

proach of stormy weather

skilled
in

those

who

are
is

astronomy say that Taurus

for

rising in the heavens.

Those who take

the

due precautions against dangers

most part come

are

off

uninjured

but there

others

who, from
to

despair,

abandon

themselves
free
will,

the

waves

of

their

own
that

and leave the guidance of the

chance.

helm

to

Hence we hear

some

are carried along by the current to

the promontory of Malea, and others to the

Sicilian strait or the

Lycian Sea, dashed

32

AAKI#PONOS PHT0P02
pvjULu

yog

(pepofxevovg

cTroKeWeiv
ovSev

rj

KaraTrpog

SvecrOai. Xci/moova

"E(7T
Ka).

6e

tovtcov

klvSvvov

IK^acprjpevg

CTrieiKe-

(TTepog.

^AvajmelvavTeg

ovv

airoXfj^at

to
irepi-

kXvSwviov Ka iKaOapa valOpiav yevecrOai,

vocTTrjcroiuLev

XP^

'^'^^^

aurov tov
tl

^a(prjpeot)g

Twv aKTwv
ciTroTTTva-Oev

et

ttov

twv k vavayiag
tovto
irepia-Tela/uLicrOoi/

evpeOelrj (TWjjLa,
Ka\v\j^wiJiev.
Kciv
jmrj

\avTeg

Ta<pri
TTOteiv,

Ov yap

TO

ev

irapaxp^l^o.

r^? evSe

epyecrlag

avTiSocrig

(jialvriTai.

Tpe^ei
Trpog
Trjv

ovSev

tJttov

Tovg

avOpcoTrovg

Tolg

eXTTi^o/uLeuoig

ayaOoig, Kal Siax^t

Ka} /uLaXicO

KapSlav
ojjlo-

TO

(TvveiSog,

oTav

eig

Tovg

^vXovg ovK T
XwvTai.

ovTag

Tr]v eviroilav

KaTa^aX-

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
air

until

the sea
before

is

calm, and the

has

cleared,
this

we
:

explore

the

coast

near
find a

headland

perhaps

we

may
pay

body thrown
honours
of

up, the

remnant

of a shipwrecked crew, to which

we may

the

burial.
its

good
even

action

never

misses

reward,

though it does not follow immediately upon the deed. The approval of the
conscience,
in

addition

to

the

hope

of

reward,

supports

exceedingly,

and cheers the heart especially when we do a

those
of

kindness
are

to

our

fellows

who

no more.

19

AAKI<lrONOS PHT0P02

XI.

Ovvv ai
'AAC>}/coa9

o^

SfcoTreXw.
u>

oKovcr/uLaTwv ^apurarcovy

^k6-

TreXe

^toXov

^AOrjvaloi Siavoovvrcu TrejuLweiv

19 Ttjv
fjStj

virepoplav, vav^axelv eOeXovre^.

r]

Kaf
at

/mev

JlapoXos

Km

t)

HaXajULivia

/uLaXicrra
t(jov

Tax^voLVTova-ai

TrpoSpo/noL

Xvoucri

rjXovdov

ra

Trpv/uLvrja-ia,

Toug

/uLacrTrjpa?,

Of fieXXovcriv
Set

eirayyeXXeiv, Trap

ov koI ore

air tevai

TroXejuiria-ovTag evOejuLevai.

Xpe/a

Tttf?

Xotiraig pavarl

to (rrpaTicoTiKov Tay/ma
ttXclovoop
Koi.

Sexo/uLei/aig
/j.7reip(iov

epcTwv
ave/moig

ovx yKiarra

Kal

Kv/nacnv airojULaxea-Oai.
SpcojuLev
;

T/

oi^v,

&
;

^eXria-Te,

^evyofxev

rj

mLGVo/uLev

^AvSpoXoyoucri S

eV

Ueipaiw? koi
tcov

^aXrjpoOev Kai Xovpcov koi

Tepaia-TO)
Trj9

/u^expi-

avTw

irpoa-OLKWv
Ilto?

opiwv rovg
Se

Trjg

OaXuTol
/nijSe

epyara^.

kol

fj/meh,

Tviv

ayopav

eiSoreg,

VTro/melvaijuiev

irapa-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

19

XL
Thynnaeus to Scopelus.

Have you
Scopelus
?

heard the important news,

are thinking of
to foreign parts, to carry

The Athenians
fleet

sending a

on a naval campaign.

The

Paralus and

Salaminia, the swiftest vessels afloat, leading the way, are already unmoored, and

have taken on board the commissioners

who

are to settle the time

and

starting-

point of the expedition.

ships,

The

rest of the

which are to transport the troops,

require the services of a

number of

oars-

men, who have had experience

tending with the winds and waves.
are

in con-

What
friend
?

we to do then, Shall we run away or

my
stay
?

good

Everywhere,

from Piraeus, Phalerum, and Sunium, as

far as

the neighbourhood of Geraestus, they

are enlisting sailors.

How

should

we be
and
to

able to remain quiet in the ranks

20

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
Koi

TaTTearOai,
reicrOaL
<l>vyeiv
;

OTrXo/iaxot? avSpaoTLV VTrtjpe-

Avoiv Se ovtolv x^^^'^oiv, tov re

iirl

reKvoig
ofxov

Kal koi

yvvaL^\,

tov

re

/meWeip
Sovai

^[(pecriv
(TWjULa,

OaXarTU

irapaSi-

TO

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 law courts
:

the contests of

? 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<IP0N02 PHTOrOS

XII.

J
lAyvoovv
barov
eicri

Tpv(ppu koI a^po-

^la

Tcov

^AOr}vt](n

ttXovo-lwv

tu

/uetpaKia.

^vayxo9
Twv

Se YiajULCjiiKov /uLera toov (TvvrjXiKLO)-

/micrOovjuievou

to

a-KacfylSiov,

wg av

exil

yoXtjviwvTog

tov

ireXayovq
rj/uLiv

TrepiirXelv

u/xa

Km

(ru/uLjui.Texiv

rfjg

aypag
yfjg

tcov ixOvcov,

eyi/cov,

rjXiKa

auTOig

ck

koI

OaXaTTrjg
dvexo/mevog
TairrjTOdv

TTopl^eTai

TpucpyjimaTa.
Ttjg

Ov yap
eirl

Twv
Tivodv

^uXcov

aXiaSog,
Koi

re

^eviKOov

ecftea-TplSoov
(j>a(TKev

KaTaKXtOelg
KeiaSai,

(ou

yap

olog

re

etvai

wg
Tr]V

ol

XoiTTol,

eTTf

TOW
vo/ixi^cdv

KaTaCTTpOJjULaTOOV,

(javlSa
}jTi

olfJLaL

XlOov
avTcp

TpaxvTepav),
jUirjxo-VWatTOai,

Trap'

rjijiodv

crKiav

Trjv

TOV

IcTTLOv (TivSova

virepireTaaravTag, wg
(pepeiv
julovov

ovSafjLwg

olog

re
Se

wv
ov

Tag
Toig
Ka\

^XiaKag
TavTijv
Tracrii/

aKTLvag.
TToiov/ULevoig

H/x?i/
Trjv

epyacrlav,
/uLt]

aXXa
ov

CLTra^airXwg,
irp6(T(TTL,

ocroig

irepLovo'ia
ecrTiv

itXovtov
SwajuLevoig

crirovSa^eraL

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-expedition, 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
next

thought

harder

than

stone.

He
for

asked us to

make an awning
sails

him, by spreading out the linen

overhead, because he could not endure the

heat of the sun's rays
sailors,
:

whereas not only we

are

but

all

who

only moderately

22

AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02
etX^

T^

OepecOar

ev

'[(TW

yap

KpvjULog

Kat

OaXaTTa.
/ULCTU
jjLOVoiv

^epojmevcop Se ajma ov /uLOvog ovSe

Twv CTaipoov 6

JlajUL^iXo^,

aWa
yap
rj

Kai yvvalwv avTcp irepiTTCOv rrjv

crvvelireTO,

wpav
(^

TrXrjOo^

/uLouaoupyoi

iraa-m

ytxei/

cKaXeLTO
E/oaro),

l^pov/uLariop,

kol ^v avXrirpl^'
nierexeipl^eTO'

Se

Kal yJraXTYjpiov
avrrj
julol

aXXrj

Se

EueTT^?,

Se

Kv/uL^aXa

eireKpoTei),
TrXea,

'Eyei/ero
KOL
?i/

ovv

juLOvcriKfjg

cxKaTOS

(fSiKov

TO 7reXayo9,
HXrjv
e/me

koi irav OvjUiijSla^

ere/D-

avajuLecTTOv.
ireVj

ye ravra ovk

ovSe

yap ovk oXlyoi twv

'EttcJ

ojulo/Slcov

koi
fJ-oi

jULaXicTTa

6 TTLKpog VXavKLa? TeXxtPOs ?f

Se
/ne

^atTKalvcov /Sapurepo^.
TToXvi/

top

julktOov

Kare^aXero, Tapyvpiov
Toug

Siexei,

Kot
kco/jlol

vvv

eKelvov
Koi.

eTriOaXaTTtovs

ayairw

jULOug,

TOiovTov

Sevrepov

e-TnarrfjvaL

TToOw Sairavvipov Ka\ iroXureX^ veavlaKov.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
wealthy,
tunity of
as

22

rule

seek

every

oppor;

warming ourselves in the sun Cerfor the sea and cold go together. 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 Crumatium,

who

played on the flute; another,

Erato, was a harpist

the cymbals.

and Euepes beat Thus my bark was full of

;

music,

the

sea

resounded

with

song,

and mirth and gaiety prevailed.

alone
this

To me
For

afforded

no enjoyment.
his

several of
ful

my

fellows, especially the spite-

Glaucias,

with

jealousy,

caused

me more
cheered
these
I

uneasiness

than

a Telchinian.

However, the ample payment he gave

me

me; and now

I

am
the

so fond of
sea,

pleasure-parties

on

that

wish

could

find

another

of

these

generous and wealthy young men.

23

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XIII.

A
Et
iuLu

1/

X^

i^

'

lueviM.

Ti Suvaa-ai cruiuLTrpaTTeii/, Kal Srjra

/xe,

Aeye
TTOiuiv

tt/oo?

ov

tt/qo?

erepovg
oX6<s

eKirvara

TOLfxa'
nioi

el

Se fxriSev

re

el w(j)e\elv,

yevov

ravvi/
OTT)]

'ApeoTrayirov (rreyavwrepog.
rajuLa
croi

'Eyo) ^e

TTore

Siriytjcroiuiar

epoog jae ovk ea Trape/ULTrecTwv viro

jULOv

tov Xoyiorev
ejuo]

Kv/3epva(r0ai,
v'TTO

aWa

to

vfj<pov

a-vvex(^9

tov iraQovq ^vOl^eTai.

eig

HoOev

yap
Ttjv

iroTe

aXiea

Sv(TTr]vov

ayaTTtjTcog
epcog

avayKalav
Koi

eKiropl^ovTa

6iaTpo<l>rjv
av[t](Ttv,

evea'Ktjyjye,

evTaKeh
koi

ovk

aXX

'icra

Toig
;

irXoua-ioig

wpiKoi?

veavia-KOis

ipXeyo/iiai

koi o iroTe

yeXwv Tovg
eijuu

ck Tpvipfjg

TrdOei

SovXevovTag,
vvi^,

oXog

tov TraOovgeKcpaPTa-

yaiuLijcreid)

koi

tov

'Y'jmevaiov

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

23

XIII.

AUCHENIUS TO ArMENIUS.
If you can help me,
tell

me

frankly,

but do not talk of

else
;

my

affairs

to anyone

but,

if

you cannot,
a

at least

be more

secret than

member
is

of the Areopagus.
state

Meanwhile,
not allow

this

the

of affairs.

Love has attacked

my

heart,

and

will

me

to

be guided by reason.
within
it

All sense is

swamped
has

me by
me,
a

this

passion.
love

How ever

come

to pass that

has violently attacked

poor

who was till lately quite satisfied 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
fisherman,
as
I,

any rich and handsome young man. who once laughed at those whose

effeminacy
passion,
I

made them the am now entirely

wife,

slaves of their
in
its

power;

want a

and

can think of no-

24
^ojUiai,

AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02
TOP
Trai^,

TratSa
rj^

rr}^

Tepyfnxoprjg.
rSiv iultoIkwv

"EorTf

^e

epw,

to

6vydelg

TpLOV Toov ^
TLeipaia

^pjULtovrjg

ovK

olS^
jmev

OTTCog

(pOapevTwv.

"AX\r}v

ovv Sovvai
etjULi

irpoiKa OVK exw, e/mavTOP Se Je/^a?, otog

6a\aTTOvpyo<Sy
irartip,
oT/aai

el

/mtj

jLAaipoiTO

ravrtjg

irape^eiv eiriTrjSeiov vvjiKpiov.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

24

thing but Hymenaeus, son of Terpsichore.

The
of

girl

love

is

the daughter of one

those

foreigners

who,
I

somehow

or

other,

have migrated from Hermione to have certainly

if I

Piraeus, to our sorrow.

no dowry to
duce

offer;

but

I
I

hope,

intro-

myself as
I

what

am,

simple

fisherman, that

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.
TT/oo

01

Se ecpacrav crov KTfjfjLa yeyovevai

i^^aXo) irpoq-

TovTWV TCTTapcov 6TWV, cW^

Trerpa,

ojULiX^crap

Kara

fiecrov

aTrocrxioSfjvai

Twv

irXeyjuLaTOOV <tov Se e^ eKelvov jjJ]Te qkcfSA^Te

(jaaOai,
/uLrjSevog

aveXetjQai ^ovXrjOevTO^,

/meivai,

twv

TrepioiKowTcov

cog

aWorplov
it ore

Oiyyaveip eTrix^ipwavTog.
\e[vo)v juLOvov,

'Eyei/ero odv ovk

(tov

aWa
T(p

koi

tov

Setj-

TTOTOV

\oi7r6v
KOI

aWorpiov.
XP^^^ M^

Aitw
^^'^-

ovv

ere

to
^

T^ (pOopa
Trai/TeXw?
lULiov/ULevog,

^^' ^'
iJKiarTa

aircoXeia

TTpocrheiiuLag,

^rj-

eroiimog ecro irpog Trjv Socriv.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
XIV.

25

Encymon to Halictypus.
I

LATELY saw, on the beach

full

at

SuI

nium, an old net torn and

asked whose
it

of holes.

there, as

it was, and why it was lying had evidently not been broken by too heavy a load, but its rents were

the result of age.

was

told that
;

it

had
it

belonged to you four years ago

that

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
is,

it

.away,

it

has remained where

the

since none of
it,

neighbours ventured to touch

it

as

they did not consider

belonged to them.
people,

Thus,

not

only

these

but

you,

the former owner,

rights of possession.

have abandoned your

I

therefore ask you

to give
really

me what

is

spoilt

by age, and

is

no longer your property.

that

You

can,

without any loss to yourself, hand over

to

me

which

you

have

already

doomed

to destruction.

42

26

AAKIWONOS PHTOPOS

XV,
'AX/zCTl/TTO?
Av(T/JLVr]g

^^y

K V /ULOV

I.

KOI

^a(TKaV09
rj

TOOV

yeLTOVCOV

OipOaXjuLog,

(j>rj(T\v

irapoi/ULia.
;

Tig

yap

aroi
e/uLov

Twv

ijmwp

(ppovTig
^^icojulcvov

t/ ^e
KTrJima

to
aov

Trap
eivai

paOvjUiLag
fet?;

i/ojull-

elpye rag xeipag, /maWov Se rag clttX^jurj

CTTOvg eTriOujiilag'

Se

ore

rj

roov

aXXorploov

ope^ig aSiKOvg alreiv xctp^Ta? eK^ia^earOw.

XVI.
'Ey/cuywwj^
vK
'ETref
iiTrjcra
ere
'

K\i KT vir M

a ex^ig,
/ULtj

aW

jutj

ex^ig.

Se ov ^ovXei, a
jmr]

ex^ig,

erepov exciv,

ex^

(1

ex^ig.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

26

XV.
Halictypus to Encymon.

There
eye
affairs

is

a proverb

neighbour's

is spiteful

and envious.
?

How

do

my

concern you

you claim
neglect
?

do what it has pleased me to Hold your hands, or rather

right
;

By what

your insatiable desires

let

not a greedy

longing for what belongs to others force

you to ask unreasonable favours.

XVI.

Encymon to Halictypus.
I is

DID not ask you

for

anything that
is

yours,

but for something that

let

not.

Since you will not

it,

anyone

else

have

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,
"t]

wg TrXrjOoug oXov

TrpoariovTog Ovvvwv
Treia-QevTeg,

TrtjXa/ULiSoov.

Kal

inmeig

th

crayr]vyj fjiovovovxt

tov koXttov
Koi

oXov

-rrepteXa^oiJ.ev
jULel^ov

eira

avi/uLW/uLeOa,

to

^apog
'EX7r/(5t
imev

^v

rj

Kara

(poprlop
Tivag

ixOuoov.

ovp Kai

Twv

TrXrja-LOv

CKaXovel

idLepLTag

aTro^aiveiv
riijuv

eirayyeXXofxevoi,

(TvXXapOLVTO
fjLoycp

KOL (TviuLTrovwaiep.

TeXog

TToXXw

SeiXrjg oyj/lag ev/uLcyeOtj Ka/mrjXov

/ULvScoarav rjSri

i^eiXKucraiuLep

koi

(tkooXtj^lv cttl-

/3pvov(rav.

Toiavra
eSriXwcray
rj

Orjpaa-ag,

ovx

'ivo.

eTri-

yeXaa-rjg

aXX %a
rvxv

fxaOrig,

ah

koi

TTOcraig /uLtjxavalg

^/^^ toi/ oltvx*}

Kara-

yodVL^eTai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

27

XVII.

EUSAGENUS TO LiMENARCHUS.

Confound

that

Lesbian
he

watcher

When
growing
out, as

he

saw the sea in black and rough,

some parts
shouted

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
a catch.

felt

heavier than
state

is

usual

after

In a
the
in

of expectation,

we

summoned
assist

neighbours,
the

promising

them a share

spoil if they

would
At

and aid us
land

in

our

labours.

length, after great efforts, at nightfall

we
I

brought to
quite
rotten

an
alive

enormous
with

camel,

and

worms.

have told you of

to

this catch

of ours,

not

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?
Y-Tre/D/jiafa?
t}

Q aXacra e po)T l.
/ne/mrji/as'

aKouco

yap

ere

XvpwSov yvvaiKO^
imevov,

epav, Ka\ w? Klv>]v (pOetpoicp/jjuLepov

Tracrav
^

rrjv

aypav

Karari-

OecrOai.

KirriyyeLke
'EcocTLag.

yap

/moi

tovto yeirovcov
Se rcov eTrieiKm

6 fieXricTTos
Tt]v

"1ig-tl

aXi}OeLav
eig

ti/ulcovtoov,

Kal

ovk

av

irore

Kivog

yjrevSriyopLav

wXlo-Orja-ev.

Outo
yapov

eKCivos EoocTLag 6
k\}r(i)v

tov

xPWTOV

Kal rjSvv

Twv XeTTTOTepcov
tu
orayrjvi].

ixOucov,
ovv,

ovs eyKoXelire
juloi,

TTi^eraL
/m.ovo'iKfjg

TLoOev

aroL

Siarovov Kal
(ttlv,
o)?

XP^I^^'^'-'^^^

'^^^

ivapjuLOviov

/uLeXo^

avTO<s

^(paarKev
rfjg

eTrayyeXXoov

O/ulou

yap tu

copa

ttul-

SicrKt]^ ijpacrOijg

koi TOig KpovjJ.aa-L.

IleVai/cro
rfjs

eg

ravTa

SaTravw/ULei/og, jmy ere

avrl

OaXaT-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

28

XVIII.

EuPLOUs TO Thalasseros.

You must

be suffering from the

effects

mad. I hear that you are madly enamoured of a singing-woman, and that, in paying ruinous
of high feeding, or else you are
visits to her,

you squander

all

your daily
a great

profits.

have heard this from our ex-

cellent

neighbour Sosias,
truth,

who has
:

respect for the

and would never

I

be betrayed into falsehood

Sosias

mean
the
nets.

the

who

is

so

skilful

at

making that
little

excellent
fish

savoury

broth
in

from
his

which he snares
music,
of

Tell

me, then, what has given you the idea

of

the

diatonic,

harmonic,

and chromatic
he informed
music, as

styles,

as

he said, when

me

about

it ?

You
off

are

in

love both with the girl's beauty

it

and her
spending

seems.

Leave

your money on such things, else you will

29
Ti]g

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
rj

yrj

vavrjyov

aTrocpy/vu
<tol

xl^tXcoo-acra
Trjg

riJov

XpfJfJ^uTwv,

KOI yewiral

to

\jra\TpLag
i

Karaywyiov 6 l^oXvSowiog koXttos

ptjviKov

to Tvp-

TreXayofj
(TOL

koi

^KvWa

rj

fjLov(Tovpyo<s,
ei

ovK

exovTi

K-parauv

eTriKoXeicrOai,

SevTepov

<popiuia.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
suffer

29

shipwreck on land
be stripped

instead

of

on

sea; you will

stance,

of your
this

sub-

and the abode of

will

singingto

woman
as the
sea,

prove

as dangerous

you

gulf of Calydon,

the Tyrrhenian
since you
Crataiis,
if

or

Scylla the

songstress,
call

will not

be able to

upon

she attacks you a second time.

30

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XIX.

Q a\ acr
TrjvdWm
c5

or

co^

EyTrXoo).
irpoq
/ulc

TTOieig

rrjv

vovQeanav,

EwTrXoe.

'Eyo) yap ovk av airodTalriv r^?

6e(p

auOpcoTTOv,
To^o<j>6p(p

jULvarTaycoyovvTL

irvp(p6pM kgc

TreiOonJiei/og.

Kat

aXXcos fjfMV to
TKov(Tr]g
tt/oo?
iJ-r}-

epav arvyyeveg,

Trjg

OaXaTTiag Oeov
*IL/uLeTepos

TOVTO TO
Tpog 6

iraiSlov.

ovv

''Epw9,

Kol

VTTO

TOVTOv ^XriOelg

Trjv

KapSlav, ex^o
pojuiL^oov
rj

tt/ooj

OoXaTTi]
Taig

Trjv Kopiju, TLavoTriJ

VaXaTcla

KaXXiarTevoucraig

Twv

l^riprjlStav arvvelvai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

30

XIX.
Thalasseros to Euplous.

Your exhortations
It is quite
girl,

are useless, Euplous.

impossible for
that
I

me

to give

up

this

now
is

follow the god

who

has

initiated

me
is
:

into

the mysteries, the god

who

armed with torch and bow.

love

Be-

sides,

quite

natural to us toilers

on the sea was not a goddess of the sea the mother of the winged boy? thus
to us on the mother's 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

Love

is

related

side.

Smitten

of the Nereids.

31

AAKIWONOS PHTOPOS

XX.

O e p oXeTTv p og
JUL

Q,

julwp

i.

SxerXm
ovOap KOI
Kog
Sia

TreTTovOajULev

roig

yap aWoig

fjLfJTpaL

Kai rjirap
Trjq

Spocro) Trpocreoi-

Tr]v

eK

TrtoTrjTog
f]v

XeTTTonyra
PpwjJLa'

irapeKeLTO,
ol
fjiev

^juiv

Se ervog

to

Koi
Se
Oeoi

^aXv^udViOV
o^Lvrju.

eirivov,

eKTpoirlav
juoipaioi

rHJLeh

KOL

'AAA
SaijULOveg,

cS

Kot
irtjv

fjLOipayeTai
Ttjg

Solrjre

iraparpojmrj

aStKOV Tavrtjg

tvx^9, koi

rovg

fjLev

Sir]veKt

(pvXaTTere evTvxla, rovg Se

tm

Xijuw avvoLKL^ere.
imevrjg

H
avrfjg

yap

(ftopa

rijg

el/uLap-

to.

roiavra
tt/oo?
Til

KarrjvayKaa-ev.
oi

'^ASiKa
Kai
urevij

Traa^oimev

Xeirrri

KCXpW^^oi

TVXih

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

31

XX.
Thermolepyrus to Ocimon.
I

HAVE

been

disgracefully

treated

The

other guests were served with sow's

liver,

udder and womb, and

the delicacy of
its

which from

fat

might have been

compared
pea-soup.

to dew, while

we had nothing but They drank wine from Chalythat had gone
off,

bon
sour

we had wine
as
vinegar.

as

gods

and

spirits,

who
tune
:

preside over and regulate our des-

tinies, avert

from us such injustice of

in

for-

do not keep some

happiness,

state

of

perpetual

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
"Ql/ULr]V

cttI

tw

/meipa1

KL(p

HoXvKpLTM.

yap

aVTOP,

TeOvalrj
rfjg

avTw 6

Trar^p, x^^'-^ ^^ epyaa-aaOai

/^^ct^

ova-lag

ttoXXW)

aSrj^ayovvra
^julmv

koi

KaOrjSvTraOovvra

/mera

re

/mera

re

Twv eraipwp,
ovcrip,

ocrai

Kara
rj

rrjv

wpav irpwrevri

e^avrXovvra

to

Trap

to

ttoXv

Trig

ova lag.

'O
tovto

Se,

eireLStj

K.pLTWV avTw o
fxev
o^j^e

yevv^a-ag

aireyevsTO,

ariTeiTaL

Ttjg

^jULcpag, Kai
a/ULcfH

6\[re

T^g copag rjXlov Xoiirov

HiTciTai Se ovSev twp
Ka)

Sv(Tiv

exovTog.

TToXvTcXwp,
orl^op,

aXX apTov TOP e^ ay opag

evfj/ULeplag
tj/ULepap

e'lTTOTe
^J

eiriTeXoirj,

SpvireTeig
OavjULacTTrjg
Kcti

^avXlag.
TavTrjg
ei

AtajULapTWP

ovp
otS'

T^g
o tl

eXTTiSog

ovk

Spaa-ai/iAi'

yap 6

Tpi^cop SeiTai

tov
;

QpeyfroPTog,

tl up enj 6 TpecpetrOai
Se XiiuwTTOPTi
<Tvp6ipai

6(j)e[Xcop

XijuLcoTTOPTa

SiirXovp

TO papog.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

32

XXI.
CONOPOSPHRANTES TO ISCHOLIMUS.

My
should

hopes of the young Polycritus have

I

deceived me.
die,

thought that,

if

his father

he would spend his money

freely in feasting

and

all

kinds of pleasure

with us and in the company of beautiful

women, and
of
it,

that he would have got rid

all

his fortune,
this

or the greater part of

in

manner.
his

Quite

mistake
died,

ever

since

father

Criton a
day,

he
that
eats

only takes

one

meal
before

and

quite late, just

sunset.

He

no expensive dishes, but common bread from the market, and, when he wants to
have a regular
figs

feast,

he adds some over-ripe

and

half-rotten olives.

Having been
I

thus deceived in
tions, I

my

wonderful expecta-

do not know what

am
to
?

to do.

For,

if

the supporter himself needs

is

one to support him, what

of

some become
It is

him who needs

to be supported

a
to

double misfortune for one hungry

associate with another.

man

33

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXII.

HapeKciTO
\i(joTov

/UL6P

rifjuv

6 FeXwi/o? rod ^ikc-

TrXaKOvg
irpo'i

eirwj^uniog.

Eyco ^e Kai

tjj

Oea

/uLovov

ra? Karairoo'eig evrpeiTL^oMeXXjyorf? ^e

?i/

jULevog

r]v(ppatv6jULr]v.

ttoXX^

7rpi(rT(p6vT(oi/
i]i>

TpayyifxaTWv
rfjg

ra
Ka\

irejuL/uLaTa'

Se

KapTTog
Kai

TTKTTaKrjg

^aXavoi

(potPiKoov

Kapva twv e\vTpo)v e^nprnxeva.

'Eyw

^e 7r/)09

ravra eKacrra ex^/>a pXeirMv

ejULavrov

avefjievov

eiracpyjcreiv

eyxcivm'

tm

irXaKOvvTL' ol 6e koi

to evrpayeip exf
KvXiKog
avi/exeg

jULyKiar-

Tov e^ereivav,

Km

irepicro-

Povjiievriq Siarpi/Bag koi juLeWrja-jULOvg eveirolovv.

TeXoy,
T(jovT<i

coa-irep

e/c

arvvOrjjULaTog

rrju ejmrjp

avap-

eiriOvjuLtap,

fxev

Tig

Kap^og Xa^oop

e^eKaOaipe tu evi^avovTa twv ^pwjuLaTcov

oSovcTiv
ivcoSr]'

Toh
oTog

Se

uTTTiacrag
i]

eavTov

v virvca KaTexeardai /jloKKov

t^9 Tpaire^tjg

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

33

XXII.

EuBULUs TO Gemellus.

One

of these cheese-cakes called after

Sicily
it

Gelon of

was

set before us.

I

The
all

very sight of

delighted me, and

it
;

was

eagerness to devour

but this
for

moment

was put

off for

some time,
all

the cakes

were surrounded with

kinds of sweets,

made

of pistachios,
I
;

dates,

and nuts out

with an with

of the shell. unfriendly

regarded

all this

eye

and
until

waited,
it

my

mouth wide open,

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.
last,

At

as

if it

had been agreed to torture

with
a
piece

me

with suspense, one of them began to

his

clean

teeth

of
his

stick,

another
as
if

stretched

himself on

back,

he were more inclined to sleep than

52

34

AAKIi>PONOS PHTOPOS
elra

^povTi^eiP'

aWog aWw
5/

SieXeyero,
6 ^Svg

Km

iravra fxaXKov eirpaTTero,

KOL
iroOtjTog
rjijuv

cKeivos

ir\aKOv<s

eU

OLTToKavcnv

'4pXT0.

TeXo9, oTa eiKog, ol Oeoi KaroiKTei-

pavT<i
jULoXig

TO
TTore

Kara^rjpov T^g
IjuLeipovra
juLe

e^^?

7rtOu/uiLag,

tov

irXaKovvrog

airoyevcracrOaL
'ypa(p(jo

irapecTKevacrav.
eiri

Tawra
rjSea-iv

croi

ov
eiri

TO(TOVTOv
Trj

T019

rj(rQei<s,

OG-ov

irapoKK^

t^9

jBpaSvTrJTog

KTaKeL9.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
to trouble himself about eating
;

34

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 consuming desire, and, after long delay, procured

me

a taste of the cake

for.
I

had so
not so
as

eagerly longed

write this,

much with

a feeling of pleasure,

of

weariness and exhaustion after

my

pro-

longed waiting.

35

AAKI^PONOi: PHT0P02

XXIII.

IlXaTvXai niog

'E pe ^ ii/6
Trjv

o\e ovtl.
vire-

OvTTMTroTe eyw Kara

jmeiva

^ATTiKrjv

tolovtov

xeiiJLWva.

Ov yap
juloXXov
^/uloov

fjLovop

ck

TrapaWrjXoov

(pvcrcovregy

Se

(pvpSrjv

^epojuevoL KareKTvirovv
'^St]

ol

ave/uLoi,

aXA.

Koi \ncv irvKvri

juLev

Km

eiraKKriXog ^epo/meutjf

TTpMTOv

TOvSa(pog eKaXuinev eTreira ovk

ig

eTTtTToX^?,

aXX
Tfjg

vyjrog

iipero rijg vKpaSog

elvai

X^J^oL TrafXTToXv,

wg

ay airrjTOv
tov

to Ovplov
ISelv.

avol^avra
'E/xof
lift)?

oiKiag

cTTevwirov

^e

ovre ^vXov
t]

oure (ia-^oXog
o
KpvjULog

Traprjv.

yap

TToOev

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
rj

Tavra

KvXivSovjuLevoi' Ka\

yap avTovg
*Qg ovv

TrapaTrXijarla Oeog fjvoxXei,

Tleula.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

35

XXIII.

Platylaemus to Erebintholeon.
I

winter in Attica.

HAVE never experienced so severe a Not only did the winds,

to-

blowing side by side or rather rushing

gether
us,

in

confusion,
fall

fall

violently

but a steady

of deep

upon snow covered

stop
at

the

ground

it

did

not

the
that,

surface, but rose to such

a height,
door,

when you opened the

hardly
house.
neither
see

you could
led
to
I

the

street

that

our

As

you

may
fuel,

imagine,

had
cold

wood nor

and
plan

the
I

pierced

me

to the very

marrow.

then

bethought
Ulysses

myself of

worthy of

to

run to the vapour-rooms or

baths.

furnaces of the public

there

my

fellow

labourers,

who
to

But even were

already assembled,
to enter, for

refused
all

allow

me

we were

of us tormented

by the same goddess

Poverty.

36
IJcrOojmrjv

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
ovk elvai
/ulol

eig

Tavra

eicriTijTeov,
iSicoTi-

Spafjiwv ein.
Ktjg

to OpaavXKov ^aXaveiov
evpov tovto kcvov
Koi.

oiKiag,

koi

Kara^aXwv
'iXecoi/

o/3o\ovg Svo,

tov ^aXavea tovtoi?

Karaa-Trja-ag, eOepofxrjv,
JULV

axpig ov tov VKpeTOV

koi
viro

TTtjyuXh
jiieTa^v

SieSe^aTO,

tov Kpvovg

TOV

Siepov irayevTog irpog aWrjXovg

eSeSevTO ol XlOoi.

Mera

^e

to airo^pacraL
/mot

TO
Triv

Spijuiv,

TrpocTfivrig

6 ijXiog eXevOepav

irpocroSov

Kai

TrepnraTOvg

avet/uLevoog

OLTricjiiivev.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
As soon as
I

36

saw that there was no

I I

get-

ting in there,

ran to the private bath of

Thrasyllus, and this time

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 icebound. 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,
<5'

kol

Xijulou

(papimaKov ovSev.
irvpovg
^'E(7Tf

^QveicrOai

^juliv

cTraKTOvg

ovx
oroi,

olov T Sia criraviv KepjULarcop.

Se

wg

aKovco,

r^g
ovv

irepvarLv
/uloi

eveTrjplag

Xeiyjrava.
cog

Aaveicrov
exoi/ULL

[JLeSlfivovg

eiKOcriv,
rj

du
to,

crco^ecrOai

aiWog koi

yvvrj

koi

waiSia.
Ticrojuiev

Ka/OTTWi/ ^e

ev(poplag

yeuojmii'ijg,

ck-

avTO to
yevrjTai.

/ULerpov,

koi

Xwl'ov,

hav Tig

evOrjvla

Mrj

Sr]

irepuSng

ayadovg

yeiTOvag

eig (ttcvov

tov Kaipov

(pOeipo/mevovg.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

37

XXIV.
Amnion to Philomoschus.

A VIOLENT
crops,
for

hailstorm has ruined our

and

see no

remedy against famine,

our poverty prevents us from buying

I

imported corn.
still

have been told that you

left

have something

from your abun-

dant harvest of

last year.

twenty bushels, to
self,

Lend me then save the lives of my-

my
;

wife,

and

my
I

children.

If
it

have a good harvest,

will
if

return
I

to

you

yea,

with

interest,

have
in

an
are

abundant crop.
for the

Do

not desert,
neighbours,

time

of need, such good

who

moment

in difficulties.

38

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXV.
Ei/(TToXo9
OvSev
a^LOV,
iJL

1^\

ar Loov I.
twv irovwv

Trjg yfjg ajtxeiSoiuLevrjg

eyvcov cjulqutoi/ eiriSovvai

OoXaTTr] koi
/mejuioip-

KviJia(n.

Z^v

lULCV

yap

koi reOvavai

arai
Kav V

riij.lv,

kol

ovk
Tig

ecrri

to

xP^^^ <pvyeiv

OLKiG-K(p

KaOeip^ag
cKelvr], ^rjv

avTov

Ttjpij-

evapyrj<i

yap

rj

rnxepa

Kal to

TreTrpcD-

jmevov acpvKTOP, ccxrTe

to
viro

ovx y^ro tovtcov

TokavTeveTai,
Tai.
eiTL

aXK

th tvxh ^pa^evy^g
wKvjuLopoi)

"HSrj

yap

Tiveg /mev cirl Se

OaXaTTtjg

/maKpo^LOL

KaTeBlwcrav.
ctt^

Qcrre eiSm TavO' ovtod^ ex^iv,

^aSiovjULat,

vavTiXiav
KUjULacri.

Kal

ave/noig

ojuLiXijcrco

Kal

ILpeiTTOv

yap

eiravriKeiv

k
rj

Boo'tto/qol'
KaOrijULevou

Kal
eirl

UpoTTOVTiSog veoirXovTov,
Taig
Trjg

'ATTiKtjg

ea-xcLTiaig

XifjLwSeg

Kal

avxprjpou epvyyaveiv.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

38

XXV.
EusTOLUs TO Elation.
Since the land does not
repay
sufficiently

me

for

my

labours,

have resolved
allotted to us

to intrust

my
:

fortunes to the sea and the

waves.

Life

and death are

it

by destiny

is

impossible for a

man
if

to

escape the payment of this debt, even

shut himself up in a
is

he

cell.

The day
fate
is

of death

fixed inevitably,
Life,

and

unavoid-

able.

therefore,

does

not depend

upon the
it is

profession

which we choose
perished
in

subject to the arbitrament of fortune.

Besides,

many have

their

youth on land, while others have lived

to a great age at sea.

Convinced of the

truth of this,

will turn

my

attention to

a seafaring

life,

and

will live in the

comIt
is

pany of the
better for

winds
to

and waves.
with

me

return

home from
live, in

the

Bosphorus
corner
poverty.

and

Propontis

newly-

acquired wealth, than to

of Attica,

a remote

life

of

misery and

39

AAKT^PONOS PHT0P02

XXVI.
'AyeAa/ax^'^*/?
Meya,
c5

HvO oXaw.
rrji/

(plXe,

kukov ol Kara

ttoXiv

TOKoy\v(j)Oi.

'Eyo) yap, ovk olSa ti TraOcov,

ere

Seov irapa

? irapa Tiva
eXOeiu,

aWov

t(cv

kut
ev

aypov yeiTOVodv
X/oe/a

hirei

KaTecTTrjv
cttI

XP^I^^'^^^>

^ouX6juLvos

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

KOLL

tov xpoVoj^, vtto KOpeoov

Sia x^'P^? Karexovra.
/xe

arrjTwv
[JLev

^jULi^pcoTa,

lEivOvg

odp

jULoXig

Trpoareiire,

^rjjuLiav

^yovjuLevog rrjv irpocrriyoplav elra

tov irpo^ciroa-oov

vov

(j)r)(TavTO<Sj

o)?

SeoljuLrjv

XP^I^^'^^^>

^pcTO ToXdi/Toov

'E/ioi7 Se OavjudcravTog

rhv

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

39

XXVI.
Agelarchides to Pytholaus.

My

good

friend,
I

usurers

are

a great

curse in the city.

the matter with me.

do not know what was When I might have

of
I

applied to you or one

in

my

neighbours

the

country,
to
at

when
a
I

money
bought

pay

for

field

wanted which

some had

Colonus,

allowed myself to

be taken by one of the inhabitants of the

city to Byrtius's door.

There

found an

and frowning hand some dirty old pieces of paper, half eaten by bugs and moths. At first, he hardly spoke to
old

man, with

shrivelled face
in

brows, holding

his

me, apparently considering talking to be

loss

of time.
I

When my
wanted

introducer told

him that
"

money,

he

asked,
I

How many talents ? " pressed my astonishment

When
at the

ex-

mention

of such a sum, he immediately put on an

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
vTrepPoXrji/,

SicTTTvev
ojuLcog

evOcoo^,

Koi.

SfjXog

rjv

SvcrxepalvMV'

eSiSov

Km

airriTeL ypa^k-

jUiaTeiov, Kol eiri

tm apxalw tokov ^apvv

julijvo^

koi

Tfjv

ovarlav

vTroOecrei

elcreTL

/uLor

yiteya

Tf KaKov

ei(riv

oi irepi
KajuLxlreig

ra?

xfrrjcpov^

koi
juljj

twv
julol

SaKTvXcov Tag

eiXivSovjuievor
SaijuLoveg,

yevoiTO aypoiKWv ecpopoi

Ti,
jJii]

/uLtj

Xvkop

Saveia-rrjv iSeiv.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
air

40

of contempt and

made no

secret

of

his

impatience.

lend

me

However, he agreed to the sum I wanted, and required

I

my
him

bond, in which

promised to pay
with enormous
repeat
revel

back

the

principal

interest,

and
a
a
are

my

property was to be seI

it

curity

for

month.
curse,

such
in

people

who

the

occupation

of

counting

and

reckoning

on the

fingers.

ye gods

the husbandman, preserve

who protect me from ever

!

seeing a wolf or a money-lender again

41

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE

XXVIL
'Av K
I

r]T

og

^ 01 P

apfj

^euyeig

/me,

^oi^iavrj,

(pevyeig,

Koi

Tavra
Tf

aprlcog bXov top

aypov

aireveyKainevr].
e'xetg
;

yap
;

ov

Tcov

ejuLoou

XaBovcra
;

ou

(TVKa

ov Tvpov eK ToXapcop
;

ovk aXeKTopiScov

^vyo9
ea-TL
Trjv

ov

Tu
ejULOv
;

XoiTTu
ovTOog

Tpv<pruuLaTa

iravra

(Toi

h^

oXov

jme

avrrj

Kara
cnrt]hjULOv

irapoijJLLav

avarpeyp^acra
^e
ovSejuLiav

SovXeveip
copav exeig
'^^^

vayKacrag.

2i;

SiaKawg (pXeyojuievov.
eyo) oe oicrw papecog
CLTLfllaP.

'AXXct x^^P^
/mep,

glitlOl'

oktoo

oe

o/mcog

tjjp

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

41

XXVII.
Anicetus to Phoebiane.

You
robbed
Figs,

avoid

me
all

now, Phoebiane; you

avoid me, although you have just lately

me
fresh

of

my

property.

What
a

is
?

there of

mine that you have not had

cheeses
to
in

baskets,
all

pair

of fowls,
dainties
?

not

mention
after

the other
in

Thus,

having,

the

words of the proverb, completely ruined me, you have forced me to become
your slave.
to

And

yet you
?

pay no heed
:

my
I

burning love
will

Farewell

leave

me.

endure your treatment with sorrow, but yet with firmness.

62

42

AAKI^PONOE PHT0P02

XXVIII.

^o
^QSivovara

13

apr]

*Av

Kt'iTM.

fxe

apTicog

rJKCip

cog

eavrhv
koi

yj

Tov yeiTovog
Ijciv

iuLTe7rejui\lraT0

yvvr]-

Sfjra

apa/ULvri

ra

tt/oo?

rijv

rex^W'
Trjv

^u

^e

h^aTTivaloog

avaarraf}
Kvcrai.

eTreipoo

Septjp

avaK\d(rag
Kou

Ov

Trava-ri

TpiKopodvov

ToiXavTaTOv
avOovcrag
;

yepovriov
^jiiag
cog

Treipwv
rig

ra?

e^'

^XiKLag

apri

vea^eiv
ttovoov

apxojUivog
a(j)ei(raLy

ovx^

t^i^

i^cit

aypop

aepyog

tmv

iSicov

TrpoiCTa/ULevog
',

ovxi

Tovirravelov koi r^g ecrxapag wg aSva>v

varog

e^ewa-ai

irm
',

odv raKepov ^Xeireig

PXejULfxa

KOL

avaTrueig

HeiravfTO
(reavTOV,
S>

YieKpoyfr
Trpear/Su.

aOXie, KQL Tpeirov

Kara

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

42

XXVIII.
Phoebiane to Anicetus.

A neighbour, who was

now
sent for me, and
I

in labour, just

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,
with
will

you never leave

overtures,

off
if

persecuting

your

as

you were a
are
in

young man,
prime of
to give
life ?

us

girls

who

the

Have you not been obliged

in the fields, since
after

up your work

you are unable to look

affairs
?

your own

Have you not been driven from

and the hearth as incomthen
these
is

the

kitchen
?

petent

What

the use of these

?

tender glances,

long-drawn sighs

Stop
your

it,

you miserable Cecrops, and mind

business.

own

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XXIX.

TXvKepa
^ievavSpog
rnjuv

Ba/cxi<5f.
ein
Trjv

twv

^IcrOiuiLoov

Oeav
'Eyuof

19

rhv

ILopivOov

eXOeiv

^e^ovXrjTai.
olov

jixev

ov Kara vovv olSag

yap

ecmv

epatTTou ToiovTov Kol Ppa)(yv va-reprja-m xpovov,

airoTpeireiv

Se

ovk

ivfjv

/uLrj

TroXXa/ci?

airoSriiJLelv

elwOoTa.

OvS* owco^ avrov irapeyexoo,

y\n](T(a

fxdKKovTa

eTriSrjjUL^creiv

ovS^ ottw^

/ui*],

pov\6jULvov avTov (TTTOvSacrOfji/aL viro arov,

Ka/uLOi

TLva
olSa

(j)peL

^iXoTijULiav,

tovto Xoyl^oeraiplav
tt/oo?

jmai,

yap

rrjv ovcrav ^/uliv

Se,

aXXvXay.
TOcrovTOv

AeSoiKa

<l>LXTdTrj,
'^Oei

ov

ae

{xpr](TTOTepip
oarov

yap

Ke')(j)rj(raL

Tov

fiiov),

avrov
Kal

Kivov.

'E/owri/co?

yap

ecTTL

Sai/uLovlw^

Ba/cxt^oy

ovS^

av

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

43

XXIX.
Glycera to Bacchis.

Menander
to

has

made up
do not

his

mind

make a journey
I

to Corinth, to see the

at all
it

Isthmian games.
of this idea.

approve
is

deprived of
as he
is,

You know what the company of a

for

to be

lover such
;

even

little

while

but

had no right to try and dissuade him, since he is hardly ever absent. He intends to stay in your town
:

don't

know
he
is

whether
care
or

ought to intrust him to your

;

not

for

know

that

anxious to win your friendship, and this

certainly

makes me somewhat
dear, not

jealous.

am aware of our I am afraid, my

you
life

mutual friendship, but

so

much

of
is

for

know

that your

character

more honourable than your manner of

as

of

Menander.

He

is

terribly

amorous, and, besides, even the gloomiest

*44

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
Tig OLTToa-xotTO.

Twv CTKvOpWTroTaTOov

To
(jol

/mev

yap
X'^tv

SoKeiv avTov ovk

fj

eXarrov rod
evGKev
rrjv

cvtv-

Tco]/

'IcrOfMLOOV

aTroSrj/uLiav
"lo'oog

TreTTOtfja-Oai,

ov

iravv

TreiOo/Jiai.

al-

TiacriJ

fjie

Tfjg
c5

viroyjrlag.

^vyylvcoarKe Se ratg
^rjXoTVTrlaLg.

eraipLKah,
^

(piXrarr],

'Eyo)

ov irapa jmiKpov ^yovjuiai M.vavSpou Sia'

/napTeiv epacTTOv.
fxog

AWcog re
t]

kuv

[xol

kvl(t-

Tig
/me
r]

irpog
ctti

avTOv
rtjg

Siaipopa
viro

yevrirm,
^pejiAtjrog
'Eaj/
e'ta-ojuLal

Se/ja-ei

crKrjvfjg

TIV09

Ai<j)iXov TTtKpwg XoiSopetarOai.

/uloi,

Se eiraveXOn
oroi
x'^P'-^-

olog wxero, TroXXrjp

'E/3/6w(To.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
of

44

men would

not be proof against the

I

charms of Bacchis.
sure that he
is

do not

feel

at all

not taking this journey

rather for the sake of

quaintance than for

making your acthe Olympian games.

Perhaps you

will think

me
to

suspicious.

My
It
is

dear friend, you must pardon the jealousy

which
no
or

is

so
for
;

natural

us

girls.

trifle

me

to

lose
if

lover

like

Menander
should
railleries

especially as,

any

irritation
us,
I

quarrel

should
obliged

arise

between

be

to

put

up with the

and insults of a Diphilus on the stage. I

grateful

Chremes
shall
if

or

be exshould

tremely

to

you,

he

return to

me

as

he started.

Farewell.

45

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXX.
Ba/cx'S*
Hao-al
Ka<TTt]
(TOL

^Y'tt e

p is I].
'^"^

'larniev

at eratpm
rj

X^P^^'

ye

^/mcov

oux yrrov
^pvvri^,

^pvvrj'

fxev

yap aywv
EuO/a?

juovo?

ov

TrajULirovrjpog

eTravelXerOi
aLTOvcTai

Se

KivSvvog

airacrwv.

Et yap
piov ov
XOivovcrai

irapa twv epacrToov

rj

apyv-

TvyxoivoiJ.ev,

roig SiSovariv evruyireiravcrOaL

aore^elag
r]IJiLV

KpiOrjaroiuLeOa,

KpeiTTOV
exeiv
X^iv.
/iieOa,

TOV ^LOV TOVTOV, KOI

/jt^Jre

JULtJKeTl

irpayp-ara,

Tolg ofxiKovai

irapk-

Nw
OTL

^'

ovK

en to
Eu^/a?

eraipeiv airiaa-oepacrTtj'i

irovrjpog
e7rieiKr]g

evpeOtj,

aXX'

OTL

'YTreplSrjg,

^tjXcoa-oimev.

HoWa

Tolvvv

ayaOa yevoLTO

croi Trjg

(piXav-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

45

XXX.
Bacchis to Hyperides.

All we
there
is

girls

are

grateful
is

to

you

not one of us

who

not as

much

obliged as

Phryne.

Certainly she alone

was concerned in the dangerous action, which that vile Euthias brought against
her,
alike.

but

the
if

danger

threatened

us

all

For,

we

are to ask

our lovers

for presents in vain, or are to

be accused

of impiety

if

we bestow our
it

favours upon

generous
give

clients,

will

be

better

to

up our present mode of life, and to avoid exposing ourselves and others who consort with us to annoyances on our account. But now we shall no longer be
blamed on account of our profession, because Euthias has shown himself a disloyal
lover
;

but, since

Hyperides
it

is

just

and

good,

we

shall

continue
zest.

in the future

with increased

May

your humanity

AAKI^PONOS
Spcoiria^.

PH':

Ka yap
kul

eralpai/ XP^^'^^^ creaurcp

a/uL6i\l/oiiJLpas

TrepieTTOiTja-a),

^/mag

ere

am-' toi

KLvt]g

7rape(rKva(ra.

Et

^e
Ttjg

Srj

koi

Xoyoi/ ypaxJ/aLg

top virep

^pvvrj^,

tote

av

ft)?

aX^/^ft)? xpt/croyi^

at eralpai ae

a-ry'icrai-

fj.eVj

OTTiy

TTore ^ouXei rrj^ 'EXXacJo?.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
meet with
benefit,
its

46

due reward.
in

gained a respectable mistress

and,
us
all
;

You have for your own

you
have
gratitude

her
for
If

person,

saved
is

which our

due to you.
the

you would only pub-

lish

speech

which

you
girls

delivered

on her behalf, then

erect in your

we

promise to
statue, in

honour a golden

whatever part of Greece you please.

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XXXI.

Ov
Orjv,
cS

TOcrovTOv
(piXrarrj,

or 01

tov kivSvvov

crvvr^xQeo'jaev

oarov,

on

irovripov

ainjWayrj^ epaarrov,
ptSrii/,

XPWTOV
yap

8e evpeg 'Y7re-

(TVvriG-Orjv.

T^i/

SUrjv

arot

koi

irpog

evTvxi-av
are

yey ovevm
Taig

vojuli^co'

Sia/36r]TOP

yap
Kai

ovk

ev

^AOrjvaig
airacrri

julopov,

oX\a
cKeivog

TU

EXXaJf

aywv

TreTTolrjKev.

EiJ^/a? jmev
crtjg

yap

Uavriv Tificoplav
vtto

Scocrei

Ttjg

ojuiiXiag crTepovjULevog'

yap

opyrjg

jULOi

SoKei

KivrjOeh

Sia

rrjp
rfjg

IJL(J>vtov

ajuLaOlav

virepapai

to

/jLerpov

epcoTiKr}<^

^rjXoTVTriag.

Kaz

vvv cKeivov epoovra

jmev

jmaWou
Sta
Tfjv

'ictOl

t]

YireplSijv.

yap
cctti

T^9

a-vprjyopiag

X^P^^

SfjXog

cnrovSd-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

47

XXXI.
Bacchis to Phryne.

The sympathy which I felt for you in my dearest friend, was not so great as is my present joy, now
your hour of danger,
that you have got rid of a worthless lover

and found an honest friend

It
is

in Hyperides.

my

opinion that this suit has been

;

very fortunate for you

for the trial

has
in

made your name famous, not only

Athens,
Greece.

but

throughout
will

the

whole

of

Euthias

be sufficiently pun-

ished by the loss of your favours.

to
his

Owing
of

natural

stupidity,

he appears to
limits

have

gone

beyond

the

the

jealousy of a lover in the excitement of

his anger
at
;

be assured that he loves you

the present

perides

moment more than HyThe latter certainly himself.

be
regarded with
favour

wishes

to

by

you

in return for

having undertaken your

48

AAKIi>PONOS PHTOPOS
eavTOV iroiwv
irapw^vvrai.
Se^a-eig
Srj

^earOai ^ovXojmevog Kot epco/nevov

6 Se

Tw

airorevyixari
Sr]

rfjg SiKijg
Sl^

UpocrSexov

ttoXiv

avTov

Kai

Xtravelag koi ttoXv xP^^^ov.

Trjcrijg

M^

KaraSiai/ulij

rjfxwv,

^iXraTr],

twv eraipwv

Se

^YireplSriv

KaKwg

So^ai
Uearia^
<TOi,

/Se^ovXeva-Oai
Trpocrie/ULept]'

iroLYia-ri'S,

ra?
TOig

Eu^/oy
Xeyovcrl

/mrj

Se

on,

el

jutj

tov

XiToavla-Kov irepipprj^a/uLevrj

tu

juaarrapia to??
pyjTCDp

SiKacrrah
irelOov.

ciTreSei^ag,

ovSev 6

wcpeXei,
ev

Kaz yap avTO tovto, %a

aroi,
r]

Kaipw

yevrjTat

eKelvov irapecrxe crvptjyopia.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
defence, and to gain your affection
;

48

but

the passion of the other has been only

more
case.

violently whetted

by the

loss of his

You may
entreaties,
in

expect from him, then,

supplications,
;

fresh

and
dear

pregirl,

sents

abundance

but,

my
or,

do not prejudice our cause,

to

by

listenit

ing to the entreaties of Euthias, cause

be thought that Hyperides has done

in taking our part.

wrong
those
efforts

Neither believe
the
orator's

who

tell

you

that

would have been unavailing, unless you had rent your clothes and shown
your bare breasts to the judges.
this

Why,
on

very argument,

so

opportunely em-

ployed,

was the

result of his exertions

your behalf.

49

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE

XXXII.
Ba/cx^9
M.ij Srj

^v
e'lij

fi

ivrj,

KpiTT0V09
^AippoScTrj,

croL

Tir)(elv

epacTTOV,
croi,

Seariroipa

aXX

Eu^/a?

ov

pvv
Trj?

Trepieirei^,

(TvyKaTa^icotj.

TaXaiva
Orjplu)

yvvrj

avoia^,

r]Ti9

tw toiovtw
'Icrcog

'7rpo<Te(p-

dapa-ai.
^pvvtji/
plvrjv.

UXrjv

tw

KoXXei

7rex/o-Tef/fa9.

yap

virepiSwv SijXovoTi crTep^ei Mu/a-

'AXX'

eoLKaq

Kvlcrai
ctol

top

'YTrepiSrjv

/BcjSovXtjcrOai

wg eXarrop

vvv irpoa-exovTa.

Kami/o? eToipav
epacTTTiv
croi

ex^i a^iav eavrov,

koi

ctv

irpeirovTa.

Atrrja-ov
rj

tl

irap'

avTOv,

Kcti

oi/ret

(reavrhv

ra

veoopia efxireI(r6i rrjv

irprjKviav,

rj

Tovg

v6/UL0vg KaraXvovcraj/.

yovv,

OTL

irapa

iracraig

tjiJ.lv

raig

^iXavOpcoTTorepav
fxeiuLLcrrja-ai.

^AippoSlrtjv

'TrpoTijuwa-atg

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

49

XXXII.
Bacchis to Myrrhine.
No, so help me, Venus, may you never may you spend all a better lover your life with Euthias, with whom you
find
!

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
to
irritate

he

will despise

Phryne and love Myrrhine.

object
at
this

No

doubt

your

was

Hyperides,

who who

moment

treats

you with neglect.

a mistress
is

He

in truth possesses
;

worthy of him
is

and

you have a lover who

to you.

admirably suited
for a present

But only ask him

soon see
if

you

will

he does not accuse

you of having
tell

tried to set fire to the dock-

yards or of having broken the laws.

the
truth,
all

To

you have made yourself

hateful to

of us,

who have

regard for

more honourable attachment.

72

50

AAKI#P0N02 PHTOPOE

XXXIII.
a
J"?

Q erraXt].

OvK av

iroT

w^Orjv ck TOcravTtjq (rvvrjOeiag

Trpog
ev

ecea-Oal jnoi K.al TO.

juLev

Tiva

l^v^linnjv Sia^opav.
avTiJ
Sayuoi'

aWa,
cltto

olg

xpW^f^^ y^'
KaTaifKovv,
yivcoa-Keig

yova
OVK

viro

tov

t^?

SveiSi^ci).

'AXXa
ocrov,

ILaiiKpiXov,

TOVTO KOI

(TV

^JUL IV SiSovTog

apyvpiov,

OTL ravTiJ TTore evTvyxoiveiv iSoKet

KLOv,

to

/jieipd-

ov

TrpocLeiJiriv.

'AXXa KoKwq
Tfj

^jmag avr]

TOVTCov

rnj^elyp-aro,

KaKicTa

airoXovjUievi]
tt/do?
eKelvrji/

Meyapa
S*

xapl^ea-QaL
lULOL

OeXovcra'

^v Ti9 TToXaia

Sia ^rparoopa virovoia.

(piuLi]v

'AXXa
\oyov
KOLTTi

TavTriv /meu ovSev

iroielv

irapaS^

KttKm
Trjv
^lULip.

Xiyovarav

/me.

A\u>a
wcnrep
rrjg
rjv

^v,

iravvuxiSa

Tracrai,

ciKog,

irap*

^^Oav/ma^op

Se

EJ^/tttt???-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

50

XXXIII.
Thais to Thessale.
I

SHOULD never have

believed

that,

after so long
I

an intimacy with Euxippe,

I

should quarrel v^ith her.

her

do not
services

reI

proach

with

the

many

have rendered her since she arrived here from Samos.

some present
I

You know what a handPamphilus offered me; but

have anything to do with
I

refused

to

him, because

knew

that he had already

her.

become acquainted with

of

By way

rewarding
is

my

kindness

handsomely,

she

endeavouring to curry favour with

that accursed

woman

Megara, of

whom

have long had

of Straton.

my

suspicions, on account
is
ill

So there
speaking
of

nothing astonish-

of me. It was and we were all assembled according to custom at my house, to spend the night. I was suring in her

the

festival

Ceres,

51

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOX
fJLev

TO
Koi

yap

irpwrop, Kix^^^ovcra
Trjv
Sucr/ji.eveLav

julct

eKeivrjg

iuLCOKCoiui.V)],

eveSeiKvro,

elra (pavepw^
Tjijuv

TroiriiUiaTa

iJSev

eig

top ovk

eO'

TTpoo'exoPTa
rJTTOV T^Xyovv
(pvKO^
jme

epacrTtjv.

KaTrt

tovtol^
eig

jULcv

airavaL(rxv]nrr}(Ta(Ta Se

TO

Kol

top TraiSepcoTa

eV/cwTrrei/.

'E^o/cet Se fiOL iravv KaKcog irpaTTeiv,

w?

iJ.YiSe

KOLTOTTTpov KKTrj(TOaL.
XpwjULa

Et yap

oIScv

kavTrji/
^/iiag

cravSapaxm exovaav, ovk av

'E/xof
julcp

eig

afjLopcjiLav ej8Xa(r0//^tef.

odv

^paxy
epa-

imeXei
(TTalg,

irep\

TOWTtt)!/,

apecTKeiv
/cat

yap

Tolg

ovx}

Meyd/oa

Yiv^iTnrr]
croi,

^ouXo/ULai

Taig inOriKOLg.
eTL
iJLeiJ.ylrii.

AeSrjXooKa Se
'AinvvovjiiaL

%a

i^y'}

^k

yap avTag ovk

aXX'
Se

ev

a-Koojui/ixaa-iv,

ovS^

ev

^Xacrc/yfijULiatg,

ev oTg
tvjv

jULoXiG-Ta
^eiJ.ea-LV.

aviarrovTaL.

Upoa-Kvvco

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
prfeed
at

51

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

containing
allusions
to

some
lover

verses,

forsaken me. I did not much. But, at last, she lost all decency, and ridiculed my dye and rouge. She seems badly off herself:

who had
this

mind

so

don't

believe

she

even

possesses
like

mirror.

For,

if

she saw

how

yellow

ochre her complexion was, she would not

abuse
very

me
little

for

being ugly.
this.
I

However,

care

about

my
may
day,

lovers,
I

not monkeys like

want to please Megara or

this, that
;

Euxippe.

have told you

you
one

not blame
I

me

afterwards

for,

will

revenge

myself upon

them,

not with raillery or insult, but in such

a manner as to

make them

feel

it.

worship the goddess Nemesis.

52

AAKI*P0N02 PHT0P02

XXXIV.

'E^ ov
iyevov,
i-Trfjpag.

^iXoiTOcpeiv eirevorjcrag,

crejULVog

Tt?

Kai Tag o(ppvg virep

rovg KpoTa<j>ovg
koi

Etra

crx^/^o.

ex^v

^l^XlSlov
cro^eh,
rrjv

jnera x^^P"? elg rrjv

Se
rj/JieTepav

^AKaStjjULiai/

oiKiav

w?

ovSe
;

iS(t)V

irporepov

irapipxnia-Tiv

'E/xai/>y9,

EuOJJ^/xe

ovk olSag, olog

(T0(j)L(TTri9

ovTog 6 ecTKvOpooTraKwg koi

Sie^icov irpog

Tovg OavjuLaarrovg Tovrovg

vjnag

Xoyoug
eariv

'AW'

ejULol

/aev

Trpay/JLara,

iroaog

o'let

XP^'i^o?,

e^ ov Trapexei ^ovXojuLevog
Se ^^pirvWlSi
jmev

evTux^iV'

UpoG-ipOelpeTai
a/3pa.
ere

tu
ov

Meya/oay
Trpoa-leiuLijv,

Tore

ovv

avTov

yap Trepi^aWoucra
ri

Koijuiaa-OaL
a-o-

jULoXXou

k^ovXofxrjVj
xpya-/oi/.

to irapa Travrwv
Se
ere

(pKTTWv

'ETref

airoTpeiTeiv

LETTERS OF ALCIPHKON

53

XXXIV.
Thais to Euthydemus.
Since you have taken it into your head to study philosophy, you have become serious, and raise your eyebrows above your forehead. Then, assuming the philosopher's air, with a book in your
hand,

you

strut

proudly

towards
house,
as

the
if

Academy, passing
mad,

by
it

my

you had never seen

before.

Are you

Euthydemus
sort of

Don't

you

know

what
is,

man
?

that

scowling sophist

who

has so excited your admiration

by his discourses
to

You

don't

know how
also

long he has been pestering me, in order

gain

my
I

favours.

He

is

mad
At

after

Herpyllis,

Megara's pet maid.

that time,
I all

refused to receive him, for

preferred your kisses

and embraces to
But, since

the gold of philosophers.

he seems to be the cause of your keeping

53

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
TtJ9
fjLcO'
rjiJLwv

OiK

orvvijOeiag,

viroSe^o/JLat

avTov
TOV

Kai

pouXei, tov SiSda-KoXov tovtovI

CTTlSel^Ot) (TOl

jULKTOyvVaiOV

PVKTOg

OVK

apKoviJ.evov

rah

(rvwiOea-iv

rjSovai^.

A^pog

Tavra
Kiwv,

eio-l

Koi TV(j)og koi epyoXd/BcLa jiieipa-

(b

avorjTe.
;

Om

Se

Sia<pepiv
ocrov
iirel

eraipag
Sia
tcov

(TO(l>L(TTriv

Tocrovrov

/Vft)?,

ov
ev

avTcov KaTpoL TreiOoua-tv

T/oof9

ye

a/uL<j)o-

reXos TrpoKeirai to Xa^eiv.

rjixel^

Hoa-w
;

Se

a/j.eivovg

kol
eTvai,

evarefiearrepaL

Ov

\eyofj.ev

Oeou^

ovk

6X\a

Tria-Tevojuiev
^jULoig.

o^vvovG-L

Toh

epaa-rai^,

on
kol

(piXovG-iv
fjLrjrpdcn

OvS'

a^iov/mev

dSeX^aig

/x/y-

vva-Om Tovg avSpag, aXX' ovSe

Tpiaig.

yvvm^h aXXoelep,

Et

/mrj,

otl rag i^e^eXa? oiroOev

oirolai, aypoovjuLev, Sia
(tol

Km

Tag aTOfiovg
SoKovjUiev

tovto

rjTTOvg
avTr]

tcov

cro(f>icrTwv.

Kaf

irapa

TovToig

eVxoXa/ca

koI

iroXXoig

SieiXeyniai.

OvSeig cTatpaig ojuliXwv Tvpavvikoi

Sag

oveipoTToXei

cTTacna^eL

to.

kolvo.'

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
away from me,
if I

53

will

receive

him

and,

you

like,

will

prove to you that this

this

wonderful teacher,
not
satisfied

woman-hater,
foolish

is

with
night.

ordinary

enjoyments

during

the

You
is

young

man, mere

all

this display

simple nonsense,

artifice,

a trap to fleece young men.

there
is

Do you

think

much

difference
?

between a sophist and a

only difference
suasion
;

woman

The
peris

is

in

their

ways of

the object of their efforts

get
far
:

the

same

to
are

money.
better

Indeed, our prin-

ciples

and more
but

religious

than theirs
ence
of

we do
gods,

not deny the exist-

the

we

believe

our

lovers,
us.

when they swear

also

that they adore

We
we

prevent

men from comOnly, be-

mitting incest and adultery.

cause

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
cnracra^ rov kaoOivov kol
TpLTrjv Se
rj

aXXa
copau
OfJiev

/ULeOvaSeh,

elg

TeTaprrjv
^juLclg

Yipefxel.

Ilat^ei;-

ov
1

x^^P^^

Tovg

veov^.

'ETret

(TvyKpivov,

^ovXei,

Kcrirao'lav Trjv eralpau,

Kol

^coKparrjv
avTUiv

rov

croifiLa-Triv,

kol

iroTepog

ajJLeivov

eiralSeva-ev
oyp^ei

avSpag,

Xoyitrar

Trjg

/mev

yap

/maOrjTtiv

HepiKXea,

tov

Se K/otr/ai/.

Kara/^aXe
6
ijuiog

rrjv /uLooptav

ravrrjv
(ov

Kai

arjSlav,

epcog,

YivOvSrjiULe

irpeireL

crKuOpcoTroig
Ttjv

ehai roiovroig
rJKe

o/uL/ULaa-i),

Kai

Trpog

epcojmevtjv

Trjv

eauTov,

olos
ISpoo-

eiravekOuov

awo AvKeiov iroWuKig top

ra

a7ro\lru)]ULVog,

%a

juLiKpa

KpaiiraXria-avTeg

eTTiSei^wjULeOa
^Sovrjg.

aXX)}Xof?

to koXov reXog r^?

ye
(pavovniai

K.ai croi

vvv juLaXicTTa

(TOffiri.

Ov
fjLri

juaKpov SlSwo-ip 6
XaOr]g

Sal/uLcou

xpovov

TOV

^f]v

tovtov

eig

aivlyniaTa kol

Xripovg auaXwarag.

''Yippaxro.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
the
state
:

54

and seizing the supreme authey drink

drunk,
or
all

thority

the morning, get

it

frightfully
till

and then sleep

o'clock.

off

nine

ten

Again,

we
the

educate young
do.

men
if

quite as well as they

like,

Compare,

you

Aspasia

courtesan
crates
;

and the famous sophist Soand consider which of them procitizens.

duced the best

that Pericles
Critias

You

will

find

was the pupil of the former, of the latter. Abandon this folly,
your
disagreeable
:

shake
darling

off

looks,

my
re-

Euthydemus

your beautiful eyes

were never intended to be scowling;

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
life.

is

the

aim of
learned

Then you
!

will confess

how

am

Besides,

the

Deity only allows

;

us a short time to live

do not waste

it

foolishly in trying to solve riddles.

well.

Fare-

55

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXXV.
^i jmaXloyv
Ef
[xlav
fjiev

IleTaXj;.
Tiva ^epeiv
tj

ri^ovriv

(rot

^iXorio'let

irp6<s

TLvag
^jmag

tu>v

SiaXeyofJiepcov

to
kou

iroWcLKig
TOig

eTri

rag

Ovpag
Tovg

(j>OLTav,

TreyUTTO/xej/Of?

tt/oo?

evrvxecTTepovg

^jjLWP OepaTraiviSloig airoSvpecrdai,

rjfXLV

ovk aXoya>?

VTpv(j>ag.

"laQi

fxiv

roi {Kai tol ttoiwv

e/ULavTio),

oiSa

TTpayiJ.a

acrvjUL(l)opov

ovtw

jul

SiaKelfjievov cog

oXiyoi twv evTvyxcavovTwv

av
SiareOelev.
/ulol

ctol

vvv

a/uieXtjOevTeg

J^al rot

ye

wfjirjv

TOP oLKpaTOV

earearOai

irapTjyoprjiuLa,

ov

Trap

lEiv^povLO)

TpLTrjp

ecnrepav
Trjv

irokvv

Tiva

iveipoprjcrajuLtjv,

wg

Srj

rag irapa

vvKTa

(ppovrlSag
(rx_v.

Siwcro/xevog-

to

Se

apa
Trjv

euavrioog

^AveppLTTKTe
KKalovTO.
JULC

yap

julov

eiriOvfjiiav,

ib(TT

KOI

Ppux^fJ^evov eXeeicrOai

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

55

XXXV.
SiMALION TO PeTALE.
If you think
it

is

any

satisfaction to

you or that
of your

it

adds to the gratification

to

cHents,

make me come
are

re-

peatedly to your door and complain to

your

servants

who
I

sent

to

more

fortunate

suitors,

cannot say you are

wrong
ously.

in
I
;

treating

me

thus

contemptuare

know
but

that

my

efforts

unof

availing

be

assured

that

few

your favoured lovers would be so deeply

affected
I

by the
I

loss of

your affection as

am.

I flattered

myself that the quantity

of wine

drank yesterday at Euphemius's

would
help

afford

me some
away

consolation,

and
It

me
it

to drive

my

nightly cares;
effect.

but

had just the contrary

I

only fanned more violently the flame of

passion
;

my
me

wept,

sobbed loudly, so that

the better disposed of those around

56

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
irapa
Toig
eiriiK<rTpoi9,

juLev

yeXcora

Se
/noi

TOig

aWoig

irapex^Lv.

M.iKpa Se eirecm
fjSrj

Trapayfrvxh koi jmapaLvo/uLei/op

Trapa/mvOiov,
fj.efj.yfrLV

fJLOL

VTTO TrjV XvTTpaV TU)

(rVjUL7rO(TL(p

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
ipiXop,
^jULcov,

Tm
Sirjyov

^/merepag

jixepi/uLvw
jmev

Kav

croi

Toig

vvv
Se,

imaKapiooTepoig
^imeig
jurjSev

ovK

elg

[xaKpav

dv wcnrep
fJ-ev

e^wcroi

criv,

aviacrojuievoig.

^uxov

tol

veixecrrja-ai

TavTijg t^? virepoyfrLag rrju 'A^/oo-

SlTrjv.

"Ere/oo? dp XoiSopov/mevog

eypa^e

Ka\

aireiXcov

aXX
(o

eyco

Seojuievog

Ka\

olvtl^oXwv,
Se

epw yap,
lULt]

HeraXi],

KaKwg.

^o^ovjuai

KOLKiov ex^^v

iuLijUi7]<T0iuLai

TLva Tcov TTepi rag

epwTiKag

jneimylreig

arvxea-Tepoov.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
were

56

moved
a
slight

to

pity,

while
still

the

rest
for

laughed at me.

There

remains

me
a

alleviation

of

my

sorrow,
is

poor

consolation,

which,

however,
I

now

withering away and

fading.

mean

the flower which you plucked from your

head when we quarrelled at supper, and

threw
But,
if
it

at

me, to show that you were not

I

offended with everything

if
it

had sent you.

amuses you, enjoy

tell

my

grief;
it

please you,

the story of

to

those

who
it

are
will

now more

fortunate than

myself;
to

perhaps soon be their turn

grieve,

treatment.

when they meet with similar However, pray to Venus that

letter
:

she be not angry with you for your pride.

Another would have written a

to

you
to

and threats I prefer address you with prayers and supplifull

of insults

cations,

for

am
!

desperately
in

in

love

with you.
grief, I

Alas

the excess of

my

am

afraid of imitating those un-

fortunate

lovers

whose complaints only

serve to increase their misfortune.

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-ov'

a<p06vcov TOvTCdv

oLTroXavovcra irapa

vvv

Se Set xp^^^ov
viSwv.
6ev.

rjiMv, IfxaTlcov, koo-julov,

OepaTrai-

'H Tov Plov

OvK
k'cTTiv

SioUrjari^ diraa-a

hrevejuLol

ev ^IvfipivovvTi iraTpccov
ejixol

KTr]juLaTiov,

ovS' ev Tocg apyvptoig

/uLia-OcojULaTia Koi.

jueraX-

\ov,

aXXa

at SvcrTVxecg avrai
avorjrcop

Kal

Kar ecrrev ayjJLevai

twv

epacrrwy
aSrj-

XCipiT<}.

2oi ^e evLavTOv evTuyxoLvovcra

avxiJLtjpav
/mev

fxovw,
jULfjSe

KOI
iSoov

exw

rrjv

KetpaXrjv,

TOV xpovov TOVTOv

juLvpov

ra

Se

apxala kou
TivlSia

Tpvxiva Trepi^aWo/uLevr] Tapap-

alcrxyvoixai
juLOi

rag

(piXag.

Ovrcog ayaoiei
/ue
(joi

66v

Ti

yevoiTO.

Elra

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

57

XXXVI.
Petale to Simalion.

How

wish that a woman's house

!

could be supported on tears

right royally, for I

should

live

know you would keep

me
as

abundantly suppHed with them; but,

it

is,

unfortunately

we want money,
servants.

clothes,

ornaments,

and

Our
this.

arrangements depend
I

entirely

upon

have no patrimony at Myrrhinus,

I

no

share in the silver mines;

the
little

depend upon

presents
foolish

receive,

favours

of

lovers,

and the wrung only

I

many sighs and tears. have known you now for more than
from them with
year,

and
is

am
time.

no better
it

for

it.

My
one
I

hair
oil

in disorder;
this
I

has not seen any

all

have only got

to be seen in
I

Tarentine tunic, so old and torn that

am my

perfectly
friends.

ashamed
I

it

by

hope

may have better 82

58

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
;

irapaKaQrjiJLevrjv iroOev ^rftreLV

ireiraiKTii jULera /miKpov.

'AXAa

SaKpvL^\
jjirj

'Eyco ^e dv

rig 6

SiSovg
(Tov

II,

ireivricToo

to koXov.
ft)?

OavjULa^co

Se

Koi TO, SuKpva

'

ecTTiP

airlQava.

Ae(piXelg,

(Tiroiva

AtppoSlrr],
(701

(piXeig,

avOpoDire,

KOI

^ovXcL

Trjv

p(ji)iuLevi]v

SiaXeyeaSai,

^^v

yap

x^/o^? eKelvrjg
e(TTiv
jULi]Tpog,

/iirj

Svvaardm.
oiKiag

T/ ovv
vjuliv,

ov

TroTYipia

iiri

T^g

jmrj

Xpyc^io,

T^9
;

juirj

Saveia

tov iraTpog
evjULCvecrTepoig

KOjULiovjULevoig

M.aKapia ^iXoTtjg,

ojUL/ULacriv

elSov CKelvijv at ILapiTeq, otov epaa-Trjv

exet

M.VK\iSrji/,

og

KaO^

rjijLepav

SlScoctl

ti'

ajuLeivov

yap

rj

kXclciv.

'Eyw
c'xw,

^e ^ ToXaiva
juloi

Oprfi/cpSoPf

ovK epacTriv

(rT6<pdvid

Kal

poSa wairep acopw

SI
rJK

Ta(p(p

ire/ULTrei,

Kal

KXaeiv
ti,

oXi]g
jULtj

</>r](n

T^g vvKTog.
1

'Ea/

(j^ipiig

KXalcov,

Se

jmr],

(reavTOv ovx

Vf^oig

aviacreig.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
luck
!

58

And do you
?

think that, while

stick to you, I shall be able to find other

resources
last long.

You weep
But
can
I
I

be sure that won't

shall be finely hungry,

unless

find

lover
at

to

give
:

something.

wonder
!

your tears
!

absurd they are

say,

lady Venus

me how You
in

Simalion,

that

you

are

madly

love with a
live

woman, and
Well,

that you cannot

without her.

my

friend,
at

have
?

you no valuable drinking-cups

has
not

home

your

mother

some jewellery
Philotis

cannot you get some securities belonging

to

your

father

Happy
she

the

Graces have looked upon her with kindly

eyes.
clides,

What who

a lover
gives

has in

Meneevery

her

something

day.

That is better than tears. As for me, unhappy girl, I have no lover, but a
mourner,

hired

who
for

sends
if

me

nothing

but roses and garlands, as

to decorate

an early grave
he weeps
anything,
tears.
all

me, and declares that

If

night.

you can give

see

me
to

come

and

me,
your

but

no

Otherwise,

keep

grief

yourself,

and do not worry me.

59

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XXXVII.

Mv p p LVf]
Ov
Trpoa-exet
JUlol

Nt/CtTTTT*/.

tov vovv

A/^f\o9,

vevKe.
KCO/UiOg

VLai fJiexpt

/uLev

tcov ^AScovlcov

Km

ein-

TTOTC
fjSt]

TTpO^

Vl^cig
cog

KOI

KOl/ULrjO-OjULeVOg

e(j)oiTa,

IUL6P

TOi

av rt? aKKL^o/mevog Kai

koi

epcofievop

kavrov
ltXiK09,

ttolcov,

ra ye

TrXeio'Ta

VTTO
/txepog

TOV

OTTOTC
Ttjg

/uLeOvcrOeLt],

oSrjyovipcov

{cKetvog
rjjULiv

yap

YtpirvWlSog
vvv
fxiv

Trjv

Trap'

tjyaTra arxoXyv)oXo)?
^JULIV

tol
T6Cr-

SfjXog (TTL

/iirjS^

eVTV^6lULV09'

crapag

yap

e^ijg

^/mepas ev Tcp AvariSog

Ac^/7^w

jnera QerraXrjg Kai tov KaKicrT

air oXovjuLevov
wpov/uivrj-

^TpoyyvXioovos,

o?

TavTfjv

avTM

CTTevcraTo Ttjv epwjjiivriv efjLoi tl

TrpogKpova-ag,

KpanraXa.
TraivlScov

Tpa/ULjUiaTLSia /mev

ovv Ka\

Oepa/maTijv

SiaSpofxal

Kai

oaa ToiavTa

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

59

XXXVII.
Myrrhine to Nicippe.
DiPHiLUS no longer cares
is

for

me

he

altogether devoted to that dirty wretch

Thessale.

Until the day of the festival of

to

Adonis, he used
sleep

come and sup and

time to time,
to be

with

me

from

but

since then he has put on an insolent

and
of.

haughty

air,

and wants

made much

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.

in

For
of

four whole days he has been on the drink

Lysis's

garden,

in

the

company

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
kol

SirjuvarTaL,

ovSev e^ avrcov o<p\o9'

SokcI

Se

/ULOL

/iiaXKov vtto
rjimiv.

tovtmv

TeTU(j)ciocr6aL

kol

virepevTpv(j)av

Aolttov odv
^/mag

oiTroKXeieiv,

Kav
L

eXOu
Si]

TTore

irpog

KOLjuLi]0tj(r6juLevo,

KVLcrai
e'loiOe

TTore

eKeiprjp

^ovXrjOeLr],

Sioo-

craaOai*

yap

rj

/3apvTi]9

tw

ajULeXeicrOai

KaTa^aWea-Oai.
jULCv,

'Eaj/

^e

/ULrjS^

ovTcog
cocnrep

avvoL-

Oep/UiOTepov
Ka/ULVovcri
fxovoi/,

nvog

rjij.Lv

Tolg

<7(j)66pa

(pap/maKOv
el

Sei'

Seivov

yap

ov TOVTO

Twv
aXX'
aoL

Trap'
el

avrov

julktOcjo-

jULarcou (TreprjarojULeOa,

GerTaXu yeXcora
o)?
cj)r]q,

7rap^ojuLV.

"Yi(Tri
e(j)

ireipaQev,

iroKKaKL<s

^XiKtag

(plXTpov.

Toiovtov
tov
iroXvv

TLVog

PorjO^jmaTog
Tv<j)Ov,

Seo/txeOa,

o
rrju

avTOv

aXX*

ovv

Ka\

KpanraXriv
avrco Kai
Selv

eKKop^areiev.
SaKpvcroiJLev

'^TriKripuKeucrojUieOa
TriOavcog,
el

Srj

Kal

Trjv

l^efj^ecnv

avTov opav,

ovrm

ejme irepLoyfreTai

epwcrav
irXacro-

avTOv, Kal TOLavra

IJLeQa.
ixevr]v

aXXa
o)?

epovjULev Kal

"H^e yap
eiT

eXewv

SrjTTov

/xe

Kaio-

avT(p'

fxe/uLvrjcrOai

yap rod

irapeX-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
efforts
I

60

were

fruitless

and without

result.

and

even think they have increased his pride The only arrogance towards me.

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

get out of

him, but also to be Thessale's laughing-

You say you have a love-potion, stock. which you have often tried upon young
need some assistance of the kind him of his pride and fondness for I will send to make overtures drink. of peace and will try to soften him with my tears. I will tell him he must

men.

to cure

beware of the wrath of Nemesis,

slights
I

if

he

a heart so affectionate as mine.

him other things of the same kind, and draw freely on my imagination. He will certainly come, moved to pity by
will tell

my

great affection.

He

will

even allow

6i

AAKIiP0N02 PHTOPOZ
'^^'^

OovTog XP^^^^
epel,

'^^^

avvtjOelag 'ixeiv

koXw^

^vcrwv
Se

kavrov
tj/uLii/

6 6

Xdcrravpog.

SyXCKelvov
ct/x^t-

\y]\lreTaL

koi

'^EXff

ctt'

yap

fi

"EipirvWh
etcoOe
to.

airoSva-eraL.

'AXX'

paXKeiv
elg

(piXTpa koi
/ut-ot

airoa-KrjTTTeiv

oXeOpov /3paxv
rj

/neXei'

Sel

yap

av-

Tov

ejuLoi

^fjv

r]

reOvavat GerraX^.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
that
it

6i

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.

is

But the
I

effect of philtres

doubtful

they somecare
?

times prove

fatal.

But what do

He must
for

either live to

be mine, or die

Thessale.

62

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXXVIII.

O'lX^raL

BaAcx^ff

KaXrj,

EJOJ/cXef?

0/X-

rare,

o'lxerai,

TroXXa re
o(tov

yuoi

KaraXiTrova-a

SaKpva Kai

epcoTog

rjSlcrTov

to TeXog
K\r}(TOiuLat

ov irovfjpov Trjv
TTore
"Oa-riv
cKelvriv

juLprj/uitjv.

Ov yhp
ovrog

l^aKxlSog,
(Tv/uLTraOeiav

ovx

ea-rai
^

xpovo^.

eveSel^aro.

AiroXoylav

KoXwv ovk av T19 ajmapTavoL rov

/3lov kol
el
rivet

rm

eraipcop

a-vvekBovam

diracraL

iravraxoOev eiKOva
t]

avTrjg ev ^A^poSlrrjg

ILapiTwv

Oelev,

Se^iop av

tl

/ulol

iroirjcraL

SoKovartv.

To yap OpuWov/nevov
TTovrjpat,
cog

Wo

iruv-

Twv,

0)9

aTnorroi,
iulovov,
cog

cog

irpog

to
Si-

XvcTLTekeg

^Xeirova-aL
Tivog

ael

tov

SovTogy

cog

yap ovk

a'lTiaL

KaKou Totg
CKJ)

evTvyxavovcri, Sia/3oXriv iireSei^ev

eavTrjg

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

62

XXXVIII.
Meneclides to Euthycles.

She
Bacchis

is is

dead, dear Euthycles

beautiful

dead!

She has
the

left

me

nothing

but tears that will ever flow and the re-

membrance
continued

of

sweetest
to
:

love,

that

delightful

the end.
that

Never
will

shall I forget

Bacchis

moment

never be.
all
!

What sympathy
right
justification
I

she had for

in calling her

One would be

living

of

the
it

life

of

courtesan.
idea,
all
if

should think
the

an excellent
the
It
is

all

women assembled from

in

and set up her statue temple of Venus or the Graces.

parts

common
they

reproach against such

are

women
greedy

that
after

wicked,

faithless,

money;
to

that their doors are always

open

anyone

who

will

give

them

money

and that they bring all kinds of misfortunes upon their lovers. She has shown by her example the inpresents,
justice of such accusations
:

her honour-

63
aSiKOV
Tftj

AAKI$P0N02 PHT0P02
ovToo irpog
rrjv

KOtvrjv

/BXacTiprjiuLLav

fjOei

iraperu^aro.
rfjg

OtcrOa

top

yLrjSciov

CKCivov
jmeO^

Tov airo

^vpiag Sevpo Karapavra

oo'ri's

OepaTrelag koi irapacrKevrj^ ea-o^et,

viricrxyovjULevog

evvovxovg
KOCTfxov

koi

Qepairalva^ koi
o/mcog

Tim ^ap^apiKov
TTpoarleTO,

koi

aKOVTa

avTov ov
K0llUi(0jUL6Vf]

aXX' utto

tov/ulov rjyaira

yXaVlCTKLOV
Koi

TO
Tra/)'

\lTOV
^/xtoi/

TOVTO

Kttl

Sij/ulotlkov,

T019

yXicrxficog

avTiJ
TTiKag

7rejJi7rojUivoi9

eiravexovara,

Tag

craTpaSioo'
vog

KLvag

koi
^e

TroXvxpvcrovg

Scopeag
e/uLTropov

OeiTO.

T/

TOV KlyviTTiov
ocrov

airecTKOpaKia-ev,

apyvplov
OLO
elg

irpoTelvovTa

VOV EKetPtjg afJLLV0V V

OTl yevoLT
evSalfxova

uv.

'Q? xpYicTTOv

rjQog

ovk

^lov

TTpoaipecriv Sal/ULWV t/? vTrrjveyKev.

TOLi
/uLOVtj

E?t' o^x^\oiirov

ifJLcig
rj

airoXiiroixra,

koi

KelceTai

Ba/cx^'?-

'^^? olSlkov,

(plXai /moipar
jne

eSei
cog

yap avT^ avyKaTaKeia-dai

'AXX' eyo)
jiiev 'Trepieijui,

Kal

vvv

t6t.
Ka\

Kai Tpo^tjg
rj

-yjravw,

SiaXe^ojULai

TOig Toig

cTaipoigojuLjuLacnv

Se

OVK

Ti

fJLe

ipaiSpoig
'IXecog

oyjreTai

juLeiSicocra,

ovSe

Ka\ evjmevtjg SiapvKTepevcrei

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
able

63

conduct

protected

her

from

the
that

general

slander.

You

remember

Mede who came from

merous
suite

Syria with a nu-

mised her eunuchs,

and great pomp ? He proslaves, and Oriental

to

ornaments
cloak,

but she rejected his advances. share

She was content

and,
presents,

satisfied

with
gold

my humble my trifling
and
lavish
re-

refused

the

presents

of

the

satrap.

Do you
rejected

member,
told

also,

how

she

the

Egyptian merchant,
gold
?

who

offered her un-

There was never

;

better
it.

creature

born

am

convinced of
qualities,

Why, with
And now
and
for
!

all

her

good

did
?

not Fortune guide her to a better choice she

is

gone, she has

left

me,

the future will rest alone in the

grave

How
I

unjust,

kindly

Fates

why am
as
live,
I

not united with her in death,

life ?

formerly in
eat

my
again

food,
;

But alas I still and hold converse

!

with

my
me

friends

but she will never look

upon
and

with

her
lips

bright
;

eyes,

with a smile

upon her

nor,

kind

gentle, will she pass the night with

64
TOig
lULev

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE
^SlcTTOl?
KLVOL<S

KoXaCTjULaO'lP.

'A/Ot/cD?

olov <j>0eyyeTO,
avTtjg

oTov e^XcTrev, ocrai

rai^

ojuLiXiaig

^eiptjveg ei/tSpvvTO,

w? Se ^Su

TL

Koi

aKYiparov airo twv (piXrjuidTCOv veKrap

e7r'

ecTTa^ev

ciKpoig
r]

/mot

SoKei

Toig

x^^^^^^^
cKeiptj

avT^g CKaOia-ev

HeSoo-

diravra
oXaig

ye

Tov KCCTTOv
Trjv
^

uTTefwcraTO,

ratg

^dpiart

A^poSiTrjv

Se^iooaraiULevT].

"^fipei
rj

Ta irapd

TCL^ TToa-ei? jULivvpiG-jULara, koi

roig iXecpavrleppei.
Kcocptj

V019

SaKTvXoi9

KpovojuLevrj

Xvpa

l^eiTai

Se

tj

iraa-ai^ juLeXovcra

Capiat
jmev

XiOo^ Kot

CTTToSia.

Kaf

M^eyapa

rj

iTrTroTropPog
cog

f>/,

ovTW Qeayevrj

(rvX^(Ta(ra

dvrfXecog,

ck

iravv XafjLTrpag ovcriag top olBXlov "xXajj-vSLOv

apwaa-avra koi weXTrju o'txeaSai arpaTevcro[JL6V0V.

Ba/cx^?

^e

TOV

pa(TTr}v
(re

^iXovcra

OLTreOave.
IULP09,

'Tacop

yeyova irpog

airoSvpdjjlol

^vOoKXeig ^fXrare* ^Sv yap

Sokci

Trepl cKelprjg Kai

rj

XaXeip Kai ypa^eip' ovSep yap

KaToXeXeiTTTai.
"^fipwaro.

TO

/nejULvfjcrOai

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

64

me

in

delightful

encounters.

But just
looked
!

now, how she spoke,

how

she

how what charms were in her words sweet and pure was the nectar that disIt seems to me, tilled from her kisses girt with Persuasion sat upon her lips 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
easier,
I

off as

a soldier; while Bacchis,

is

who adored

her lover,
dearest

dead.

feel

my
is

Euthycles,

now

that

have poured
it

my
now

lament into your ears;

to

for

delightful

me

to speak
is

and
to

write of her,

that nothing

left

me

but the remembrance of her.

Fare-

well.

65

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE

XXXIX.
Meya/oa
2of
ovT03<s,
jULOPiJ

BaAcx^'^^.
yeyovev,
TTW?

epacrrrj'S

ov

(piXei^

oocTTe

jJLYiS'

OLKaprj

ouTOv Sia^cvx-

Ofjpai SvvacrOai.
SiTT}.

T^?

a*}Siag, Seairoiva

'A^po-

KXtjOeiG-a VTTO TXvKepag e/V toctovtov

rjiniv

Xpovov (airo twv Aiovvcriwv yap

yeiXev),

airyiy-

ovx meig,
iSeip
cru

el

jmrj

Si' cKelvriv,

ovSe Ta<i
lluxppcop

ipiXas

yvvaiKaq
Kai

apa(TXo/ULvr].

yeyovaq
Kapla

(jiiXeh

top
Se

epaa-rrjv.
Koi.

Ma-

rfjg

ev^rjimia^'

rjjULeig

iropvai Koi
auKivrj

(XKoXacTTOi.
Trjpla'

'Yir^p^e koi ^lXwvl

^qkOeov.

opyi^ojiiai

yap

vrj

rrjv jmeydXrjv

Ilao-ai

yap

^jmev,

GeTToXrj, Mv^plprj, Xpva-iop,

YiV^iirTnj'
^fjfxevt]

OTTOV Kal ^iXov/xevrj, Kal roi

/caJ

yeyatop

irpocTipaTCog

^rjXoTVTrovjuLevrj,

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 Although you had been invited long ago by
!

Glycera

since

the Dionysia, she told us

you
have

did not

come
I

so for her sake,

you could not do wonder how you could

;

if

You become modest, and are in love with your admirer. Does such a reputation make you happy? Well, we are only prostitutes and cannot control our But, patience Philo also had passions. a staff of fig-tree wood by the great
bear to refuse to join your friends.
;
:

goddess,
all

am

angry with you.

We

were

present, Thessale, Myrrhine, Chrysium,

;

and Philumena, who has recently married a jealous husband, put the worthy
Euxippe

92

66
KoiXov
ofJLOO^

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
airoKOi/JLicraa-a
Traprji/.

top
rjjjAv

avSpa,
jjLovr}

Syf/^e

juev,

Se

Xv

Se

top "AScoviv
avTOV

Treptexl/'vx^?,

lu^-V

'ttov

KaraXeKpOevTa
rj

VTTO arov Ttjg ^AippoSiTijg

Xa/Sjj.

Jlp(Te(p6vr] irapacrv/ULTTOcriop

OIov

rjijiodv

eyevcTO to
crov

(ti

yap

ovx

axf/'O/uLal

r^? KapSla^),
aKw/ULiuLaTa,

ocroov

XapiTWV
eig

TrXrjpeg.

'QiSai,

TTOTog

aXcKTpvovcDV wSag,

juivpa,

crT<pavoi,
rjv
r]

TpaKaTa-

yr'fjULaTa.

'YiroarKiog Ticrl Sa^vatg

^/uliv

KXtarig'

cv jjlovov

eXenre,

<rv-

to. ^'

aWa
Se
rjijuv

ov.

UoWaKig
oXiyaKi^.

eKpaiTraXrjcrajuLep,

ovtw

^Sewg

To

yovp
Seivr)

irXelcrTOv
Ti<i

irapatTKevaa-av

Tcp'^iv,

(piXoveiKia

KaTecrxe
TTvyfjg,

QpvaXXlSa
iroTepa

koi

Mv/5pipr]p

virep

t^?

KpetTTOD
TrpcoTi]
rjv

koi

air aXocrrepav

eTTiSel^ei.

Kof

M^uppiprj
x^'^^^^^ov,

to
Si'

^copiov

Xvcraa-a, ^ojul^v^ S'

to

qvtov
Trjv

Tpe/ULOvaav,

olov

TrijULeXrj

^ ityiktov yaXa,

oar^vp apecraXevcrep, viro^XeTrovcra eig Tovirlcria

TT/oo?

Ta

KipyjjuaTa t^? irvyfj^'

ijpe/ma

S^

oTop
cjulc,

epepyovcra ti epooTiKOP virerrTepa^ep, co(tt

prj

Trjp

^A^poSiTrjp,

KaTaTrXay^pat.

Ov

fxrip

aireiire

ye

rj

OpvaXX)^,

aXXa tS aKoXacla

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
man
came
to bed,
late.

66

and joined us, although she But you alone carefully guarded
lest,
if

your Adonis,

you, his Venus,

for

left

him, Proserpine might claim him

her
of

own.
your

What
!

a bout

we had! how
jests,

full

enjoyment

for I see

no reason to spare
drinking
till

feelings.

Songs,

cock-crow, perfumes, garlands, sweetmeats.

The

place where
:

we
;

sat

down was shaded

else.

with laurels

only one thing was wanting

your company
often

nothing
before,

We

have
so

got

drunk

but

rarely

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 Myrrhine first most delicate buttocks.
delightfully.

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

then,

movements of her rump,

gently as
if

moving
act,

she

were

in

the
I

she

sighed, so that, by Venus,

was struck
Thryallis

with
shrink

astonishment.

Nor

did

from the contest, but,

eager

to

6;

AAKIiP0N02 PHTOPOS
avrriv

7rapvSoKLjur](Tv
TreraariULaTCOv
aKKi^o/uLevf],

ov

yap

Slu

irapa-

eyo),

c/ytja-lv,

ayoovla-ojuLai,

ovSe

aXX'

olov

ev

yv/ULViKM'
^

koi

yap
to

ou

<piXei

7rpo<pacrei9

ayoov.

KireSvaraTO

XLTMVLOv, Ka\ juLiKpov

iSoV,
CTKOTTei
tt)9

v7ro(niuL(ioara(ra rrjv 6(r(j)vv,

(j>ri(TLV,
liO<S

T6'''\pWjULa,

ClKpi/Bh,

Isiv^pLvri,

aK}]paTOv,

cb?

KaOapov rd
rovg

irop-

^vpa

Tcov l(TXLwv TavTi'

Trjv eirl

jmi^poug
juLrjTe

eyKpia-Lv,

to

iJ.y}T

vwepoyKov
ctt'

avrwv
uKpcop.

acrapKov,

rovg ye\a<rivovg
vrj

'AXX'

ou

Tpejaei,

Ala, cocnrep ^

Mupplvrj^, aXX'

VTro^eiStwca
craro
rrjv
rrjg

to<tovtov
Kai
koi

iraXjULOv

e^eipydvTrep

Trvyfjg,

diraa-av
riJSe

avThv

6(T(pvv

TrjSe
coa-re

cocnrep

piovcrav
Ka\

irepieSLvria-ev,

di/aKportja-ai
rrjg

irdcrag,

vUnv

airocPiivaa-OaL
irepi

OpvaWlSog.

'Eye-

vovTo 8e Kai
^aa-raploov

aXXwi^ (ruyKplcreig, Kal Trepl

rfjg

dycoveg-

fxev

yap

^LXou/iMevrjg

yaa-Tpt
a-rjcrev

avre^eTacrO^vat

ovS^

^ricrovv

eOdp-

aroKog yap ^v koi

cr<j)ptyu)(Ta.

Kara-

iravvvxicracrai
etirova-ai

yovv Ka\ tov^ epacTTag KaKcog

Kai
/;

aXKwv

eTTLTVxelv

ev^afxevai

{aei

yap

j]Slo)v

Trpoa-cparog dippoScTr]), (hxojULeOa

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
surpass her in wantonness, said, "
I

67

will

not enter the

lists

with anything to cover

like

me, or with any affectation, but just

the athletes at

the games

the

contest
off

admits of no shuffling."
her
shift,

She stripped

little,

and, bending her loins upwards she said, " Look at the colour,

Myrrhine,

how
join

perfect
!

it

is,

how
at

pure,
hips,

how how

irreproachable

Look
thighs,

my

they

the

neither too
at

fleshy nor too lean,

their extremities."
loins,

and the dimples

Then she showed her

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 Thryallis.

We

also

had other
other's

contests,
;

and

compared each
however,
with Philumena,
child

breasts

nobody,
the

ventured

to

dispute

palm

who has

never

and

is

plump and

swelling.

had a Having

spent the night in this

our lovers
others

way and abused and prayed that we might find

fancy
is

for the latest

always the

68
e^OLVOL.
cracrai,

AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS
IloXXa
Se

Kara

Tijv

oSov KpaiiraXi]-

7reK0)/ULa(Tajuiv
cog

Ae^ijuidxM
eirl

Kara

top

Xpvcrovv (TTevooTTOv,
TrXrja-lov

rrjv

ayvov KaTiovrt
'Eyoa

rfjg

Mevecppovog

oiKcag.

yap

avTOV Qalg KaKwg, koi vh A/a eiKOTwg' evayX09 yap ttKovctlov

jJiupaKLOv.
aroi

KeKXrjpovojuLijKe

irarepa to
exofxiv

Nw

iJLev

ovv

o'vyyvwjuLrjv

rfjg

VTrepoyjriag'
ea-rico/uLeOa

roig

'ASwvloig

Se

ev

KoXirrrw
epacTTH'

irapa

rw

OerraXi;?
rj

Tov yap

rfjg

'AcppoStrrig epcojuLcvov
^'
r'/^eig

QcTTaXr] cTTeXXei.
KrJTiov

"Ottco?

^epovcra

Kai

KopaXXiov, Ka\ tov aov "AScovip,

/uera

ov

vvv

Trepixfrvxeis'

yap

toov

epacTToov

KpaLiraXyia-oixev.

"Yippwcro.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
sweetest
After

68

we went away pretty many drunken freaks on

to
finish

well tipsy.

the

way,

we went
in

up

at

Deximachus's,

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
father.

in for

a large
will

for-

tune from

his

We

pardon

you
us.

for

your contemptuous treatment of

the day of the festival of Adonis

On

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,
shall

and

your

pet

Adonis

for

we

have a

jollification

with our lovers.

Farewell.

eg

AAKI^PONOZ PHT0P02

XL.

^ lXov jUiev
Tt

t]

K p iTCov

I.

TToWa
(TOL

'ypa<po)v avia^ a-eauTov

Sci,

irevT)}-

KovTa

xpvcTWV

KOI ypajUL/uLaTOov ou Sei.

/uLtj

Et

jUiev

ovv <j)L\ehy S6^' el Se (pLXapyupeig,

'

ei/ox^ef ,

Yipp(jO(TO.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

69

XL.

Philumene to Crijo.

Why
so often
letters.

do you trouble yourself to write

?

If
if

want fifty gold pieces, not you love me, give them to

you are too fond of your money, don't bother me. Good-bye.
;

me

but

70

AAKI*P0N02 PHTOPOS

LIBER SECUNDUS.

I.

Aa
Su
oov

fJL I

Arj /UL

ij

Tp

w.

TauTtjg T?? irappija-lag aiTio^j TO(rovT09

/SaaiXeu^y
oroi,

elra
Kai

irmTpixlrag

koi

eraipa
Seivov
/uloi

ypa(j)eiv

ovx

^yy(7a/>tei/o?

VTvyxo.vLV

TOtg

e/uLolg

ypajULiixaa-iv,

oXrj

evTvyxavMv.
ixev
^(t)

'Eyw, SecrTrora
deaa-cojULai

Arjjmrjrpie,

oTav

are

kol aKovarco /ULera

CTTpaTOTTeScOl/
vrj

twu
TU)V

SopV^OpCOV
TTpea-fieoov
SiTriVy
Koi.

KOI

TOOV

KOI

koI

twv

SiaStj/uiaToov,

rrjv

'A0po-

rrreippiKa

koi

SeSoiKa koi TapaTTO/mai

a7ro<TTpe(pojULai

top
juloi

ijXiov,

jULtj

eTriKaw

TO.

ofXimaTa'

koi

rore

ovrcog 6 TroXiop-

KrjTrjg

ehai

SoKel^
o)?

ArjjmriTpLog.

Olov Se

Koi.

jSXeTrei?

t6t,

iriKpov Kai iroXejuLLKov'

Kai

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

70

BOOK

II.

Lamia to Demetrius.

You

are
;

to

blame
allowed

for

the liberty

am

taking

for you,

though so mighty a
a courtesan
disdain
to to
ac-

monarch, have
write
to

you,

and

do
after

not

accept

my

letters,

you

have

cepted me.

Lord Demetrius, when I see you in public, and in the midst of your body-guards and soldiers, and with the
ambassadors,

O my

wearing

your

diadem,
:

by

Venus,

shudder and

confounded and turn

am afraid I am my eyes away from

lest

you, as from the blazing sun,

your
the

splendour consume them

then in truth
Demetrius,
fierce
I

you

appear

to

me
!

as

besieger of
like is

cities.^

How
and

and warhardly

your look

Then
I

can

believe

my own
1

eyes,

say to myself

He was

called Poliorcetes.

71

AAKI$P0N02 PHT0P02
eiaavTii
;

aTria-Tco

koi
crv

Xeyw
Sia

Aa/uiia,

crv

/nera

TOvSe KaOevSeig
KaravXci^
;

vvkto^

oXtjg

avrov
;

croi

vvv

ovrog

eTrecrraX/ce
;

(roi

TvdOaivav
jmevrj

rrjv

eratpav crvyKplpei
Kai
evxojmevri
eXOr]^,

Koi.

/jXayij7ra/o'

cticottco

OeacracrOai

eavT^.
OTttP

Kaf orav
irepiTrXaKeh

irpoa-Kwoo

ere,

koi
Trpog

jw-eya

0fX^?,

TraXip

juLavTr]v

TOLvavTia Xeyco' ovto^ ecTTiv 6 iroXi;

opKYiTfi^

ovt6<s ea-TLV 6 V T019 o-TpaTOTTeSoi^

;

TOvTov TOVTOV
jjLepov

(po/Beirai M.aKSovia
rj

tovtov ^ 'EXXa?
'

QpoLKi]

prj

Trjv

AippoSlrrj]/

a-ri'

avToh roig avXoig

t/
jme

eKiroXiopKYicrw,

Koi

o\j/^ojuLai,

Sia6i](rei.

Meipov

eig

Tplrtjv,

7ra/o'

jULo\

yap
iroLw
el

Senrpi^crei^,

Seojmai.

Ta
koi

'AippoSiG-ia

Tavra
irpore

Kar

ero?,

ayu>va
viKOL.
ft)?

exco,

Ta

pa Toig

va-repoig

'YTToSe^ojUiai

Se

ere

eTratppoSlrcog

Kai

VL

/maXicTTa TriOapw^, av jmoi irepiovo'iacraL

viro
crov,
fxtjSev

yevtjTai

ava^iov
lepag

twv

(tcov

ayaOwv

e^

eKelvrjg

r^?
crov

pvkto^

ert

TreTTOirjKvia,
OTTcog

Kai toi

ye

eTriTpeTrovTog,
ejuLcp

dv ^ovXcoiuai,

')(j)rjcrQai

tw

a-wjULarr

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

71

Lamia,

is

this

the

you sleep ? is this the you sing and play all night

man with whom man to whom ? is this the man

?

who

has just written to you

does he think

Gnathaena as
a prayer that

beautiful as yourself?

But
house.

this does not grieve

I

me

silently utter

may
I

see you at

my

When

you come,

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
take

of

war

is

this the terror of

?

MacedoI

nia, Greece,

and Thrace
by storm
I

By Venus,
see

will

him
me.

this

day with

my
will
toI

pipes alone, and

treat

will

how he
day
after

Wait

until

the

morrow, and you

celebrate the

shall

sup with me.

feast
I

of

Venus every

year,

and

do

all

can to
surpass

make each
the
last.
I

sucwill
if

ceeding
receive

feast

you

lovingly

and
;

winningly,
for
I

you

assist

me

generously

have

committed no act that should make

blessed night, although you gave

me
per-

undeserving of your kindness since that

me

mission to

make what

use

pleased of

72

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
Kexp^/^o^t.

aXXa

koXw^
TTOiricTOii

koi

a/uLiKTCog

Trpo?

cTepovg.
yfrevcrofxat,

Ov

to

eraipiKov,
ttolovctlv'

ovSe
i/ULo]

SecnroTa, w?
JULOL

aWm
'^

yap ^

KlVOV,

Tr]V

ApTJULlV,

OvSc

ITpO^'

iirefxyl/av
JUL6P0L

en

ttoWoi, ovSe
7ro\iopKLa<}.

eirelpacrav,

aiSov-

crov
cS

TO?

'O^J? ecTTiv

"E/ao)?,

/Saa-iXev,

koi eXOeiv Kal

avairTrjvai'

eXTr/ca?

irrepovrai,
e'looOev

kol

aTreXTrla-a^

rax^f
kol

TTTepoftpvelv
jULeya

aTroyvwarOelq.

Aio
aei

twv
T^9

eraipova-cop

icm

crocpiariuLa,

to

irapov
eXirLG-i

aTToXava-eco?

vTrepTiOejuievag

raig
v/mag

SiaKpareiv rovg epaarrag'

vTrepTiOecrOai
e^ecTTiv,

{irpog

Se

ovSe

wcrre

^6/3ov
'iroveip,

elvai Kopov)-

Xolttov ^fxag Set to, niev

TO. Se jiiaXaKL^earOai, to. Se aSeiv, to. Se avXeiv,

Ta Se
K0(T^e7v

opx^icrOai,
croi

to.

Se SenrvoTroieiv, tol

Se

top

oIkov,

Taq oirwcrovv aXXco?

xapirag,
ev/mtj

Taxi'

fjLapaivojuievag

juLecroXa^ova-ag

%a

juLoXXoi^

e^aTTTCouTai TOig SLaa-Ty]juLacn

^o/3ov/ul6V(jop,

aXovcTTepai avroov at ^frvxai,

aXXo
TvxVi

TToXiv

yeprjTai

Trjg

ev

to)

irapovTi

KwXvjULa.

Tavra

Se tt/jo? jmev erepovg

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

72

my

person

but
I I

have not abused your have

kindness,

and

had

intercourse

with no one.
nor,

will not play the harlot,

I
lie,

my

Lord, will
!

as others do

in

truth, by Diana

since that time but few

in

have sent
swift to

me

presents,
cities.

their

awe of

the besieger of
is

O my
to fly

King, Love

come and
flutters

away: when
;

in hope,

he

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

man

like

yourself there

is

no excuse
of your
to be

for delay, since there is

no

fear

being sated

we pretend
preparing

to be

ill,

busily engaged, to be singing, playing the

flute,

dancing,

supper,

or

furnishing a house, by such

means

inter-

rupting the fulfilment of their enjoyment,

which, unless
insipid.

we do
result

this,

soon becomes
caught
the

The

is,

that the hearts of

easily

our lovers are

more

inflamed, since they are afraid that

fresh

and some
of

obstacle

may

arise

in

way
10

their present fortune.

In the case of others,

n
Taya av

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
l^vvafj.r]v,

PaariXeu, (puXaTTeaOai koi

Te')(yiTViv'
e7r'
ijULOi,

TT/oo?

^e

(re,

o?
/me

ovrod^

ijSrj

XL9

wg eiriSeiKvuvai

koi

ayaWecrOai
iracroov

TTpog

Tag

aWag
/ulcl

eralpa?,

on
Oux

eyo)

nrpwTevu),

rag

^IXag

M.ovarag,

ovk

av
ei/m).

VTTOjueivaijULL

TrXaTTeaSai.

ovTOog
Ttjv

XiOlvrj.
e/uLavTrjg

^'Qcre acpeicra iravTa Ka\

eig

y/rvxw

apecTKeiav crov,
Eiy

oklyov

r\yy]crofxai

SaTravrjcrai.
TJH

olSa
oiKta,

yap,
ev

on
fj

ov

/ulovov
arot

ev

OrjpnririSlov
^A^poSia-Lcov
ri

jmeWco
Seiirvov,

to

Tcov

evTpeiri^eLV

ecTTai
ev

SiapotjTog
Til

7rapa(TKvrj,

aWa
njv
'

Ka\

oXn
Ka}

^AOrjvaicov

TToXei,
Tracr^.

vrj

ApTe/uLiv,

ev

tJ *^XXaSi

Kaf

jULoXicrTa ol

ju.tcrt]-

To\
ol

AaKeSaijULovtoi,
ev
'l^^ecrcp

Iva

Sokwctiv

avSpeg

elvai

aXcoireKeg,

oh

TravcrovTai
eprijULiaig

TOig

T aVy eTOig
^ovTeg T^g
IUL6V

opecri

Kai

Talg

eavTcov

Sia^aXXovTeg
(Tfjg

^/ulmv to.

Seiirva,

KaTaXvKovpyl'AXX' avTol
e/uLo\

avOpooTroTraOelag.
crv

xaipovToav, SecTroTa'
Ti]v

Se

juLejmvtjcro

(pvXa^ai
copav,
ijv

^/uepav

tov

Selirvov,

Ka\

njv

av eXij

aplorTt]

yap,

i]v

/SovXei,

"^ppwrro.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
I

73

might perhaps carefully practise these

;

arts

but towards you,

who
in

are

so

de-

voted to me, that you publicly

make a
other
I

show of me and

delight
excel

telling
all,

women
so silly
life,
:

that

them

could
not

not endure to be so deceitful.

if I

am

gave up everything, even

I

my
well

to do

you pleasure,

should consider

the sacrifice a trifling

one.

For

know
where
yes,

that

my

preparations will be talked

about, not only in Therippidium's house,

I

intend to entertain you

during

the feast of Venus, but throughout Athens

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

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
severity of Lycurgus.
;

best.

Farewell.
10

74

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

11.

AeovT
OvSev
TToXiv

ov

Aa/ULia.
w?
eoiKcv,
ecrrl
jue

SvcrapefTTOTepov,

jULeipaKievojuLevov

Trpear/SvTOv.

Old

*1^7riKovpog

0VT09

Sioikci,

iravTa

XoiSopwv,
/moi

iravra vTroTrrevcov, ein(jTo\a^ aSia\vTOv<s

ypd(p(t)v,
^

ckScwkcov
1

tov
rjv

kyJitov.
JjSfj

Mot t^v

A<ppoSiTr]v,

"AScopig
errj,

iyyug oySoi)tivea-xdj^V^

Kovra yeyovljog
(j)0LpLU)VTOg
TreiriXriiJ.evov

ovk aV avrov

Koi
ev

^l\0P0<T0VVT09,
juLoXa

KOI
cli/t^

KaTQttlXmv.

ttokoi^

M.expt

TLVog
;

virojUievei

Tig

tov

^i\6cro(pov

TOVTOv
So^ag,

ex^Tft)

Tag

irepi (pvareoog

avTOv Kvpiag
ejue

KOt Toifg Siea-TpajuLimepovg KavovagTrjv

Se

(jieT(a

^variKwg

Kvplav

e/iiavTtjg

avev-

oxXrjTOV Koi avv^pitTTOV.

KrjTrjv
exft)

OvTwq eTmroXtopolov
cv,
Aa/uLia,

tolovtov,

oux'
ecTTi
'.

ArjjiiiiTpiop.

M>7

yap
TOVTOV

(rco^poprjcrai

Sia

TOV

dvdpWTTOV

Ka)

(TtJOKpaTl^eiV

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

74

II.

Leontium to Lamia.

No
to

one

is

so hard to please,
old

it

seems

me, as an

man who
this
fault,

plays the

youth.
treats

How

strangely

Epicurus
suspicious

me, always finding

of everything, sending

me

letters

that

cannot make out, even threatening to drive

me

out of his garden.

By Venus

if

he

were an Adonis eighty years

not endure him,
full

old, I could
is,

of vermin as he

and

always unwell, wrapped up in garments

raw wool instead of felt. How long can anyone endure a man like this philosopher ? Let him stick to his doctrines about nature, and his perverted canons, but let him allow me to enjoy my natural
of

freedom
ance.
I

without

his

insults

or

annoy-

have a regular besieger, Lamia,

but not one like your Demetrius.

How
man
?

can one be patient with

such a

75

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
(TT0)juLvXV<r6aL

Koi.

OeXcL

Koi

eipcoveuearOaL'
vo/mi^ei,

Koi

^AXKi^iaSrjv
jjL

tivu llvOoKXea

kuI

^avOLTTTrrjv
avaa-TOLO-a

oleTm

iroirjareLV.

Kat

irepa^

omjirore

yfj]/

irpo

yrjg

(pev^ojULai

jULoWov

rj

Tag eTria-roXag avrov rag

'^0

Siaa-Trucr-

TOf?
fjSti

ave^ofjLai.

Se

Travrow
eroX/uitjcreVy

SeivoTaTov
virep

KOi

cKpopfjTOTarop

ov

KOI

yv(iojuLt]v

^ouXofxevt] Xa/^eiv,
croi.

tl fxoi ttouj-

TeoVy
oiG'Oa

eiricTTaXKa

Tl/ULapxou top kqXov

Tov

K.r}(pia'iaOV'

ovk

apvoviixaL

irpog

Tov veavLCTKOV OVK

(x/oo?
(re
juLOL

oiKeLoog

ex^iv

ttoXXov
Aajmia),
Trap*

TaXrjOf}

Xeyeiv

eiKog,

Kox

Ttjv

TTpooTfjv

^A^poSiTtjv

e/jLaOov

avTOv (TX^^ov ovTog yap

yeiTOVoov oiKOvaav.

/me SieTrapOeveua-ev e/c

'E^

eKelvov

tov xP^^^^

iravTa
ea-OrJTay

julol

TayaOa

irejULircov

ov SiaXeXoLTrev,
OepaTrovTag,
to. /miKpo/mtjSelg

XP^^^^^>

Oepairalvag,
cnwirod-

*lvSov, ^IvSag'

ToXXa

aXXa

TaTa

TTpoXajULpavei

Tag

copag,

'iva

<f>Oacru jme yevcrajULei'og.

Toiovtou vvv epaaTrjV

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

75

He

tries to

play the part of Socrates, to

in

imitate

him

his

mouthing

and

his

irony; he looks
Alcibiades,
his

upon Pythocles as another and thinks to make of me

I

Xantippe.

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
do,
I

he has had the audacity to

the
I

have written already to ask your ad-

vice.

You know
:

handsome Timarchus
I

from Cephisus
long time
truth
I

do not deny that

only right
to
to

have
for

been intimate with the young

man

it

is

tell

the

to you.

Lamia

it

is

him that

owe almost my
I

first

acquaintance with

the goddess of Love, for he seduced

me
me

when
since
all

lived in his neighbourhood.

Ever
money,
In
the
their

then

he
of

has

continually sent
clothes,

kinds

presents,

Indian male and female slaves, and other

things,

which
that

need not mention. he

anticipates

the

smallest

trifles

seasons,
delicacies

no

one

may

taste

before

myself.

Yet Epicurus

^6

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
(fiWh
/^"^

airoKkudov,
7rotoi9

M
cog

Trpoa-lro^

croi,

SoKeh
0)9

avTov

airoKoKwv

ovo/maa-iv,

ouTe

'Arrf/co?,

ovre

^iXocro^og,

l^aTTTraSoKiag Trpcoro? eig Ttjv

EXXa^a
rj

{JKWv.

'Eyw
TToXi?

^e,

Koi

oXtj
HIO.

yevoiro
T}]V
''

'AOrjvalow

^^TTlKOVpCOV,

ApTefJLlV,

OV

^vyoarTaTY}(TO)

iravrag

auTOvg
Se

Trpog

tov
irpog

Ti/mapxov

^pax^ova,

/jloXXov
cru

ovSe
Aa/ULta,

TOV

SaKTuXov.

T/
ou

Xeyetg,
(prifJiL
;

ovk
Srj,

aXrjO^
Seo/ULal

TavTU,
(TOV

SiKaia
Trjg
^

KaJ

fjirj

irpog

AippoSiTrjg,

jul}j

(tol

Tovra

vireXOeTco'

aXXa
TroXXoig

(piXoaro^og,
(plXoig
6'

aXXa

eTri^avrjg,

aXXa

Kexp^/mevog.

AalSeroD, Karexero), SiSaa-Kero)

^e ovSev OaXTrei

aXXovg-

e/>te

So^a'

aXX' ou OeXoo Sog

kqi
8i^
e/ULe

Tljmapxov,

AajuLarep.

'AXXa
6
veavlcTKog

Travra

rjvayKacrTaL

KaToXnrwv

TO AmeioVy
(Tvve(pr'ipovg
^fjv

Km
koi

Tr}v

eavTOv peoTrjTa kol tov?

eTaiplav,
jmeT

Trjv

avTou
Tag

Koi KoXaKeveiv avTOv,

kol KaOujuLvetv

vTTfjvejuLovg

avTov So^ag.
k,

^ATpevg ovTog,
inArjg

e^eXOe,

(prja-iv

Trjg

/uLovayplag,

koI

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
tells

76

me
let

to shut

my

door upon him, and

not

by

all

sorts of

him come near me, calling him names, which you would

not expect to hear from an Athenian or

a philosopher, but from
cian on
if

some CappadoHellas.

his

first

visit

to

But,

Athens were inhabited entirely by such by Diana! they could not,

as Epicurus,
in

my

estimation, be

compared

to

Timar-

chus's
fingers.

arm

no,
I

not even to one of his

think.

What do you

Lamia
?

Is

not what

say just and true

I

Do
is

not ever imagine such a thing,

entreat

you by Venus.
philosopher, a

Yet

this

Epicurus

who has

man of distinction, a man many friends Let him take

!

and keep and teach others

has no charms for
give
All

reputation

me

but,

O
has

Ceres

me him whom I through me the

love

Timarchus.
been

youth

Lyceum, his youthful pleasures, and the companionship of his friends, and to live with Epicurus, to flatter him, and to praise his windbag
forced to leave the
doctrines.

"

No

poaching
;

on
''

my

pre-

serves," exclaims this Atreus

do not go

77
/x/

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
TTpoariOt

AeovTiM(TV jULeV

w?
OVV

ov
/ULr)

SiKaiorepov
TTpoCTlOl
T>/

KlVOU pOVVTO<S,
ejuLij.

Kaf

fxev,

veavicrKO^

cov,

apex^Tai tov

erepov avrepaa-Trjv yepovra'

6 8e tov SiKaioTrpo?

repov oux

vironievei.
,(T,

T/
;

Troirlcrco,

tow

Oewv iKCTevco
Vrj

Aa/mia

Nj)

Ta

jULvcrTripia,

TTJV

TOUTCOV

TWV KQKWV
TlfXapXpV
Koi

aTTaWayrjV,

ft)?

v6v/ULf]6l(Ta

TOV

TOV
to.

X^P^^M^^'
ciKpa,

apTL
ri

airi^jrvyixai
/ulov

ISpw

koi
(tov,

KapSia
JJL6

avea-TpairTai.
creavTrjv
rifxipaq

Aeo/mal
oXlyag-

Se^ai

irpog

koi
air)]-

TToujcTM

TovTov

ai(r6ave(T0ai,
ex(f)v

irrjKiKOdv

\avev ayaOwv,
Ti
<t>epei

ev

Tij

oiKia

julc.

Ouk

TOV Kopov,
rjina^

ev

oiSa'

irpecr^evTa's

evOvs

TFpog

Siaireinyp^eTai

MijTpoSwpov
HocraKLg
o'lei

Km
jjie,

'^p/ixaxov koi HoXvaivov.

Aajiiia,

irpog
Troiei^
ere

avTOv ISia Trapayevo/mevrjv

^^iriKovpe
;

enreiv

ti

ovk olcrOa, oti

SiaKOOjiACoSei

TijuLOKpaTrjg 6
KK\r](Tiaig,

MtjTpoSopov

eiri

T0UT019 ev Taig
irapa
tol^

ev TOig OeaTpoi^,
;

aWoi^

cro(/)i(TTai9

'AXXa

ti

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
near

77

my Leontium
far

"

as

if

Timarchus
**

had not a

better

right to say,
off

Do
he,

you keep your hands

rival,

mine."
not

But

although the younger, submits to an older

while
the

other

will

endure

him who has the am I to do, Lamia

you,

juster
?

claim.
I

What
beseech

Tell me,

by the gods

By

the sacred mysrelief

teries,

by

my
I

hopes of

from
cold,

my
now

misery,

when

think of being separated

I

from Timarchus,
hot,
is

in

my

grow now extremities, and

I

my

heart

quite

upset.

beseech

you,

let

me

come and
and
I

stay with you for a few days,

will

make him

feel

what blessings
in his house.

he enjoyed when he had

me

am

sure
;

he cannot he will
after

long endure

my

contempt

soon

send

me one
often
pri?

messenger

another,

Metrodorus,

Hermachus, and Polyaenus.

do you think
vately, "
I

How

have said to him

What
not

are you doing, Epicurus

Do you

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
ecTTiv

AAKI#PONOZ PHT0P02
auTM
TToirja-ai
;

avaiO'Xi'i'Tog

cg-tl

to

epav.

Kaf eyw
koI

ecro/mai

tolvvv

6/J.OLOjg

avrw

avalcrxyvTog,
fjLapxov.
'

ovk

atprjarot)

tov

e^ov Ti-

Yippwcro.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
But what can you do with a man
this
?

78

like

He
I will

is

utterly

shameless
:

in
I

his
will

love.

be equally shameless

not desert

my

Timarchus.

Farewell.

79

AAKI#P0N02 PHTOPOS

III.

Mev apS p 09 T\vK6 pa

'Eyo)
juLVCTT^pia
iroKKoLKiii,
juLu

Tci9

'EXeyo-zi^/a?
(tol

Oea?,

julo.

rd.

avTcov,

koi

evavTiov lo/jLoaa
^ovt],
cog

TXvKepa,
ijuia-

/movo?

ovSev

eiraipu) to.
^ecrOai,
i/ULol

ovSe ^ovXo/uLevog crov X^P^'

ravra

Kot Xeyo) koi ypacpo).

T/ yap
;

X^P^^

^^^
jmei^ov

yevoLT
Trjg
crrjg

av

ijSiop

ti

(5'

eirapOrjvaL
61

^iXiag

SuvaijUirjv

Ka\

TO ecrxaTOv
KOI
rjOrj

^/nwv yrjpag Sia Tovg crovg

peoTtjg

TpOTTOvg

ael

(paveiTal

jaoi.

Kaf
jULP,

(TVPveaa'aijuLep

aX\i]Xoig Kal (TvyyrjpacraL-

Kai

vrj

Tovg Oeovg avvaTroOavoLfjLev

a\X

ala-Qavo/JLevoi,
'Iva

TXvKepa, oti
^fAwv ev

(rvva7roOpi](TKOjuLP,

/mrjSeTepo)
el

aSov o-vyKaTa^alrj rJ?

6
a-wOeig
juloi

^rjXog,

Tivm aXXwv

ireipacreTat

ayaOoop.
luiT]KT

M>7 ^e yepoiTo
oucnjg-

TreipaO^pat crov

Tt

yap

dp

eTi

KaTaXeliroiTO

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

79

III.

Menander to Glycera.
By
in

the Eleusinian goddesses and their

mysteries,

by which

have often sworn

I

your company alone, dear Glycera,

swear that, in making this declaration in

writing,
I

have no wish to exalt myself,

or

to

separate
I I
?

from
take

you.

For

what
?

pleasure could
in what could

enjoy apart from you

your friendship

more pride than in Thanks to your manners

even

and

disposition,

extreme

old

age

Let us be shall seem youth to me. young and old together, and, by the
gods,
let

us be together in death, under-

standing that

may

not go
in

we die together, that jealousy down with either of us to the

the survivor

grave,

case

may

enjoy

any other blessings.

misfortune
for

May

it

never be

my

you die before me; then, what enjoyment would be left

to see

8o

AAKI<^PONOS PHTOPOS
61
TLeipaiel
crvvrjOeig

ayaBov

''A

vvv

tjTrei^e

jue
julov

ev

/jLoXaKi^ojiiepov

{olarOa

yap

rag
/xe

acrOeveiag,

a?

oi

/mrj

^iXovPTcg
eiwBaa-iv)
'

Tpv(j)a^

KOI
aroL

(jaXaKiiovLa^

KoXeiv

eTTicrTeiXal
Trjg Oeov,

ev aarreL juLepovcru Sia tcl

earTLv.

AXwa

raur'

^^Se^a/mijv

airo

UToXejualov
ev

Tov pacriXewg AlyvTrrov

Seiral
/ulov

ypdim/jLaTa,

oh

iracrag

Ser](rei9,

koi

TrporpeTrerai
Sr]

/SacriXiKiiog

vTTicrxyov/ULevo^
Tr}<s

to
ejuie

Xeyojuievov

TOVTO
Kot

TO.

y^? ayaBa,
ypajUL/mara
^iXjjiulwv

koi ^iXr/iuova'
(pacrr
to.

yap

eKelvcp

KeKO/uLLcrOai

Kal

avT09 Se 6

eirea-TeiXe
w<s

/uloi

^Sia StjXwv, eXa^porepa, Kai,

yeypajuL/ULeva,

ov M.vavSpo)

rJTTOv XajiiTrpa.
'iSia

'AXX' oyjrerai
'Eyo) ^e ov

Ka\ l3ovXev(TeTai to.

Trepijuevu)
yvwjULi],

ovto?.
juloi,

^ovXag- aXXci

aru

TXvKepa, Kal

Kal 'A/oeoTraym? /SovXr], Kal 'HXiala,

vrj

diravra
e(Tii,

t^v ^AOrjvav acl yeyovag, Kal vvv

ovv eTricTToXag tov /Sao-iXeoog
'Iva
juLr)

Ta?

liiev

croi

Sieirejmylra/Jitjv,

kottto)

(re

Slg

Kal TOig

cjULoh

Kai

T019

eKeivov

ypafxfxacnv

evTvyyJaeyvcoKa,

vovcrav

Se

eTricrreXXeiv

avTw

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
for

80

me

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
write

reasons which have induced

to you, while

me

to

you are staying

in the city

for the sacred festival of Ceres, the

Haloa,
letter

are the following

have received a

from Ptolemy, King of Egypt, in which

he entreats me, promising

all

me
the

right royally
earth,

the

good

things
visit

of

and
with

invites

me

to

him,

together

Philemon, to

whom
me
:

also,

they say, a letter

has been sent.

sent
it

In
it is

fact,

Philemon has

on to

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.

sider

Let him con-

and take counsel what he intends

;

to
for

do

but

will not wait for his advice,

you,

my

Glycera,

are

my

counsel,
yea,

my

Areopagus,

my

Heliaea,

by

Minerva, you have ever been, and shall

ever be

my

all.

So then
letter
;

have sent
to

you you
letter

the
the

King's

but,

spare

double trouble
his,
I

of reading

my

and

wish you also to know

II

8i

AAKIiPONOS PHTOPOS

fiovXojULai

(re

eiSevai.

JlXeiv

/mev

Koi.

eig

AHyvTTTOv
Kiarjuievriv

cnrievai

jmaKpav
ovcrav,

ovrco
/ulo.

koi

uttm-

^acrikeLav

Tovg
ovSe

SwSeKa
ei

Oeovg,

ovSe

ivOujuLov/mar

otXX'

ev

Aiyipr) Tavrrj
ovS*

ye r^
v(p
a-fjg

ttXijg-iop

KIto A'tyvirrog,
a<pelg
Trjv
ejuLrji/

ovTwg

av

Gcrxov,

fiaaiXelav Ttjg
oxXft)

cpiXlag,

/movog eV

tocovtm
eprjixlav
kolI

KtyvirTLWv

x^P^^

TXvKepag

TToXvapOpcoTTOP opav.

"H^foi^

yap

uklv

Svvorepov rag
t)

crag

depairevw juloXXov ayKciXag,

^aa-iXeoov.

Tag airavTMv twv (raTpairwv Ka)

jULcv

^^TTLKLvSvvov
(ppovrjTOv

ovv

TO

(xveXevdepov,
airia-Tov

evKaTaSe

Se

TO KoXaKevov,

to

evTVXOvv.

'Eyw

Se Kai Tag QjjpiKXelovg, koi

Ta Ta

Kapxriariay
ev

Kai

Tag

X/i'cr/^a9

Ka).

iravTa

Taig

avXaig

eirL(j>dova

irapa

TOVTOig
koi

ayaOa

(pvofxeva,

twu

KaT

eTog

Xowi^

Todv ev TOtg OeaTpOLg Afjvalcov Ka] Trjg x^^f^?

ojuLiXiag,

Kai
^

twv tou AvKeiov

AKaSr]jULlag,

yvjuivaa-lcov,

koi
/ua

Trjg

lepag

ouk

aXXaTTOjuiai,

Tov Aiovvarov koi Toug liaKXif^ovg avTOv kkt<Tovg,

olg (TTecpavcoOfjvai

/uloXXov

tj

TOig

Uto-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
what answer
it.

8i

have decided to make to

gods,
sail
I

By

the twelve great

could

not even think of setting

for

Egypt,
;

a kingdom so far remote from us not even

at
if

but,

Egypt were
it
is,

in

Aegina, close

hand
of

as

could not even then

of your
in

think

leaving

my kingdom

friendship,

and wandering alone

the

the
of

midst

of

crowded

inhabitants

Egypt, looking upon a populous desert,

as
it

would
I

seem
less

to

me

without

my

Glycera.

prefer your embraces,

which
Loss
is

are sweeter

and

dangerous than the

favours of
of liberty

all
is

the kings and satraps.

loss of security
:

flattery

contemptible

the favours of Fortune are

not to be trusted.
I

would not exchange

drinking
-

for

his

Therihis

clean

cups,
all

his

beakers,

golden goblets, and

ables

the envied valuyearly

of

his

courts,
in

our

Choes,

the

Lenaea

the

theatre,

banquet

such as
in the

we had yesterday, the exercises Lyceum and the Sacred Academy

swear
it

no,

by Bacchus and
I

his ivy-

wreaths, with which

would rather be
II

82

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
povXojuLai
SiaSyj/ULacriP,

Xejiiaiov

opoocrr}^

koi

KaOr]juLevi]g ev Tcp

Oearpw TXvKepag.
eKKXtjartav

Hou yap
koi
\l/'^(pov

AiyviTTco
;

6\lrojULai

apaSiSojULevt]]/

irou

Se
;

SrjjuLOKpaTiKov

ox^ou

ovTm
ev

eXevOepla^oPTa
lepalq
;

irov

Se

OecrjULoOerag
;

ralg

KcojaaLg

KeKia-a-wjUievovg

ttoiop

Trepicrxoivia-jULa

irolav

oupeariv

irolovg

XiyTyjv

T/oov?;

JLepajuLiKOP,

ayopav,

SiKaa-rrfpta,

KoXrjv CLKpoTToXiv, TO? (TC/xva? Oeag,

pia,
Trjv
TYjv

ra ra

jJivcTTrj-

yeiTViwo'av
Trjv

^aXafiiva,

arryvia,

'^vrraXlaVf
rrjv

MapaOwva,
oXrjv

oXrjv ev raig

^AOyvaig

'EXXa^a,
;

rrjv ^Iwviav,

ray

Kv/cXa^a? Traa-ag

'A(pelg

raura

Kai
;

TXvKexp^'^^^

pav

jUieT

ai/Twi/, eig

A'tyvirrov SieXOoo
;

Xafieiv

Kal

apyvpov Ka\ ttXovtov

J

fiera

Tivog

XP^^^I^^'-

I^^TOL

VXvKepag

toctovtov
juloi

SiaTeOaXacra-evjuLevrjg
Xi*^ptg

oh irevla Se
;

ecrrai

avTrjg

ravra

'Eai/

Se

aKOvcrw

Tovg

cre/uivovg

epoorag elg
(TTToSog
;

bXXov avr^v
iravreg

jULerareOeiKe-

vai,

oh

/ulol

ol

Orja-aupol
fxev

yev^crovrai

Kai

airoOvr](TKWv

rag

XvTrag

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
crowned,
in

82

the presence of
theatre,

my

Glycera
all

seated in the

than with

the

diadems of Ptolemy.
shall I see a public

For where
shall
?

in

Egypt

assembly and votes

I

being given

where

see

a demo-

cracy enjoying liberty

the legislators in
?

the sacred villages crowned with ivy

the

roped inclosure
trates
?

the

election
?

of magis?

the feast of Pots

?
?

the Ceramicus
law-courts
?

the

market-place

the

the
?

beautiful Acropolis

the dread goddesses

?

the mysteries

the Stenia

neighbouring
all

Salamis, Psyttalia, Marathon,

in

Greece
?

Athens,
I

all

Ionia,
all

all

the

Cyclades

Shall
well,

leave
set

these,

and
? ?

out for

what
it ?

to

receive

and Glycera as Egypt ? And for gold and silver and

I

riches

And with whom am

?

to enjoy

with Glycera separated from be simple poverty to

should
I

me by
all
?

so wide an expanse of sea

this

Will not

me

without her

And
will

hear

that

she

has trans-

ferred her

honoured affections to another,

these treasures be to

not

all

me

no

more than dust and ashes ? and, when I die, shall I not carry away with me my

83

AAKI$P0N02 PHTOPOZ
crvvaTrolcro},

e/mavTU)

to,

Se

xpv/xara
;

toIs
/ueya
kuI
^t'-

IxvevovcTLv aSLKelv ev /nearw Keicrerai

^7

TO

crvjUL^LOuv

llToXe/maLO) kgI

crarpaTraig

TOLOVTOig
fiaiov,

\1/-0^019,

WV OUT6 TO ^iXlKOV
uklvSwov
dira^
;

0UT6 TO
tl

SiexOpevov
/uloi

'Eai/

Se

opyiaQn

VXvKepa,

avTtiv
juloXextJ,

apira^ag KaTecpiXyjca-

au gtl opyl^eTai,

Xou avTYjv

e^iaa-ajULijv'

kuv

/SapuOu/umog

SeSuKpuKa' KOI

TT/ao?

Tavr^ ovk eO^

VTro/JLecpacra

Tag

ejuLag

Xvirag SeiTai Xoittov, out (TTpaTico(pvXaKag-

Tag 6Xov(Ta outc Sopv(ji6povg out6

eyo)

yap

avTtjg

el/uu

iravTa.

"^H yueya
;

Ka\

OavjuaarTOP iSeiu top kuXov ^eiXou

Kai
'

oh jueya
Ka\

Tov ^u(j)paTr]p
;

iSeiv

oh fxeya

tou
6

IcTTpov

ov Toov fjieyaXcov Ka\ 6

;

Qep/uLcoScou,

Tlypigy 6 '^AXvg, 6 'Vfjvog

Ef

/uLeXXo)

irdvTag
/ulol

Toug TTOTajuLOvg opav, KaTa^airTKrOyjo-eTal

TO

^fjv,

ij.rj

piXeirovTi TXuKepav.
cov

'0 Se ^elXog

ovTog Kaiirep
Kai

KoXog, aXX' airoTedrjplwTaL'

OVK

ea-TLV

ouTe TrpocreXOeiv

auTOv Talg
'E/xoi

Sivaig eXXoxw/xej^ou TocrovToig KUKoig.

yevoiTo,

l^acnXev

TLToXeixale,

tov ^Kttlkov

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
sorrows
to

83

the

grave,

and
?

leave

my

riches a prey to those

who

are
Is
it

ever on

the watch to seize

them

so great

an honour to

live

with Ptolemy and his

satraps and others with like idle names, whose friendship is not to be trusted, If and whose enmity is dangerous ?

Glycera

is

angry with me,

kiss

I
;

clasp her in
if

my

arms and snatch a

I
I

she
if

is still

angry,

press her further, and,

she

is

indignant,

shed tears

then she can no

longer resist

my

grief,

but entreats
neither

me
I

in

her

turn

for

she has

soldiers,

nor spearmen, nor body-guards, but

all

am
and

in

all

to her.

Is

it

so

great

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 admiration ? If I had to visit all the rivers in the
world,
unless
Nile,

my
I

life

would be

utterly

swamped,

saw

my

Glycera.
river,
is

And
is

this

though a beautiful
it

full

of

savage monsters; and

impossible to

approach
gers
lie

its

streams, in which so

many danlot.

concealed.

May

it

be

my

King

84

AAKl^PONOS PHTOPOS
ejuol

aiei arT(pcr6at Kicrcrov

yevoiro x^MotTo?
koi

Koi

Ta<t>ov

irarpwov

Tvxelv,

tov

ew^

ecrxf^pcLS

v/uLvrjcraL

Kar

ero^

Aiovvctov'

Ta^

luLv<TTr]pi(jOTiSag

ayeiv Tekerd^'
irrjo-laig

Spajmarovpyelv
Spa/ma, ye-

TL Kaivov

rah

OvjuLcXai^

XcopTa Koi x^^^povra koi aycovLwvra koi (po^ovIJLevov

TCi/uia

KLU

vLKwvra.

^iXrjjiAwv

Se

evrvxeiTco

ayaOa,

yevo/mevo^

ev

AiyvTrro).

Ovk
^v

ex^i
'icrcog

^iXr'ijULCov

TXvKcpav rivw

ouSe

a^Lo<s

TOV ToiovTou ay aOou.

Seojuai,
eiri

Xv
evOu^

Se

ck

twv

hXwwv
Trpos

TXuKepiov,

TreTO/mevi]

^jULoi^

t^9 aa-rpa^rjg (pepou.

ouSeTrore
'iXeoog

MaKpouKaipo-

Tepav eoprriv
Tepav.

eyvodv,

ovSe

Ay/uLtjrep,

yevov.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
Ptolemy,
ivy
!

84

ever to be crowned with Attic

and be buried in my own native land, and to join every year in the
to die

Dionysiac

hymns

at

the

altars

to

be

initiated into the

mystic
year

rites, to

produce
stage,
in
!

new play every now laughing and

upon the

rejoicing,

now

fear

and trembHng, and now victorious Let Philemon go to Egypt and enjoy the
happiness
that is promised to me, Philemon has no Glycera perhaps
;

for

he

does not deserve such a blessing.

And

do you,

my

dear Glycera,
after

beseech you,

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

immediately

Ceres, be propitious

85

AAKI^PONOi: PHT0P02

IV.

T\u Ke p a ^levavS p(p.

Qg
(TToXa^,
veiav,
SteTre/ULxlrco
juloi

tou PacriXeoog

tu^s eiTL-

evOvg aveyvoov.
tJ?

Met t^v KaXXtyeKarexctipov,

M.ii/avSp6,

ev

vvv

et/uu,

CKTraOr]^
cra?

vfj)

rjSovrj^

yivojuievr],
rjv

Koi ra? irapov-

ovK eXavOavov
rj

Se

ij

re

iui^Tt]p

julov

Kat

erepa
r/V

aSeX^r]
Kai

liv<j)6piov,

kol

toov

<piXciou

olcrOa,

irapa
avrfji}

ctol

eSelirvricre

TToXXuKig,
UTTiKicriuLov,
i/eiv,

Kai

cTrrjveig

top iirix^piov
ewaiore

aXX' wg
koi

(jto^ovjuievos avTrjv

ore

nieLSiaa-aa-a
iuijULVij(Tai,

OepjuLorepop

KaT<pLXri(Ta.
jjLevai

Ov

M.vavSp6', Qeacra-

Se jne irapa

to

eicoOo^ Kot

tw

irpocrcoTrM

KOI TOig o^OaXjuLoh x^^P^^^^^>

^jpovTO,

TXvKepiov,

Ti

croL

TrjXLKOvTOv yiyovev
crcojixaTi

ayaOov,
aXXoio-

on

Kai i/^yx?? ^^^

vvv
Tre^rjva^,

km

iracrLv

Tepa

koi

to

(TCOjuLa

yeyavcoa-ai

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

85

IV.

Glycera to Menander.
As
letter, I

soon
read

as
it.

received

the

King's

By the glorious Mother, in whose temple I now stand, I rejoiced exceedingly, Menander, being mad with
which
I

joy,

could not conceal from

companions.
mother,
of

There were with

sister

my me my

my

Euphorium, and one

you know, who has

my

friends

whom

dialect

and whose Attic 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
often supped with you,

you so commended, but as

in

mind,

in

body,

in

everything.
;

Joy

beams

over

your

person

cheerfulness

86

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOX
SiaXajuLTrcL^

Kol

eirlxapTov tl
e(j)rj]/,

koi

evKTalov.

Kayo), M,ivavSpov,
/3a(Ti\ev^

top
eirl

e/mov 6

AlyvTrrou
T^g

UiToXe/ULaio^

tw

^juicrei

^aaiXeta^ Tpoirov Tiva

Tii

jULeraTreiuLTreTai, jmei^ovL

^covf]

^Oey^ajmevrj koi

cr(poSpoTepa, ottco?

TTOLcrai

aKova-cocnv

at irapova-ai.

Kat ravra

eXeyoj^ eyco SiaTivacrcrova-a koi cro/Sovcra

Xepcriv i/uLavT^g Trjv 7rt(TToXrjv crvv
pacriXiKtJ (TcppayiSi.
imevrjy

rah
tii

avTn

^alpoig ovv cnroXeiTroSe

ovSeul
juloi

(ppa(Tav

to
lULCP

ovk

ijv,

l^evavSpe.
jma

'AXXa
6ea^,

TOVTO
ou(5'
1

Tpoirco,

ra?

fiovg

to
otl

Xeyo/mevov
iSovXycreTaL
CLTroXiTrcov
jULOvog

^Oey^aiTO,
jue

TreicrOeirjv

av,

TTore

rj

SvvrjcreTai

M^evavSpo^,
Ttjv

ev

^AOrivaig

TXvKepav

eavTOv,

eV

AlyviTTcp pacriXeveiv
6wv.

jULCTa

iravrodv tcov

aya-

'AXXa
tov

Koi

TOVTO
rjv

ye

SrjXog

e/c

twv

eTTicTToXwu,
TreTTuariULevog,
Si^

aveyvcov,
eoiKe,

6 ffaaiXeug Tajma
crou'

cog

irepl

Kai

ciTpe/txa

virovoLOdv

AlyvTrTLOig
Xa/yoo)

OeXcov

aa-Te'Ca-iJiolg

ae

SiaTwOa^eip.

Sia

tovto'

otl

TreTrXevKacTL Kai eig A'iyvirTov irpog

riixeTepOL
epoiiTeg,

avTov ol
e^

Kai

ireiQeTai

TrdvTwg,

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
and
voice

86

happy
and
were

contentment
I

pervade

your

whole being."

told

them, raising
louder,

my
all

speaking
present

that

who

might

hear

me

King of Egypt, has invited my Menander to visit him, and promised him the half of his kingdom," and, at the same time, in proof of this,
I

" Ptolemy,

shook triumphantly

in the air the misseal.

?

sive

bearing the royal

if

" Will you

be glad

he leaves you

"

they asked.

Most
not

certainly, dear

Menander, that was

all

the
if

reason,

by

the

goddesses.

Even

an ox were to speak, to use the

I would never beMenander would have the heart his Glycera in Athens and reign

words of the proverb,

lieve that

to leave

alone

in

Egypt, in
It

the

midst of such
to

grandeur.

was

clear
letter,

me, besides,
I

from

the

King's

which

read,

that he

knew

of our
It

relations,

and

my

seemed to me that he meant to banter you in a roundabout way with Egyptian witticisms. I
affection for you.

am

delighted to think that the report of

our love has crossed the sea.

The King,

8;
wu

AAKI$P0N02 PHTOPOS
tiKOVcreVj

aSvvaTOV

CTrovSa^eiv,
Sia^rjvai.
;

eitlQuijlwv

^AOrjvaff

TT/oo?

avTOv

T/

yap

^AOfjvai
X(*>pi9

x^P^? M.evavSpov
;

rl Se MevavSpog
koI

TXvKepag

rjri^

qvtm
Ta<i

tu

irpoa-ooevSuco,

irela
KOLv

SiacTKCva^w,

Koi

earOfjra?

TOis TrpocTKrjvioig (TTr}Ka, Tovg SaKTvXovg

Trie^ovaa,
fj

eiuLavrfjg

av

KpoTaXia-rj
vt]

to

Oearpov koi
avayfrvx^,
TOdv
^ojuLai.

Tpe/ULOucra

Tore

rhv" ApreiJLiv
rrjv

Koi.

irepiBaWovcra
cKeiprjv

ere

lepav

SpajuaTcov

K(pa\r]v

evayKciki-

'AAA' oTi

raig (plXaig tote xaipeiv

M.vavSpe,

e<j)tjv,

TOUT

^v,

on

ovk

apa
virep
^fjinai

TXvKepa
OaXacrcrav

jJLOvov,

aWa
crov,

kol
Kai

/BacriXeis

epoocri

SiaTTOvTioi
koi

rag

(ra^

aperag

KaTrjyyeXKacrr

A'lyv-

TTTO? KOI NefXo9 KOI

UpcoTem

TO,

OLKpcoTr/pia,

Koi
<TTt
(rat

at

Capiat

CTKOiriai,

iravra /merewpa vvv

Ka\

/BovXoiuLeva

iSeiv

M.vavSpoi>,
epoovTcov,

ukov-

(piXapyvpcov,

kqi

Kai

SeicriSaL-

[jiovodv,

KOL

airiCTTWv,

KOL

Trarepcov,

koi

vlwv

Koi

depairovTOov,

Koi

iravrog

V<rKT]vopaTov-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
from what he
the utter
to

87

has

been

told,

will

see

uselessness of wishing Athens

be transported to Egypt.

would
cera,

Athens

be

without

For what Menander ?

What would Menander

who
prepares
for

be without Gly-

his

masks, puts on
applause in

his

costumes
theatre,

him, and stands at the

for

wings to give the signal

the

her

own
!

and to accompany it with Then, may Diana be my

I

witness

tremble, then

breathe again,

and clasp you in fount of comedy.

reason of the joy
friends
?

my
I

arms, the sacred

I

Need

tell

you the

exhibited before

my

It

was simply the thought that

alone,

not

Glycera

but

even

distant

monarchs love you, and that the fame

of your
sea.

merits has extended across the

Egypt,

the

Nile,

the

promontory
all

of Proteus, the tower of Pharos, are

full

of eager curiosity to behold Menander,

and to
faithless,

hear

the

conversations

of

the

misers, the lovers, the

superstitious,

the

fathers,

the

slaves in

the

short,

all

the characters that are intro-

duced upon the stage.

They may indeed

88
jmevov

AAKI#PONOS PHTOPOS
wv aKOvcrovrai
el
jmr]

jmev,

ovk

o^ovrai

Se

MevavSpov,

ev
ejUL^v

acTTei

irapa

TXvKepa
top

yevoivTO' koi Ttjv

TrdvTt]
Slci

evSaifJLOvlav iSoiev,

to
jULcO^

k\09

avTOv MevavSpov koi

i/uLol

vvKTwp Koi

rjfxipav

TrepiKeL/ULevov.

Ov

/jLrjv

aXX'
cKel

e'lye

apa

ttoOo?

aipei

ere

rz?

KOI Tcov
rfjg

ayaOoop,

koi el

juLrjSevog

aWov,
koi

ye

Klyvirrov,

xpr}iJ.aT09

jmeyaXov

TMV avToOi
ayoXjULctTCov

TrvpajmlScov,

koi

twv irepitjxovvTwv

Koi

tov irepi^oriTov Xa^vpivOou,

ocra

Kol
7ra/o'

Twv aWcov,
avToig
lULe

airo
SeojuLal

^ovov
crov,

t]

TexvV9

TLjULia,

M.Pav8pe,
^AOrjvaioi
jueSijuLvovg
Tre/mylrei

jULr]

TTOirjo-i]

7rp6<pa(np'

juirjSe

jme

Sia

ravra

/ULia-ria-aTOoa-av,

ijSrj

rovq

apiOjUiovvTe?,

01)9

6 ^acriXev^
iraa-i

auroh

Sia ce- aXX'

Se^ioi9

cxttiOi

OeoU, ayaOiJ rvxtly

eyoo
/me

irvevixacn, Ail
jmr]

ovplco,

yap

ere

ovk
01)^'

airoXelyp^od'

tovto
kolv

So^tjg

Xeyeiv,

auTr] SvpajuLai,
jurjTepa

OeXw aXXa
aSeX(pa9
Ka\
<T(p6Spa

Trapeiaa rrjp
ea-ojuiai

KOI

Toig
croi,

avra?
rcov

a-vjULTrXeova'a

evOaXaa--

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
be able to hear

88

your pieces, but those

the

who wish
will

to

see

author in person

have to come to Athens to

me

here

they will be witnesses of

in the possession of a
fills

my

happiness

the
side

universe,

man whose renown and who never quits

However,
if

my

by day or night.

the promised happiness which awaits you

there has charms for you

at

any

rate,
its

magnificent Egypt, with

its

pyramids,

echoing statues,

its

famous labyrinth, and

the other marvels of antiquity and art

I

beg you, dear

stand in the hated

me me

Menander, do not let way this would make

:

by

the

Athenians,
the
bushels

who
of

are

already

reckoning

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
to

wind,

propitious

you
:

and may Jupiter be As for me, I will

and, even
if I

never leave you

hear
to
I

do not expect ever to

;

me

say that

desired
for

do
will

so, it

would be impossible

me.

leave

my

mother and
I

sisters

and
I
-

join

you on board.

feel

sure that
12

89
a-MP
KW7rr]g

AAKICT0N02 PHTOPOS
yeyevrjfjLai

ev eyco

oiSa,

Kai

KK\a)fjLvi]^

vavrlag

OepaTrevcrot}.

GaXi/ro)
a^co Se
ere

(Tov

TO aa-Qevovv
/jlltoov

tcov TreXayia-juLoov
eig

arep

'ApiaSvrjg

A'tyvTrrov,

ov
koI

Aiovvcrov
'Trpo^ijTtjv

aX\a
ovSe

Aiovvarov
ev

Sepairovra
kol

Nafo)

eprj/mlaig

vavTiKaig aTroiXeKpOijaro/uiai, rag crag awia-riag

KXalovcra
Or](Teig

Kai

TroTUiconJievr].

jLaipcTCoarav

ol

iKcivoi

Koi

to.

airiCTTa
^juliv

twv
Se

irpecr-

^uTepwv
iravTa,

ajULTrXaKr/jULaTa'

/SeBaia
rj

Kai

to acTVy

Ka\

6 TLeipaievg, Kai
^julcop

AiyvTTTog.
ovxi
u

OvSev x^P^^^
ifKripeig'
kulv

Tovg epcorag
oiKcojUieu,

Several

irerpav

otSa a<ppoSta-iov avTrjv to euvovv

ixy^Te

iroLy'fcrei.

JleireKTixai

xprifxaTiiiv

ere

/xj/re

irepiov-

aiag
ev

imrjTe

itXovtov to
TOig

KaOdira^
Tt]v

cTriOvjuLeii',

e/ULOi

Kai

Spajuacri

evSaijuLoviav

KaTaTiOejuLevov
iraTpig,

aXX

ol

avyyevetg,

a\X

>)

aXX' ol

(piXoi,

cx^Sov olcrOa
TrXovTeiv
jmev

iravTrj

iravTeg

ttoWcov

SeovTai,

OeXovcri
'jrep\

Kai

xPVf^f^Ti^eo-Oai.

Sv

ovSeiroTe

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
shall soon turn out to be a
If

89

good

sailor.

the

motion of the oars

unpleasantness
of

affects

you,

and the
I

sea-sickness,

will

tend and look after you.

I

Withlike

out

any thread,

will

guide
;

you,

although another Ariadne, to Egypt you certainly are not Bacchus himself, I have but his attendant and priest.

no
to

fear

of being

abandoned
in

at

Naxos,
of
for

lament your perfidy

the midst
care
I

the solitudes of ocean.

What

Theseus and the

of ancient times
?

infidelities

of the

men
or
will

No

place can change

our

affection,

Athens,
is

the

Piraeus,

Egypt.

There
live

no country which
:

not find our love unimpaired

even

if

we

had
love.

to

our affection
I

upon a rock, would make

convinced

I
it

know

that

the seat of

neither

you seek money, nor opulence, nor luxury

that

am

your happiness consists in the possession

of myself and the composition of comedies
;

but

your

kinsmen, your country,

these,
all

your friends

all

you know, have

many needs

they

wish to grow rich

and to heap up money.

Whatever hap12

90

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
aiTiacrij
/ul

ovSevog
\ov,
ejtxov

ovt

/uLiKpov
/mev

ovre /neya^tti]/j.po^

TOVTO
TrdOea-i

v
Koi.

oiiSa,

iraXai
vvv Se

epwrr

tjSrj

Koi Kpiariv

irpoa-reOeiKwg auroi^' 0T9 /uloXXop Trepiexojuiai,

M.vavSp,
^o^ou/ULevr]
cctti

r^y

e/uLTraOov^

^iXlag
rj

TO oXiyoxpovLOV
7ra6r]g
(piXia,

yap w?

/Blaio^

e/m-

ovtco

koi

evSiaXvTog'

0I9

Se

Trapa^e^Xrivrai
V

Ka\

^ovXai,

afipayeaTepov
ajuLtyeg

TOVTO19

rjSrj

TO epyov ouT
TrXrjOog,
cog /ne

^Sovaig
Xvcreig

T6

Km

Sia

TO

ovtc

TrepLSeeg'

Se Tt]v

yvco/mrji/,

iroXXaKig irepi tovtwv

avToq vovOcTcov SiSacKeig.

IxijTe
/uLe/UL\lrr],

'AXX'

el

koi

crv

jUL^jTe

aiTiaa-i],

SeSoiKa

toi^?

^Attikov^

a-^rJKag, diTLveg

ap^ovTm
avTov

iravTi] /me
acl)}]pr]iuLevt]g

irepi^oiJ.PeJv
Ttjg

i^iovcrap,

wg

^AOrjvalwp 'TToXecog top ttXovtop.

(Tov,

''Q(tt

Seojiial

^evavSpe,

eiricrxeg,

jmrjSeTrco

tw

fiacriXei

furjSev

avTe7rL(TTeiXr}g'
KOivtj

cti ^ovXevcrai,

Trepljuieivov

ecog

yevwjueOa

koi

/meTo.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
pens, you will

90

have nothing to reproach

or
small,

me with, either great I am certain for you

;

of
felt

that

have long

the

deepest affection for me,

and you have

aright.

now

learnt

to

judge
is

me
a

This,
of
re-

dearest

Menander,
I

matter

joicing to me, for

always used to fear

a

the brief duration of a love founded upon

simple
violent

passion.
it

Such
is

love,

however

may
if it

be,

always easily broken

up
it

but,

be accompanied by reason,

the bonds of affection are drawn tighter,

gains sure possession of
free
its

pleasures,

and leaves us

who have
occasions,
this.

often
tell

Do you, me on several me whether I am right in

from care.
guided
if

But,

even
I

yoti
still

should

not

re-

proach me,

should

have great fear

be
at
I

of those Athenian wasps,

sure to buzz around

who would me on all sides

departure,
as
if

the

moment

of

my

were taking away the wealth of Athens. Wherefore, dear Menander, I beg you,

do not be
to the

in
;

too great a hurry to reply

King

think

it

over a

little

longer
see

wait until our meeting and

we

our

AAKI^PONOZ PHTOPOZ
TCOV
(plXcOV

KOI

OeO(ppa(TTOV

Koi

lEiTTlKOUpOV

Taxa yap aWoiorepa

rai ravra.
/uLev,

KaicelvoLs Ka\ cro\ ^ai'el'iSco-

M.aX\ov
Xeyei
^jULag

Se kol Ova-co/meOa Kai

lepu,
e'lre

TL

tu

\(pov
fxeveiv

elg

AiyvTTTOP

airitvai,

eire

koi

Xpri(rTripLa(Td(h[j.ev

eh

I^e\(j)ov<s

ireiJ^xj/avTe^'
^

TraTpiog
e^ojixev

^/ulcov

egriv

Oeog.

KiroXoyiav
/mevovTeg

Koi

iropevojuLevoL

koI
Oeovg.

TTpog ^e

a/uLc/yoTepa,

Tovg
iroiy'jtTOd'

MaXXoi'

eyo)

tovto

Km

yap

exw

TLva
v

vewa-TL

yvvaiKa airo

^pvylag

i'lKovaav

/maXa

toutcov

e/uLTreipov,

yaG-Tpo/mai/Tev-

ea-Qai

Seivtjv

t^

tcop

arirapTwv Siaraa-et vvkSeller

iSetv,

Twp

Ka\

TU

TCOV

Oecov

Kal
cog

ov

Sel

Xeyova-}]

TrtcTTeveiv,

aXX'

(paai.
e(p)],

Ata7r6/xi/ro/>tat

irpog

avW/v Ka\ yap, wg

Set

Kal

KaOapcriv

Tiva

irpoTeXicrai

t^v

yuvaiKa Kal irapacTKevacraL Tiva ^wa

Kal
Kai

Lepeu<rai,

Xi^avooTOv appeva Kal

Tre/ULjULaTa
creXrjvtjg,

(TTvpaKa jmaKpov

Kal

aypia

(pvXXa

avOcov.

Ot/xai Se koi

ere

(ppa<ra(r6aL Heipaio-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
friends

91

Theophrastus and Epicurus

opinion
will

for

perhaps their

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
is

or to stay here; and, since Apollo

the god

of our
to

country,

let

us

also

send

messengers

Delphi,

to

consult

the oracle.

Whether we go
shall

or whether

we

stay,

we

always have an excuse

the
I

will of the gods.

have a better plan

just arrived

still.

know

woman, very

clever in all these matters,

who has
excels
in

from Phrygia.
art

She
of

the

knowledge of the

divination, the stretching of the branches

of the broom,

of the shades.

and the nightly evocation As I do not believe merely

for

in words, but require acts as well, I will

send to her

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
iXOeiv
r]

Oev

SrjXwa-al

iulol

aacpw^,
1.v

/mexpt
/xej/

Tivos ov Svvacrai TXvKepav iSeiv

KaraSpajULCo

eyco

irpo^
rjSrj

ere,

rrji/

Se

^pvylav ravTrjv
Treipa^eig

eTOLjuLacrcojUiaL'

Se

KaTajULeXerav

airo TavTO/jLarov tov Tieipaia kol

Koi.

to aypiSiov

Tr]v

MovpuxloLV,

KOL

KUT
fxev

oklyov

oirm

K7re(r(jO(Ti

T^g

"^vxrjg.

'Eyco
(tv

SuvamaL iravra

TTOieiv

lULu

Tovg Oeovg'
0X009

Se ov Suvacrat, Sia-

ireifKeytJiivog

?^^

I^ol.

Kai^ ol ^acn-

Xeig

eTTia-TeLXuxTL
(To\

Travreg,

eyia

iravTwv
evcre^el

eljuu

irapa

/SaanXtKcoTepa,

Kai

ctol

Kexp^Jim-OLL

epaa-T^

/cat

opKCOv
e/uLtj

lepojULvrj/ULom.

^Qcrre

ireipw

juloXXov,

(piXoTrjg,

daarcrov

eh aa-Tv TrapayeveaSai,
Xev(Tato
Trjg

ottw?, e^ye juLera^ovacpl^eoog,

irpog

^acnXea

^'xW?

euTpeTTKr/uLeva

ra

Spa/uLara

i^ avTcov, a
koi
cog

/ma-

Xicrra

ovfjcraL

Svvarai

UToXe/maiov

tov

avTOv ^Lovvaov, ov
e'lTe

SrjjuLOKpaTiKov
e'lTe

ol<r0a-

Oa'iSag,
e'lTe

e'lTe

M-KrovjuLepov,

OpacrvXe-

ovTa,
e'lTe

^^TriTpeTrovTag,
ctXX'
ei/uu

e'lTe 'YaTri^o/uieptjv,

^iKvwv'''"'"'

oti
to.

koi

iyo)

Opatjela

Kai ToX/ULrjpd Tig

M.evdvSpov SiaKpiveiv

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
if

92

not, tell
exist

me how
this

long you will be able

that
I

to

without seeing Glycera,

may
to

prepare

Phrygian

and

hasten

you.

But perhaps you have already

considered with yourgradually
forget

of your
self

own accord how you may

the

Piraeus, your
I

little estate,

and Munychia.
anything;
master,
in

indeed can do and endure

but you are not equally your

since you are entirely

own
I

wrapped up
you,

me.

Even
and and
oath.
I

if

kings

summon

am more
all,

your queen and mistress than them

consider you as a devoted
a

lover

most

diligent

observer

of

your

Therefore,
to

my

darling, try all the

more

come without delay

to visiting the

to the city,

so that, in
in regard

case you change your

mind

King, you

may
his

nevertheless have those plays ready which

are most likely to please Ptolemy

and

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

to take

upon myself

to judge the compositions of

93
iStooTL^

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
ovcra'

aXXa

crocpov

e^w

crov

tov

epcora,

kol

tuvt

eiSivai

SvpaaOar

cru

yap
irap*

IX

iSiSa^a^

V(l)va

yvvatKa

raxeco?

epwvTWV
re?

/mavOaveiv,

a\X

oikovo/ulouctiv

epCD-

(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

jtxe

yiypa(j)a<s,

%a

KOLV

jULr]

TrapayevwimaL avv aoi,

JlToXejUiaiov,
kclv

Sl^

aXkou

irXeuco)

7r/oo9

/uloXXov

aLcrOrjTai

^aa-iXevg,

o(tov

icrxuei

koi

irapa

(to\

ye-

ypa/UL/iievovg

(pepetv

eavrou
Tovg
ev

Tovg

epcuTa^y

a^eig
ovSe

ev

aarei

aXrjOivovg.

'AXX'
rj

TovTOug

cKprjcreig,

'la-Oi'

Kv/3epvav

TTpcopaTeveip

eco^

Seupo

Trapayivn irpog ^/mag

lua
ere

UeipaioOev

/ULvrjOricroiuLai,

raig

e/mai^

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
Menander

93

I,

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,
I

and

that

love

acts

without

delay.
if

should be ashamed, by Diana,

were to show myself unworthy of

being

such a master by

slow to
I

learn.

Anyhow, dear Menander,

have described
not
present
in

entreat

also to get ready that play in

you which you

even
sail
;

myself,

so that,
I

if

person,

may

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.

that behind
I

But you shall not even leave you may rest assured that
myself in the mysteries

shall practise

of guiding the helm

until

you come to
I

me

and keeping look-out, from the Piraeus,

you over the waves

that

may

safely guide

94
X^pcriv

AAKI^PONOE PHT0P02
aKvjuLova

vava-roXt^aWy

TrXeovara,

el

TOVTO

ajmeivov

elvai

(paiPOLTO'

cjiavelr]

Se,

Oeoc 7ravT9, o Koivij Xva-iTeXeg

?},

kol fxavTev-

craiTO

ri

^pvyia tu

(TviJL(jiepovTa

Kpeicrcrov

Trjg

6eo(pop)]TOV arov

Kopfj^s-

"Eppuxro.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
with

94

my own
I

hands,
all

if

you think

it

best

to go.

pray to

the gods that what

may

be to the advantage of us both our interest

inspired

be disclosed, and that the Phrygian

prophesy what
better
is

may may
even
with

to

than

your

damsel

divine frenzy.

Farewell.

95

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

LIBER TERTIUS

T\aV K ITT TTtJ

Ou/ceV
avexojULai
eliJj.

IL a

(JO

IT

IJ

ev

ijULavTiJ,

lULrjrep,

ovS'

yrj/uLacrOai,

/me

kqt

eyyvrjo-iv
M^rjOvjuLvaiM

eTrrjyyelXaro eVayxo? 6 irarrip,

lueipaKio)

tw

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
KaXo<i,

ovTCDv.

KaXo9

jmev

yap

earn,

njLrjrep,

Kal

ySia-rog,

Kai

/Boarrpvrrjg

Xovg ex^i
Oa\aarcrr}<i

/Spvcoi/

ovXorepovg,

Kal jaeiSLa
'^^^

yaXriviwcTri^
6(p6a\iuLW]/

x^P^^^'^^P^^y
ectti

'^"?

^oiXa^ Twv

Kuauavyrjg,

0T09

TO

irpOOTOV

UTTO

TWU

(IKt'lVOOV

TWV rfKiaKwv 6

TTOVTog KaTaXajuLTrojuievog (paivcTar

irpoa-iairov
iirot<s

to

Se oXov

avTal^ evopx^icrOai

Taig Trapeiaig

av ra? Xa/ozra? tov ^Opxojmevov airoXi-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

95

BOOK

III.

I.

Glaucippe to Charope.

O
It is

MOTHER,

am

quite beside myself!

impossible for

me

to

wed
son,

the young
to

Methymnaean, the

pilot's

whom
I

my
who

father

lately

betrothed

me,

since

have seen the young

carried the holy

man from

the city,

palm branch, when you gave me permission to go to Athens

for the festival of the

Oschophoria.
is
!

Ah,

mother,
ing
!

how

beautiful he

how charmthan moss

the

His locks are

curlier

he laughs more pleasantly than the sea

in a

calm

his eyes are

azure,

like

ocean,

when

the

first
it.

beams of the

rising

sun

glitter

upon
?

And

his

whole

countenance

You would

say

that the

96
'KOvcra<i
jixeva^,

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
Koi Tfjg

Tapya^lag

Kprjvrjg

airovLylra-

TO) X^^^*} ^^> '^^

poSa t^? ^AippoSlrtjg

SirjvOia-Tai,
cttI

airoavKricraq

toov

koXttcov,

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'wcrao.

Kwv irpo^oKwv

ejuLavTtjv eig

to kXvSwvlov

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
Graces, having
after

96

abandoned

Orchomenus,

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
adorn
or,

Cytherea's

bosom

to

them.

He must

either be

mine

following the example of the Lesbian

I

throw myself, not from the Leucadian rocks, but from the crags
Sappho,
will

of Piraeus, into the waves.

13

97

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

II.

X.

a pco
(3

TT

J]

T \av K iir

TT ij.

MejuLiJvai},

Ovyarpiop, koi aXyjOcog

Sei
croi,

e^ecr-

T>79.

'EXXe^oyooy
Se

Ka\ ov rov kolvov,

*Ai/TiKvpag,
iing,

Tov

airo

rfjg

^odklSo^

Seov aiaxwecrOai KopiKwg, ctTre^ecrag Ttjv aiSco

TOV

TrpocrcoTTOu.

'E^e

cxTpefxa,

koi

Kara
Ttjg

(reavTYjv

piTri^e

to
tl

kqkov

e^coOova-a

Siavolag.

Ei

yap

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
a dose
kind,
child,

you are surely mad, with-

out a spark of reason.

of
hellebore,

You
not

really

need

the

ordinary

but that which comes from AntiPhocis, since you have lost
all

cyra, in

maiden modesty.
self,

Keep

quiet,

calm your-

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?
l^voyfrla
/ULV
ijv

^ i\ oO^ p (p.
Kai TrXrjOog ixOvcov

eyw
6
ri
/jloi

Se

TYjv

<jayy]vr\v

aTroXeo-a?

^iropovv
ri

Trpa^aijuLi.

"^So^ev

ovv

Xi(rv<j)i6v

^ovXevcrafJLevo)

^ovXevjuia

iXOeiv

irapa

top
KaOo-

SaveiCTTrjv ILpefxrira, Koi

vTroOijKrjv avria

/uioXoywavTL
Tecrarapa^,
crayrjvr]v

to

aKacfyo^

Xa^elv

xpvcrivov^
fioi

e^ wv avOi^ Kaivovpyfj(ral
vTrap^eie,

tyjp

koI

SrJTa

tovto

Xoyov

OoLTTOV eyeveTO.
K(ji)9,

Kaf

6 ^pejuLrj^ 6 KaTccrKXr]6<ppvg
epcoTt

KaTea-TraKwg
VTro^XeTroov,

Ta?
'Icrcog

TavprjSov
olkcitov,
oyfreig,

TravTag

t^?

XoXacrag to fiapv koi ajmeiSh, avelg Tag

vTre/iieiSia

irpog

jme,

koI

olog elvai
/mev

virovpyeiv
^v

iravTa
ovTOog

<pa(rKv.

^vOvg

ovv cKSrjXog
Xvcrag

aOpowg

to

orKvOpwiroi

ovk

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

98

III.

EVAGRUS TO PhILOTHERUS.

Recently
supply of fish
quite spoilt,
I
;

there
but,

was
since

an

abundant
nets were
to do.
I

my
me,

did not

know what
to
I

An

inspiration

came

which

thought worthy of Sisyphus.

to go to the money-lender
to offer

resolved

Chremes, and
might be able

my
my

boat to him as security for

I

four pieces of gold, that

to repair
nets.

No
his

sooner said than

done.
as

Chremes, that skinny old wretch,

rule
at

knits

brows

and
it

looks

savagely

everybody.

Perhaps

was
boat

the hope of getting possession of

my

which caused him suddenly to relax his

severity.

The
he

wrinkles

on
at

his

cleared;

even
that he

smiled

me,
his

brow and

assured

me

was ready
lay
in

to render

me any

service

that

power.

So prompt an

alteration

made

his friend-

liness suspicious,

and

clearly

showed that

99
ayaOov

AAKI^iPONOS PHTOPOZ
tl
SiavoovjuLevo'?,
cog

aXX' vttovXop e\wi

TO ^iXapOpcoTTOV

Se ei/arravTog

tov Kaipov
ovSe ov

TTpog TO) apxalcjp KaL tov tokov airiJTei,

eig copap

cvSiSovg,

eireyvodv
Trj

tovtov

Kivov,

rjTTLO-TaiJ.riv

irpog

Aiojul}]tiSl

irvKri

kuO)]-

fxevovj
iracTL

TOV Tip

KajULTTvXriv

exovTa, tov exOpa

<ppovovvTa
eTot/ULog
ijv

Xpe/mrjTa

tov ^Xoiea,

Koi.

yap

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
Xov,
0)9

7r7roir]Keiv,

aTroo-Tracra?

tov TpaxyiXOcov,

Ilacrecova

tov

Tpaire^LTrjv
to.

aTrrjfjLTToXrja-a,

Kai

(rvvayaywv
(pepcov

voiJ-lcrfxaTa

crvv

avTOtg TOKoig

ciTreScoKa,

koi

co/uLO(Ta

KttT

e^auTOV,
iv

/ULr/TTOTe

VTro/uLelvm

irapa
/mriS^

Tiva av

Twv

iroXei
XijuLO)

SaveLCTTwv
KaTaa-KXtjvai.
rj

eXOeiv,

(pOavoijULi

''A/meivov

yap

evTrpcTTcog airoOaveiv,

^ijv

vTroKcl/ULevov Stj/uLo-

TLKU) Ka\ (piXoKepSei

Trpecr/BvTi].

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
his alas

99

intentions were anything but

!

good

was only skinned over, for, when the money became due, he claimed the interest with the capital, and
his kindness

refused
hour's
real

to

grant

me
I

so

much

as

an
the

grace.

Then

recognised

Chremes of Phoela, the common enemy of mankind, who may usually

be

found

before

the

Diometian
stick.

Gate,

armed
actually

with

crooked

boat.
plight

making preparations to Then I perceived in what a

was.
I

He was seize my
cruel

ran

home with
neck

all

speed,

took

from

my

wife's
I

the

golden

necklace which

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 interest,

and
I

took an oath to myself that in

die of

future

would rather
to die

hunger than

ever apply again to a city money-lender.

It
is

better

honourably than to

live at

the mercy of a low and avaricious

old man.

loo

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

IV.

Tpex^^eiTTJ^o? AoTraSeKOajULPo).
ouTTO) (TKia^eL
tviv eKrrjv
Xijulw

yvcojuicov

eyw

Se

aTTOCTKXrji/ai
Yitev,

KivSvvevco,
croi

Tip

kcvtou-

fjLevog.

copa

^ovXevjUiaTog, AoiraS/uloxXov
Koi.

eKOa/UL^e,

juloXXov

6e

Kal

koXcoSlov

OLTray^acrOai.
/ULV

Et yap

oXijv

Kara^oXoij-

TrjP

KLOVa TrjV
rj

TO

ITlKpOV

TOVTO WpoXoyiOV
Tpeyp-ojuLcv
cKeiare

avexovcrav,
veueiv,
jmaiveiv,

tov

yvoo/jLOva

ov Taxiov SwijcreTai Tag copag airocn]ea-Tai

ctol

to ^ovXevjuLa HaXajULrjSeiov
avog vtto
Xljulov

cog

vvv

eyw

koi

avx/uirjpog.

Oeoxa/o;?? ^e ov irpoTspov KaTaXa/mlSdvei Trjv

(TTi^aSa,
cppacraL

irpLv
t>]v

avT(p

tov olkcIov

SpajmovTa
odv
rjixlv

eKTrjv

ecTavai.
o

Ael

TOiovTOV

o-KejuL/ULaTog,

KaTa<TO<pi(racrOai

koi

TrapaXoyicraarOai
v^creTai.

ttjv

Geoxa/oof? evTa^iav Suvtto iraiSaycoyw /Sapei

Tpaipeig

yap

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

IV.

Trechedeipnus to Lopadecthambus.

The

sun-dial does not yet

mark the
Come,

sixth hour,

and

am

in

danger of wasting

away under
it

the pinch of hunger.

is

time to take counsel, Lopadectham-

bus, or rather, let us get a

beam and a
I

rope and hang ourselves.

idea.
If

But

have an

we were

to

throw down the

whole column which supports that confounded

dial, or

turn the index so that

it

may make
medes.
hunger.
I

the hours seem to have gone

faster, it will

be a device worthy of Pala-

am

exhausted and parched with

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

the
regularity

overreach
For,
as

of Theochares.

he has been brought up under

the care of a stern and morose tutor, his

10]

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
w^pvcojULevcp

Kai

ovSev

(ppovel

vecorepov,

aW

Ota Tis Aax*19 h '^TToXtj^lag

av(TT)]p6s earn

TOI9 TpOTTOl?,
irpo
Ttjg

Koi OVK eTTLTpeTTeL

rj

T^ ya(TTp\

copag

eKelvrjg

tou

TrijuLTrXacrOaL

''E/d/3ft)(ro.

I
LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
ideas are not those of a
loi

he

is

as austere in his

young man, but manners as Laches

will

or Apolexias,

and he

not allow his

belly to satisfy its needs before that hour.

Farewell.

02

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

V.
'YiKToSlWKTijg MavSlXoKoXaTTTl].

XOe?
SaTJjg

SeiXrjg oxj/^lag
fxoi

Topyiag 6 ^^reo/Sou-

(Tvjui/3a\(cv

Kara tvx^^

XP^^crrto?
/mrj

ija-Traa-aro
^oLjJLL

koI

KaTiULjUi(l)eTO,

on

Oa/ml-

irap'

avTov.

Kat

fxiKpa

irpoa-iral^a^,

'idly

irpbg At 09, elirev,

Xova-ajuievo^
ecrri

^eXTia-Te, koi /mera

'ArjSovLov
rnjiiv

Ppaxv

rJKe,

rrjv

eralpav aycov
Kai
jULevei

Se
o)?

/ulol

o-upr'iOrjg

eTrtef/co)?,

Travrco?,

ovk

ayvoeh,

[JUKpov
rj/xiv

airoBev tov AecoKoplov.

TpeTTicrTaL
CTTajULvla
av,

Aeiirvov Se

rjv-

yevviKov,

ixOve^

TeixaxiTai,
eiiroL

kol
tl<;

TOV

^evSrjcrlov,

veKTapo's

TrcTrXrjpcojULeva.
eyot)

Kal

fxev

raura

elirwv

wxeroKOI

Se

irapa
Trap'

rrjv

^AfjSoviov Spajucov,

(ppaa-ag,

otou

eKaXeiTO,

eSerjca

KivSvvcp irepnreareiv

ayvcofJLOVo^ y/3,

w?

eoiKe,

ireipaOeicra

tov Topyiov,

Kai

/ULiKpoTrpeTrovg

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

102

V.

Hectodioctes to Mandilocolaptes.
Yesterday,
gias,

late in the evening,

Gorcour-

of the family of the

Eteobudatae,

meeting
teously,

me by

chance, greeted

me

and reproached

me

for not

going
after

to see

him more

frequently.

Then,

a few playful words, he said to me, " Go,

by Jupiter, my good and come back to

friend,

have a bath
delay.

me

without

Do not forget to whom I am very

you know,
supper,
is

bring Aedonium, with

intimate,

and who, as
near

always to be found
I

the Leocorium.
slices

have prepared a noble

fish,

and jars of wine from Mendos, which you would say was
of

the

nectar

of
left

the

gods."
I

With
all

these

words, he

me.

ran in
I

haste to

Aedonium

and had

when
been

told
I

her

by

whom

she

invited,
it

nearly

got into trouble.

For, as

seems, she

I03

AAKT^PONOS PHT0P02
Tag
avTiSocreig,
Trjv rrjv

TTpog

opyrjv

evavXov
ava-

iyKeijULev*]!^

exovcra,

TrXrjprj

KaKal3r]v
fiov

(Tiraaraa-a

twv

xvTpoTroSijov,

iSerjare

Kara
el

rod
jurj

Ppexi^OLTO<s

KaTaxeovTO<s tov vSarog,

irapa

^Oacrag
KLvSvvov.

aTreTrrjSrjara,

^poxv (pvywv

TOV

OvTCog

riiJLeig

eXTrlcriv cnraTJjXaig

^ovKoXovjULevoi TrXe/of? tcov vjSovoov Tovg irpoTrrlXaKiar/ULOvg VTrojuLcvojULep.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

103

had found Gorgias ungrateful and mean

in

the matter of presents in return for

favours.

her

In

her

anger,

which

is

ever rankling in her breast, she snatched

a
I

full

kettle

from the stove,

the

and, unless

had

avoided
back,

danger by quickly

starting
all its

she

would have
ourselves

poured
head.
idle

contents over the top of

after

my
on

Thus,
hopes,

feeding

do

we

gain

greater

share

of

humiliation than of pleasure.

04

AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS

VI.
*A preir lOv
^Ayxovrjg
imaKpov ev
juLOt
JUL

og

TLv

i(r

o^w julw.
/me

Set,

kol

oyfrei

ov

fxera

ppoxw tov Tpaxv^ov

oto? re
rodv
ei/mi

exovTa' oure
kol rtjv

yap

paTTLorjULaTa

(j)epeLV,

aWijv irapoLvlav
epavia-Tcov,

KOLKKTra
juLiapag
/mev

aTroXovjuievoov

oure

t^?
r\

koi

aSr](payov
Kal

yaarrpog KpaTelv
irpog

yap
eU

airei,

ov

Kopov
Se

fJLOvov,

aXX'

Tpv(j)rjv'

to
ovk

TrpocrcoTTOV

Tag

eTraXAj/Xof?

TrXriyag

avex^Tai,

Kal

KivSvpevw

toiv S^OaXjULOiv top

eTepov

(TVG-Ta\rj]/ai

viro

twv
toov
rj

paTria-jULaTwv

evoxXovjuLevog.
virofjieveiv

'lof,

lov

KaKwv,

ola
avTr]

^/mag

avayKa^ei

ira/ui^ayog

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
with

a rope

you

will

soon see

me
the

my

neck in a noose.
face,

cannot endure slaps in the

For I and all

cursed

drunken
;

insults
I

of

these

diners

and yet
asking

cannot control

my
It

confounded and gluttonous stomach.

is

always

for

more

it

is

not

satisfied

with being

filled,

but clamours

for luxuries.

But

my

face cannot stand

I

blows one

after

the other, and

am
!

in

danger of having one of

my

eyes bunged
alas

up

by

their

slaps.

Alas,

what
have

misery

does
force

our
us

greedy
to

and
!

ravenous
I

stomach
therefore

endure
to put

made up my mind
disgust, since, in
is

to have one

more good dinner and

an end to
opinion,

my

life

in

my

a voluntary death
ful life.

preferable to a pain-

105

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

VII.

'Eroiyitd/fopo? Zco fxeKirve ovt i.

^lararaia^,
SaljULOov,
tj

tl<s

rjv

rj

x^e? ^fMcpa,

r]

rig
/me

Oeog

airo

juLfjxavfjg

efipva-aro

aKapfj /jLeWovra

irapa

rovg irXeiovag
/me

Uvai.

Et

fxri

yap ava^ev^avra

tov

crvixiroa-lov

Kara riva ayaOrjv tvxv^ ^AKecriXaog 6 larpog

^jULiOvfJTa,

jULoWov Se avTOveKpov Oeaa-ajmevog,

KOLTO),

va TOdv
aveXooVi

lULaOrjTaig eiriraTTOop
cog

(popaSriv

tjyayev

eavrov oiKaSe,

Km

airepav

aTrr^vayKaarev,

cTreira Siarejucov (pXe^a, pvfjvai

aljuLarog
eirolrjcrev,

TO

TToXv

TOV

ovSev

av
Sia-

K(jo\v(Tev

aveiraLo-QiiTU)

/me

tw

Oavarca

(pOapevra axoXcoXeyat.
TO.

OTa yap, ola

{iraa-x^i
/me,

SiKaia)

XaKKOTrXovTOi
Trepirra
Trjg

elpyaaavro
Kai

aWog aWoOev
r}

irlveiv,

TrXelova

Kara to KVTog

yacTTpog eaQieiv avayKO.-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

105

VII.

Hetoemocorus to Zomecpneon.
Oh, Lord had yesterday
terfered,
!

oh,
!

what a day I What spirit or god inLord

!

unexpectedly interfered, to save

I

was on the point of going For, as I was reto join the majority? turning from the banquet, had not Acesilaus the physician, by good luck, seen
me, just as
me,
half-dead,

or

rather

inhabitant

of

the

nether
to

ordered
carry

his

pupils

an and pick me up and

a
corpse,

world,

me home,
to

and, after administering

an
have

emetic

me,

bled

me

till

the

blood

flowed

plentifully,

nothing

could
I

saved

me

from
treated

dying

before

had regained consciousness.

wealthy

How

these
serve

me him right one making me cess, and another forcing me

people
-^

and
to eat

drink to ex-

more

Apparently a marginal note by an enemy of

14

parasites in general.

io6

AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS
*0
fxev

^ovT^.

yap aXKavra

evea-arrev, 6 Se

Koiraiov eujuLeyeOeg irapwOei

Kpa/uLa,

rah

yvaOoig, 6 Se

ovK otvov,

aXXa

vairv

Kai

yapov

Kai

o^o<s

epyacraimevog,
\e/3rjTag,

Kadairep
TrtOaKvag,

el<s

ttlOov ivexei,
ejuLrj/meKcog

drivay

ajmlSag

aireifKyipwa-aOavjuLa^eiv,

wa-re
Kai

avrov
TLva

tov

'

A/ceo-t Xaoi^

ttov

Tpoirov
(pOpVTOg.

ex^^pW^
'AXX'

TOCOVTOg 6 TWV

^pWJULClTOOV

eireiS^ Oeoi crcorrjpeg Kai oXe^iKaKoi irpovirTOv

lie

KivSvvov (pavepm e^elXovTO, ex'

kcu
YleipaLel
eirl

epyaaav
ra
e/c

Tpi^froixai,

^aSiovjUiai
OLTToOyjKag
eir\

TUiv

vewv (popTia

Tag

julktOov

/ULeraTLOeig.

"Kfxeivov

yap

Ovimoig

Kai

a\(l>iT0i9 Sia^oarKeiv rrjv yaarrepa, o/xoXoyovHievrjv

exovra

rrj^

rod

^rj]/

acrcjiaXeiav,
(pacriavcov

Jy

irejULjULaTCOv

oLTroXavovTa

Kai

opvi-

6u)P,

TOV aSfjXov

ocrrjiuepai

Oavarov aTrcKSe-

XecrOai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
than the skin of
stuffed

io6

my

belly could hold.

me

with sausages, another

One rammed
throat,

a great hunk of bread

down my

while another
not
wine,

made me drink a
as
if

mixture,

but

mustard, fish-sauce,

and
it

vinegar,
into

just

he were pouring

a cask.

What
I

a number of pots,

pans, and pails

all

filled,

when

brought

up Acesilaus was utterly astoand 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
this
!

nished,

visibly preserved
I

me

from a great danger,

I

will

in

future

work.

will

go down
for

to

the

Piraeus,

and carry luggage

to

hire from the vessels to the warehouses.

For

it

is

better

feed

one's

stomach

with thyme and barley-porridge, and enjoy

amount of security, than to feast upon cakes and pheasants, with the una certain
certain

prospect

of

death

before

one's

eyes every day.

07

AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02

VIII.
OlvoTrrjKTtjg

J^OTvXoPpoxOlcrcp.
(TvpLyya koi tu Kv/m^aXa

16i
yJKe

Xa^wv

TV]v

irepL

irpwTrjv ^vXaKrjv rfj^ vvkto<s eiri

tov
evQa

Xpvcrovv crrevwirov
crvfji^akelv
^juliv

tov

iirl

Ttjv

ayvov,
Ka\

aXXrjXotg

e^ecrrai,

to

evTevQev,

airo

^Kipov Xa/S overt

irapa

l^Xvinevrjv Trjv

eTolpav

ayeiv

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 KK6KaVJULV0V TOV jULLpaKLOV, OpVTTTeTai

KOI crwexco? aKKi^eTar
ocriv a7ro<ppojUivr],
Koi.

irXelova

cttI

irXei-

ov

(ptjcriv

kavTrjv eTnScocreiv,
Xd/3oi.

el

lULrj

TO

x^P'oi' TT/oo? TOi^ oLpyvploi^

el crvv/iOo)^

'^Qpa ovv Koi ^loL TavTrjv

avTiTel-

-;

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

107

VIII.

Oenopectes to Cotylobrochthisus.
Go,
fetch

your

flute

and, towards the

first

and cymbals watch of the night,

come

to

the

Golden Alley near Agnus,

where we

shall be able to meet.

We

can

make arrangements
from the Scyrian
to

to carry off

Clymene
take her

quarter and

Therippides of the deme of Aexona,

For just come into a fortune. 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
;

who has

he has loaded her with presents, she

fuses to let

re-

him enjoy her favours unless

the
I

he adds landed property in

neigh-

bourhood of the
is

silver

mines.

think

it

time to put an end to

this,

and to

io8

AAKI^PONOZ PHTOPOS
^/mtv,

voLTO
fiiva)

aiTOCTirav'

Svoo

Se

ovre Kai ippo)OtjpiTTTrlSt]^

TaxKTTa
TovTO

avrrju aira^ai/j-ev.

Se
Tri<s

et

aiG-QoiTO,

Kai

Tovpyov

eTnyvoivj
\ri\j/6-

rjixerepa^
XpV(TOV<S
Koi.

aypvirvla^ KaropOcojuLa,

jULcOa

TOV viov

<TKIUilUiaT09

OVK 6\t-

yovg,

\a/UL7rpav
evr'

ecrOtJTa,

Koi irpocreTL Trjv

oiKiav eicrievai

aSelag e^ofxev, kol

to XP^^'

6ai TO XoLTTOv apeTTiKcoXvTCog.

irapaa-iTOvg ^/mag,

Taxci Se ovSe
rjyi^creTaL-

aWa
eig

^IXovg

ol

yap
Teg,

TrapaKXrja-iv

evirouav

jmrj

avajuLelvav-

ovKCTi KoXaKeg,

aXXa

(plXoi Xoyl^ovTai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
carry her
offers
off

io8

by
:

force,

in

case she
fellows

still

two stout ourselves ought to have no

resistance

like

difficulty in

getting possession of the charmer.

When

Therippides learns that this happy result

is

the fruit of our watching,

we

shall cerfor

tainly get

some money or clothes

:

our

cleverness
his

he will give us

free entry into

house

we

shall henceforth enjoy every

pleasure, without

any hindrance, by way

will

of reward.

Perhaps he

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
Oa/uLvco

cTTLT^Seia

Kara

Spojiiov,

Xaywov
twv

ev tlvl

Siaa-Tpoprja-a^

e^alcjivrjis

ai/ecrrrjcra,

ra

Se
cnre?j/

cTKuXaKia
Xvorav.

OL

efxoi

vleig

l/uLavTiwv

Kaf ra
VTrepPag to
evpero.
J^Sr]

fxev

iOopv^ei, Koi eyyv?

Se

eXelv
(pvyij Sucriv

TO Otjplov 6 Xaycoog
a-i/nov,

rov kivSvvov
Kara-

(pooXeov Tivog
rj

M/a

Se

irpoOvjuLOTepa

rwp

Kvvow,

Kex^vvla kol

ylz-ava-ai

TrpoaSoKcocra
oirrjv

Tw
yfjg,

SriyixaTL,

crvyKaTtjXOev

et?

rrjv

rrjg

evTevQev uveXKvcraL /SLa^ofxevr] to XaycoKOI

Siov,

Opavei

toiu

TrpocrOloiv

ttoSoIv

tov

eTepov.
ayaOrjv,
fjLOL

Kat
kol

aveiXo/mrjv x'^Xevovcrav CTKvXaKa

koj.

to ^wov ^/aippMTor
(piiuLev(i)

yeyove

KepSoug

Xvirpov

^tj/uilav

/neyaXijv

aireveyKaa-daL.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

109

IX.

[This Letter has no Address.]

While
to

was trying
fit

my young
for

dogs,
I

see

if

they were

coursing,

suddenly started a hare which was concealed 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

eager
of

in

a warren.

The
was
teeth,

most

the

pack,
it

which
its

already snapping at

with open mouth

it

and thought to
followed
it

seize

with

into
it

the
out,

hole,

and,

in

the
its

attempt to pull

broke one of

fore-legs. All I could do was to pull out a lame dog and a half-eaten hare. I was

only

trying

to
I

gain

trifling

success,

but, instead,

experienced a severe loss.

no

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

X.

^^iTLTpi^elrj Koi

KaKos KttKwg airoXoLTO 6

/cat

KaKicTTog
riSvv

oXeKTpvMv

jULiapicTarog,

o?

jme,

oveipov

Oewfjievov,

ava/Bowa^

e^yjyeipev.

'E^OACofi/ yoLp,

&

(jiiXTare yetrovcov, XajuLirpog

T19

elvai

KOI
/moi

/SaOvTrXovTog'
crTicpog,

eira

oikTwv
koi

efpeirecrdaL

oug

oiKOvofjiovg

SioiKrjTag evojuLi^op ex^iv.

X^F/oe

'^wkciv Se koi t(0

koi
koi

SaKTvXicov

TreirXripuxrOai,

ttoXv
^crav

TaXavTOvg
SaKTvXoL
Xj]g

XlOovg

TrepKpepeiv

ol

juLov

aaXaKo], Kai

7jKL(TTa

r^? SlkcXKal ol k6av

Sr]

ijmejuLvrjvTO.

^l^^aivovTO

Se

XaKcg

eyyvOev,

TpuXXlcova

e'liroig

Koi.

UaTaiKtoopa irapearTavai.
6
S^jULog

'Ei/

tovtco

koi

'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.

was

attended

by

number

of

slaves,

stewards, and treasurers.

My

hands were
soft

loaded with rings and precious stones of

great

value;

my

fingers

were

and
I

delicate, free

from hardness, and showed

no traces of the use of the mattock.

surrounded by
flatterers,

was

such as Gryllion

and Pataecion.
cried out for

At the same time, the appointment as general. were

busily

people of Athens, assembled in the theatre,

my
they

But,
in

while

engaged

voting,

the confounded cock crowed,

and the vision disappeared. However, on

Ill
"O/xco?
fjLLOv

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
avey p6/ULvog irepixciph?
7rof;(7a/uei/o?, toi'?

^y^'

v6v-

Se

^vWoxoov^

ecTTavai

jui^vag,

eyvoav elvai

ra

evvirvia ylrevSearaTa.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

iii

my
the

first

awaking,
I

was
fall

still

full

of joy.
in
I

But,

when month

reflected

that

we were

of the

of the leaves,

remembered that then dreams are always most false, and I said good-bye to my
illusions.

AAKI#P0N02 PHTOPOS

XI.

Apv avT IS ag
OuKen
croi

^ p ov i(p.
Trjg

/xeXef

oure

evv^g
T>?9

r/iuLoov,

0UT6 TOOV KOLVm

TTaiScDV,

0UT6

JUir]V

KttT

ay/001/ SiaTpi^fjg' o\r] Se el

jmev

tov

acrreog.

TLavl

Kai

H^v/uLcpaii}

ciTrexOojuLevrj,

ag ^^TrijuLrjXlSag

eK(x\eL9,
YlfjiLV

KOI ApvaSag,

koi Na/i^a?, Kaivovg Se

irpog

eTreia-ayovcra

Oeoug

iroWoig Toig

irpovirapxovcri.
ISpva-o)

IIou
rj

yap

eyoo
;

Kar

aypov

J^wXiaSag

TevervWiSag

otSa olkovS)v

a-ag

aWa

riva SaijuLouwp ovojULara,

/uloi

Sia

to

irXfjOog OLTTooXicrOe

T^g

/uvrijULrig

ra

irXeiova.

Ov
Ti

croo^poveig,
Siavor],

wg

eotKeu,

c3

yvvai, ovSe vyieg

aWa
vtto

ajULiWaarai
rpvcprjg

raig

aarriKaig

TavTaiarl
Kal

raig

Siappeovcraig,

mv

TO TTpocrwwov

eirlifKacrTOv,

Kac 6 Tpoirog
Kai
\lrijuLv6i(p

jULOxOrjpLag virepyeiuLoov' (pvKei

yap

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

112

XI.

Dryantidas to Chronium.

You have

forgotten our marriage bed,

life.

our children, our country has taken complete hold

The
you.

city

of

Pan

and the Nymphs, whom you used to invoke under the name of Dryads, Epimelides,

and Naiads, are now hated by you,

and, in addition to the numerous deities

already in existence, you are introducing

fresh
find

ones.

Where
?

shall

be able

to

room

in the

country for the Coliades

I

or

Genetyllides

think

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
rival

your reason
those

You wish

to try

and

women
are

of Athens who,
faces,

plunged in luxury, have made-up

and

whose

morals

of

the

worst.
15

113

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
TraiSepcoTi
SevaroTTOiovcri
Toi)v

KOI
virep
t)i/

rag

irapeiag

Tovg Seivovg
oirolav

^o)ypa(p(jt)v.

Su
to

Se,

vyiaivr]^,

ere

to

vSayp

tj

pvfXjuLa

TO irph eKaOnpev, TOiavTrj

Siaimeveig.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
They

113

paint their cheeks with dyes, ceruse,

and vermilion,
cleverest

more skilfully than the But you, if you are sensible, will not imitate them. Remain as you are pure water and soap are enough for a respectable woman.
artist.
;

I
152

114

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XII.
11 p

ar IV ag
ovarrj<s

'ETTiyoi/w.
crTaOrjpag,
(piXrive/ULov

M.(TriiJLPpla<s

Tiva eiriXe^ajuLevog itltw, koi Trpo? Ta<s aupag

KKeijuLVi]V,

VTTO

TavTU

TO

Kavjuia

ea-Kia^op-

Kai
KOI

juLOi

yf^vxo-^ovTL

jaaW

^Sem,
koi

7rrj\6e

ri
Trjv

fjLOvcriKrjg

i<pa\[raG'Oai,

Xa/Scov

crvpiyya eireTpexov t^
TTvevjULa

yXcorr*/

(rrevov

to
/moi

/ULera

twv xeiXwv
pojULLOV

eirKTvpodv,

Kal

^Sv

TL

Koi
^e

^r]KOVTO
OTTOOg

jULeXog.

'Ej/

TOUTft)

OVK otS^
iraa-al

VTTO T^?

^Sv^OOVia?

OeXyo/mevai

fxoi

iravraxoOev at olyeg
ve/xecrOai

TrepiexvOrjcrap,

koi

acpeicrai

rovg

KOjmapovg koi tov avOepiKOv, oXai tov imkXovg

iyevovTO.
ijULifjLovjULtjv

'Eyo)

Se

ev

jmecroig

Tof? ^HSoDvoig

TOV iTotSa T^9 KaXXfOTT?/?.

Tavra

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

114

XII.

Pratinas to Epigonus.

When
height,
I

the noonday heat was

selected a pine-tree,

at

its

which was
its

swept by the wind and exposed to the

breeze,

and threw myself beneath

shade

to escape from the sweltering heat.

I

While

idea

was cooling myself very comfortably, the came into my head to try a little
I

music.

took

my

pipe

gently
its

moved
and

my

tongue up and down

reeds,

played a sweet pastoral

while,
all

melody.

Mean-

my

goats collected round

I

me
not

from

all

directions, enchanted,
strains.

know

why, by the sweet

They

forgot to

browse upon the arbutus and asphodel,

and gave no thought music. At that time

to anything but the

I

was

like the

son

of Calliope in the midst of the Edonians.

My

only object in communicating to you

115

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
ovu evayyeXt^ojUiai, (piXov avSpa a-vveiSivai

ere

Pov\6jULvo9,

on

/jLoi

fJLOva-LKov eoTTiv exeiv

to

aiTToXtov.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
this pleasant story
is

115

to let a friend

know
is

that

have a flock of goats which

of
it.

exceedingly fond

music

and

knows

how

to appreciate

ii6

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XIII.

K-aWiK parr}^
'Eyw
/uLev,

A'lycovi.

yjKovTog

rod Kaipov,

yvpov^
re

irepiG-Ka\lra<s
tJIJLriv

kol

ejuL^aOwa^ fioOpop, otog

koi
iirayeiv

eXaSia

ijULcpvTeveiv,
/ulol

avTOig
(pa-

va/naTiaiov vSwp, o

ck Ttjg

irKria-Lov

payyog
eg

eTroxcTeveraLkoi

eTreXOm
'icrag,

Se

ojuL^pog

Tpeig ^fxepag

vvKrag

Trora/uLovg

avodOev K T^g aKpoopelag

ol
KOLL
pv/UL}]

twv
IXvv

opoov eyevvrjcrev,
eirea-TraaravTO,

KaracTvpojuLevoL

Toug

^oOpovg
kol

Karexoyo'av,

wcrre
oXcog

elvai

iravTa

icroireSa,

ovSe

SokcIv
juloi

elpirovrj-

yacTjULeva.

Ovrcog
elg

ij^avicTTai
o\lni/

tu

jmara,

kol

/uLiav

oltottov

KaTecrrr}.

Tig av ovv
eK

en

irovolri, /ULarrji/ aSy'jXovg

eXirlSag
ixol
e(j)

yewpylag KapaSoKwv
(pacrl

M.eTLTeov
dfxa

erepov ^iov
TijSevfxaTcov
/jLaTi^ea-Qai.

yap

raig twv

cttl-

aXXayaig Kal rag tvxcl9 jmeTaaxi-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

ii6

XIII.

Callicrates to Aegon.

When
I

the season for planting came,

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
trenches.

marked out the holes and dug

Unfortunately, a storm of rain
three

came

on, which, for

days

and as

many nights, drove down from the summit of the mountains regular rivers, which,
in their

impetuous course, have

All
is

filled

the

trenches with mud.

the

my
is

fields

have
cul-

same
;

level
all

there

no trace of
lost.

tivation

my

labour

The

whole place has assumed a uniform and

strange appearance.

Who
flatter

in

future will

work any more and

with
labour
is

himself in vain
for
all

idle
?

hopes
I

in

return

his
It

must

try

another trade.

said that Fortune changes when

we

change our occupation.

117

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOZ

XIV.
JliraXKfjg
Ef
Trarpoo^eis,

lvott loov
kol

i.

irai,

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/JLvoi,

ovSe eiSore^,

ra

jmerecopa Se iroXveacrag,
ctol

TTpayjuLOveiv

eTnrrjSevovTeg,
acj)

exov

twv

Kar
fiecTTr]

aypov epymv,
fxev
rj

cov

SiairovovvTi
ol Se Se
afx-

(nirvrj

irava-'TrepiJ.iag,

(fiopelq

oLvov

ye/uLovreg,

irXela

ayaOwu

TO. crvjULTravTa.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

117

XIV.
SiTALCES TO OeNOPION.

My
father

son,

if

you wish to imitate your

his

and

follow

advice,

listen to those charlatans

whom

do not you see

wandering, barefooted and with pale faces,

in

the

neighbourhood

of the

Academy.

They can
useful

neither do nor teach anything

this earth; they only pore over

on

heavenly

things,

understand.
cultivate

which they profess to Leave these people, work,

land
;

your

this

will

fill

your

meal-sack with corn, your jars with wine,

and your house with wealth.

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XV.
KoTi/09

T pvy oSoopw.
ecm
/ulol

'0 Tpvyt]Tt}9 eyyu?, koi applxaov

Xpcla' SavetfTOV odv
/ulol

tovtwv tou^

TrepiTTOug,
^'Exft>

baov ovK
Kayct)
6v/j.(jos

ig

jmaKpov airoSuxrovTi.
irKelova'
el

ovv

TTiOaKia

ovv
Koiva

Seoio,

irpo-

Xafx^ave,

ra yap

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
if

some baskets
any to spare;

lend
I

me

some,

I want you have

;

will return

them
;

to

you

if you I have several little casks soon. 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
QpacooviSri, Kot

Opaa-MvlSn.
koI

Ef yecopyeiv i^ovXov,

vovv

exeii^,

Tw

Trarpl TretOearOai, (pp^ av

/uLvplvrjv,

Kai TOig Oeoig klttov kol Saipvag, koI Kai avOrj ocra (TvyKaipaCLv TTvpovg
airoBXlylrag,
eKOepla-ag,

Kal

rj/xiv

TOig yovev-

kol

ohov ck ^orpvcop

koI

fiSaXag

ra

alylSia,

top

yauXov
Kai

irXrjpwaraq yaXa/cro?.

Nw

^e

aypov

yeoopylav

airavalvn,

Kpavovq 6e

eTraLVl<s

Tpikofplav, KOL a(T7riSog e/oa?, co(nrep ^AKapvav

rj

M.r]\ievg /ULi(r6o(p6pog.
7/>ta?,

M^

crvye, cS TraiSiov,

aXX' eiraviOi w?
aa-ira^ov
{koll

kol top iv ricrvxla /3lov

yap

aa-^aXr]^

kol

clkIvSwos

yecopyia, ov Xoxovg, ovk eveSpag, ov (pdXayyag

cxovara,
rjij.lv

re

yrfpoKOjUiog
^corjg

eyyJ?)

avrl

T^f

aiUL(j)i^6X(f)

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
myrtles,
us,

present to the

gods,
in

ivy,
;

laurels,

and

flowers

season

to

your

parents,

you

would bring the wheat you have reaped, the wine you have pressed, and the pail
full
is,

of milk from your goats.

But, as

it

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

Give
to

Acarnanian
ideas,

mercenary.

up
us

such

my
a

boy

come back
life;

and
offer

lead

peaceful
security.

the

fields
is

greater

There
or

one

out

of
fear

reach of danger, without having to

cohorts,

phalanxes,

ambuscades.
:

Be
a

the stay of our approaching old age

life

free

from danger
of perils.

is

better

than

career

full

120

AAKI<IP0N02 PHT0P02

XVII.

^ai pearr p ar 09
'lEiTriTpi^Lii9,

Kriplcp.
KttKr]

Arjplop,

KttKm,

on

JUL

Tij

jmeOu

Koi

T019

avXoh
k

KaraKriXria-aa-a,

PpaSvv

a7re(f)Tjvag

roh
jmev

rm aypm
eooOep

airo-

ire/ULxl/^aa-iv.

Ot

yap
ra

Trpoa-eSoKwv
{a-Kevrj)

jxe

(pepovra

avrolg

Kepa/txia

wv

VKa

a(j>iK6iuLr]v

eyo) Se

6 xp^^ovg

Trdpi/vxog

KaravXovjuLevog elg ^fxepav eKaOevSop.

CLTTiOi,

'AXX'

ToXaiva,

Koi.

Tovg aOXlovg tovtovo-]

ejULol

OeXye

rotg

yotiTviJ.acriv

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 intoxicated me with wine and rnusic, so that
I

was

late in getting

back to the people

1

who had

sent

me

from the country

The

morning they expected me with the wine jars which I had come but I, like a nice to fetch for them I was, amused myself with fellow that you all night, and, charmed by the sound
first thing in the
;

of your flute, slept until daybreak.

Away

woman tempt city young men with your fascinations if you molest me any more, you shall pay dearly
with you, worthless
!

for

it.

16

121

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XVIII.
l^uoTT

ax^ 9

UtOaKicovi.
rjKeiv

Tov
are

ijULOv

TraiSog yevecna eopra^oyv,

7rav8ai(riav,
cS

7n

rrjv
rJKCiv

IliOaKicop,

irapa-

KoXwTt]v

Se

ov

julovov,

aXX'
kol

eTrayojUievov

yvvoLKa, kol
el

tu

TraiSta,
Se,

tov avveprrjv

yacTTpov'

/SovXoio
<pv\aKa,

Km
tco

Kvva,
rfjg

ayaQrjv

ovaav

koi

^apei

vXaK^g

OLTT OCT o/3 over av

rj

Tovg eTri/SovXevoPTa^ TOig

OLV

TTOljULVLOl^'

TOiaVTrj OVK
crvv
rjfMv.

OLTLfJia^OL

TO

Sai-

TVjULWP
rjSeoo^,

elvai

lEtOpTaaroinev
jmeOrji/,

Se jmaX

Koi

iriojULeOa

eig

kqi fieTU tov

Kopov
^eiv,

acrojULeOa'

koi ocrTig eTriTrjSeiog KopSaKi-

ek

imea-ovg irapeXOcov,

to koivov
c3

^Irvxayu)-

yrja-ei.

M^
Tai<s

/meWe

ovv,

(piXTQTe,

koXov

yap

ev

kut

evxh^ eopTaig e^ ewOivov

crvvTaTTeiv

Ta

(rvjULTrocria.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

121

XVIII.

EUSTACHYS TO PiTHACION.

As
I

am

keeping

my

son's

birthday,

invite

you to the
children,
if

feast.

Bring your
servant,

wife,

your

your
like.

and

even the dog,

protector,

you

He

is

a trusty

and
I

his loud barking will scare

evil

away those who have

our flocks:
to

designs upon

am

sure he will not disdain

make one
day
are
in

of the party.
joviality;
;

We

will

spend

the

we
is

drunk

and,

we will drink till when we have had

If there

enough,

we

will take to singing.

any one of us who knows how to dance the Cordax, he can step out into the middle, and delight the company.

Answer me
sions,

at once, for,

on

festive occaall

one must begin to make

pre-

parations in the morning.

16

122

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XIX.

ILoivwviKO^

cov

Kai

(piXeraipog ovaio cravkoi

Tov,

Kai

rfjg

yuvaiKog,

twv

iraiSlcov,

<S

Ei/(rTaxf*
(h

cyoo Se

top KXoowa
rtjv

(poopdcrag,

e^'

iraXaL

*i^(r\aXKov,

ex^TXrjv {/(peXofxevco
Trap'
ejuLavTM,

Kai

Svo

Speirava^,
avajixhcov

exw

rovg

K(ji)iJLriTa<s

eiriKOvpov^.
cov

Nw
Kai

yap
/uLovog,

ovK

eSoKLjma^ov,

aaBevea-repo^

TO) X^^P^ eTTi/SaWeiv avTW'

6 /nev
tol^

yap
o<ppvg,

Spi/mv

PXeirei,

koi

TO^oiroiel

Kai
rrjv

(T(j)piymTa<s exei

rovg

cojulov^,

Kai

aSpav

eiriyovvlSa

<palvi'

eyw

Se

vtto

twv

irovwv,
julcv

Kai T^g SiKeWtjg KarecKXfjKa, Kai rvXovg

ev

rah

X'^P^^^

^X^>

XeirTorepov Se
jnev

jmoi

to

Sepfxa Xe^tjplSog.
iraiSla
e'la-w

ovv yvvrj

Kai

ra

^aSiovvTai, Kai T^g euwxta?

juceOe-

^ovcriv 6 Se a-vpyacrrpog jmaXaKcog ex^i

eyto Se Kai i kvcov

ra vvw

tov fitapov

oikol (pvXd^ojuiev.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

12a

XIX.
PiTHACION TO EUSTACHYS.

My
and
with
thief,

best wishes to you

and your wife

Eustachys,
for

children,

my

dear

being so ready to

share your
I

pleasures

your

friends.

have

caught

the

who caused me such annoyance by

and two
sickles.

stealing a plough-handle
I

have got him safe under lock and key,

and

am
I

waiting

for

the

neighbours

to

come and help me.

infirm,

For, being alone and

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
as

exhausted by labour and

handling the mattock,

my

hands are horny,

slough of a
will

my

skin

is

thin

as the

serpent.
to do
is
ill,

My
I

wife

and children
feast.

come
I

honour to your
so

My

servant

cannot leave the

house:

must stay at home with the dog and mount guard over the prisoner.

123

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XX.

NaTrafo?
Oia-Qa
/UL

J^ptjvLaSr].

eiTLO-a^avTa rtjv ovov cruKa Kai

ovv,

TToXaOag
aTreSojULtjv

Karayayovra
tcov
tiuI

ew?

ov

ravra
/me

yvcopijULcoi/,

ayei

rf?

Xa^cov

eig

TO Oearpov, Kai KaOiarag

ev

koXm,
ovv

SiacpopoLg exI^vxcLycoyei Oeooplai^.

Ta9
eijuu

^ei/

aWa^

ov

crvvexco

rrj

/JLV)]/uir],

yap

ra
eV

Toiavra Kai
^e

ciSivaL Kai

airayyeWeiv KaKog'

iScoVy axc^vrjg

eyco ctol Ka\ /miKpov Seiv avavSo^.

E?9 yap Tig

eig /uLcarovg TrapeXOtov,

Kai orTrjaag
irapoyfriSas,

TpiTToSa, Tpetg jmiKpag irapeTiOei

ecTa viro TavTaig ea-Keire fxiKpa Tiva Kai XevKa

Kai

(TTpoyyvXa
TU)]/

XiOiSia,

ola

^jmeig

eirl

Taig

oxOaig

x^^M^PPWi/

avevpicTKOjULev

raura

TTore fxh KaTO, /miav ecTKCTre Trapoyj/lSa, ttotc

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

123

XX.
Napaeus to Creniades.

You remember
loaded
After
I

the day

when

had
figs
?

my

ass with green

and dried

had taken him to the stable, and

sold the figs to one of

my

took

me

to the theatre,
place,

friends, someone where he put me

into a
all

good
else
I

kinds of spectacles.

and gave me a Although

I

treat of
I

forgot
all

what

saw

since

am

not at

clever at understanding or giving

an ac-

count of such
thing,

things

remember one
with as-

which struck

me dumb

tonishment.

a three-legged table.
three
little little

A man came forward with On this he placed

under
white

cups,

which

he

hid

some
as

round

pebbles,

such

we

find

on the bank of a torrent.

At one time he put them separately, one at another time he under each cup
;

showed them,

all

together, under one cup

124
^e,

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
ovK
oIS'
oTTCog,

vtto

rij

/ULia

eSeUvv,

ttotc

^e iravTekwq airo
cttI

t(jov

TrapoylrlSwv ^(pavi^e, kol

tov

o-TOjULaTog
TrXtjcrlov

c^aivev elra Kara/Spoxecrrwrag aywv

elg nxecrov,

Olcrag,

Tovs

TtJV

JULCV

K piVOg TlVOg, Tr]V Sc ^ WTIOV, TrjV Se

K Ke^aX^g avupeiTO' kol iroCKLv aveXoiuevog e^

ocpOaX/uLm
vTrep
M.t]

cTToiei.

KXeTTTLCTTaTog avOpwTrog,
l^vpv/Sarrjv

ov

OLKOvofxev

top OixoXiia.
Otjplov,

yevoiro Kar aypov tolovto

ovSei/og, Koi
/uLoi

ov

yap

aXwo'CTtti VTT

iravTa v(paipoviUivo9

Tu

vSov,

^pouSa

ra Kar aypov airepya-

crerai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
then he
cups,
I

124

don't

made them disappear from the know how, and showed them,
in

the
this

next moment,

his

mouth.

After

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
the

altogether.

What

clever

thief

man must
I

be, far sharper

than Eury-

bates of Oechalia, of

whom we
I

have often

heard.

am
to

sure

don't want to see

since
in

him
be

in the country;

nobody would
the
act,

able

catch

him

he

would plunder the house without being

noticed.
fruit of

What then would become my labours ?

of the

125

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXI.
^vvaTTf]
juiev

TXav Krj
earrl
juloi,

avtjp

airoSruuLos

rpiTtju

TavTrju ^jmepav ex<^v ^^ aa-Tei'

Trap*
JUL09
^/ULiv

6 8e OrjTevcov

JIapjULevwv,

^rj/uLia

KaOapa,

paOv-

apOpooTTog,
virvov.

Kal

ra iroWa

KaTaTTLTTToov

ig

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

eyco

ay aOtjv
tcov

aiya

Kai

evyaXaKTOv,
airoXei^w.
el Se

Se

SaKpva
Se

6(p6aXjuL(jov

TLeirvcrTat

tovtcov

ovSev 6 avYjp'
rrjg
irXricrLOv

/maOr},

KpejuL^areTm /mev ck
'

ttltvo?
avrjorei

jUKrOoyTO?

avrog Se

ov
TTpiv

TTporepov

iravra

iJ.r}xav(jC)iixevo<s,

Tag irapa tov Xvkov StKas

elcTTrpd^aa-OaL.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

125

XXI.

EUNAPE TO GlAUCE.

My
three

days,

husband has been and Parmeno,

;

in

town
is

for

our

servant,

does nothing but damage

less,

he

so care-

and spends
have
in

all his

time in sleeping.

We

our

neighbourhood a wolf,
indicates
his
off

whose
Chione,
the

savage

appearance

ferocious

instincts.

He
of

has
our

carried
goats,

the

finest

from

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
of
it,

it

as yet.

When

he hears

he will hang up the hireling on the he has done everything in his power
wolf.

nearest pine-tree, and will not be satisfied

until

to

wreak vengeance upon the

126

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XXII.

HoXv a\(T og
Jlayrju eartjcra
eiri

Eucrra^uXo).
rag
/ULiapag aXcoTre/ca?,

KpeaSiov T^9 (TKavSaXag a<pa\lrag.

eTToXe/uLovv

'ETret
julovov

yap
rag

rag arrafpvXag, kol ou

'i^Sri

payag
re/uivov

gkotttov, aXX'

kol oXoKXrjpovg aire-

twv

olvapoov rovg ^orpvg,

6 SecnroTfjg

Se

eTTKTTrja-eo-OaL

KarijyyeXXeTO'
yvcojULtSia
^TTf

(apyaXeog
Kai
tt/oo-

apOpcoTTog

Kai

SpijuLvg,

BovXeujULUTia
valoig

arvvex'^g

r^?

TrvvKog

'AOrj-

eiartjyovfJLepog,

koI Kai

iroXXovg
Seivorrjra
Seia-ag,

'^Stj

Slu

CTKaiOTr/Ta

TpOTTOv
"Ei/^e/ca

prj/marcov
ixyj

ewi

Toug

ayaycov)

tl

TraOoLjULL

myco, kol ravra toiovtov Sea-iroTOv

ovTog, Tijv KXeTTTrjv aXcoireKa (TvXXa^oov e^ovXofxrjv

TrapaSovpai.
Se,

'AXX'

rj

/mev

ovx VKeo
vtto

UXayycov

to

MeXiTatov

kvvlSlov,

Tpe(pojuiv aOvp/ULa

tu Secnrolvn

Trpocrtjveg,

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

126

XXII.
POLYALSUS TO EUSTAPHYLUS.
I

SET a trap

for

those

confounded
vines, and,

foxes,

and hung some pieces of meat on

the trap.

They ravaged my

not content with picking a few grapes,

carried off whole bunches

and pulled up
that

the

plants.

The news came

;

our

master would soon be here

he has the
a

reputation of being harsh and bitter,

man who,

at Athens,
all

is

always worrying

the assembly with

sorts of proposals,

not to mention that his spitefulness and

violent speeches have brought

Eleven.

With such a

many to the man, how could I

help being afraid of the same lot

is

the reason
to

why
!

That ? was so anxious to

thief

hand over
his grapes.

him the

who
;

stole

Alas

Plangon, the

little

no fox appeared but Maltese dog, which is

kept for our mistress's amusement, smelt

127

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
ayav Xix^eia?
<TOL

T??

eiri

to

Kpea^
^/mepav

6pjuif](rav,

KCtrai
veKpov,
KttKOV

rplrriv
/uLvS^crav.

TavTrjv

cKraSrjv,
eiri

jjSrj

"YikaOov ovv

kukw

ava^pLirL(Ta<s.

Kar

tl<s

irap'

avOpwTTM
;

(TKvOpwn'M Twv TOiovToyv

jiieOa
li

<jvyyvu)iJ.ri

^ev^o-

TToScov exojmev, X'^'-P^'^^ ^^ ^

aypo? kol
koi

raima
jUirj

iravra'

copa

yap

crco^eiv

ejmavTOv,

iraOeip avajneveiv,

aXXa

irpo

tov

iraQelv

(pyXa^aaOai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
the bait and flung himself upon
is
it,

127

for

he

a terrible glutton.

For three days he

lifeless,

has been stretched on his back,

almost in a state of putrefaction.

out thinking,
I

Withhope
for

have brought one misfor-

tune upon another.

How
?

can

pardon from a
sition

man

of such

cruel
I

dispo-

as

our

master

No,

will

run

away as fast as my Good-bye to country

possess.
It is

legs
life

can carry me.

and

all

that

high time to save myself,

and not

to

wait for misfortune, but to

it

look after myself before

comes.

128

AAKI$P0N02

02

XXIII.

G a X X O 9 Hi Tv't(TT
Havra
(piXw rpvyav, earn
ttovcov
ajuLOiPrj

ft)

yap to
SUaio^'
arja^vr].

Kapirchv

airoSpeirea-Oai
Tft)?

i^aipe-

^e

eOeXco

/3\ittIp
VTTO
T?/

tu

"^xcov

ovv,

(TijUL^Xovg

iTeTpo.
/xev

airoKXada?,
to??
Oeoig
vjmiv

Krjpia

veoyev^,

7rpu>T0v

ovv

ctTrrjp^ajuLtjv,

eTreira
''Eo-rf

Se

T019

(plXoig

aTrapxojuLai.

^e XevKa iSeiv,

KOi

airo-

(TTa^ovTa Xi^aSag ^Attikov

^piXt](nai

/uLeXirog,

oTov at
j^vv

Xayoveg e^avOova-i.
koi
etg

Ka^
Se

fxev

ravra

Tre/XTroyuev,

vecora

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

ing-in of the harvest
is

for

the gather-

a fitting reward
I

of our labours
larly

but what

am

particu-

fond of
I

is

to rob the hives

of their

honey.

have just paid a

I

visit to

some

hives which

found amongst the rocks.

the

They have provided me with some honeycombs, quite

fruits

fresh.

offered

first-

of

them

to

the

gods

you,

my
and
is

friends,
is
left.

must now have a share of what

They

are

white

in

colour,

distil

drops

of Attic

honey,

such as

found in the caverns of Brilessus.

For the

moment,

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
TToSov
ijvTipa
ejuLTrecroov

rpecpeiv.
els

To

juLiapov

avSpaecrriv

rag

atyag,
jmev
jULev
rj

ovk

OVK

CLTToXcoXeKe,

ra?

aTToSojULevog,

ra? Se KaTaOucov.
KpaiTToXrjg

K.ai

tw

yaa-rrjp r^?
rrj

ejuLTrljuLTrXaTai,

koi

ra Xonra

TevOeia SawavaTai, koi yfraXXerai, Kal KaravXeirai,

Kal

irpog roig /uLvpoircoXeLoig

eprjjuLa,

^iXtjSer

Ta

Se auXia

atyeg Se eKelvai at irpo-

Tepov o'lxovrai.
p-ri

Tecog /mev ovv ricrvxiav

ayw,

TrpoaicrOojuLei/og

yjrvTTa Kararelvag fpvyu'

Se awTTOTTToog Xa^oLfjLT]^ avTOv Ka\ eyKpayevoijULrjv,

Trjg

SeSriaeTai

ro)

X^^P^>

x^^^^^^^
irpogTtjg

Trax^lag seTricrvpcov'
avex(ov,
jmev

koi

th
Ka]

crKairavri

VT^o

rr]

SiKeXXrj

t^

a-junvvy]

Tpv(p^g einXrjareTaL, iraQoov

Se,

olov ecrn

yvcocrerai
^ecrOai.

to

rrjv

aypoiKOV

actxppoarvvijv aa-ird-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

129

XXIV.
Philopoemen to Moschion.
It seems to

me

that

am

keeping a

wolf in
falls

upon

my house. my goats
one; he

My
has

confounded slave

single

and does not spare sold some, and

is

sacrificed others.

His belly

swollen with

what he has left on his gluttony. He amuses himself with pipe and flute-players, and delights in In the meantime the perfumers' shops. the stalls are deserted, and the flocks of
gorging, and he spends

goats which

once had have disappeared.

However,
this
I

keep quite quiet, that he

flight.

may
In
If

not get suspicious and take to

manner

catch hold of him,

hope to surprise him. he shall have

shall

his

hands bound, and he

rake,

be made to drag

heavy chains along with him.

the
to
pick,

Then, the
shall

and the hoe

his

help
;

him

forget

luxurious

habits
it

he
to

shall learn to his

sorrow what
life

means
17

choose the temperate

of a countryman.

130

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXV.
''YXr]
QajuLi^eig

No /it

ft).

ei?

to aa-rv
ovSe

Kariayv,

<S

No/xte,

Kai

Tov

aypov
ri

aKaprj

0eXe<9

opav.

'A/oye/ 8e eyo)

yfj

xvp^^ovcra twv ejULirovovvroov

/novr],

Se

oiKOVpw

niera Trjg

^vpag aya-

TTJ/Tft)?

Ta

iraiSla

fiovKoXova-a.

2^

Se

^/uliv

avTOXpriiJLa

/jLecranroXiog
ave(pavr]g'

apOpcoiro?,

/neipdere

KLOv

acTTiKOv
eiri

olkovw

yap

to.

TToXXa
/Beiv,

^Kipov

Koi.

^epa/meiKOv

Siarpl-

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
at the

are too fond of visiting the city,

Nomius, and do not condescend to look

country for a moment.

Our

de-

serted fields
for
I

no longer produce any crops, want of someone to attend to them.

obliged to

am

remain
I

at

home with

Syra, and do the best

can to support

the children.

And
play

you, an old

man

with

grey

young Athenian I am told that you spend the dandy. greater part of your time in Scirus and the Ceramicus, which is said to be the
hairs,

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
eTrecTTrj'

TTTvov airoTiOefxevip 6 SecnroTtj'S

iScov,

kui
julol

i^lXei
6

Tt]i/

(piXepyiav
SaijULCov,

^^^avrj Se

iroOev

JLot)pvKi09

^TpojuL^ixos
efpewojuLevop
r/V

irainTTOvripo^'

iSwv

yap

jjLe

tw

SecnroTu, Keijmevrjv rijv ana-vpav,

eipya^ofxrjv,
6/JLOv
^tjjuLcav,

aTroOe/ULei/og

viro

jmaXrjg

cpxero
tcov

^epcov,

cog

Km

tov airo

o/uloSovXcov

7rpoa'0(pX^(raL yeXcora.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

131

XXVI.
Lenaeus to Corydon.
the I had cleaned 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 following 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,

Just now,

after

threshing-floor,

the laughter of

my

comrades.

132

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XXVII.

T 6 fJieWog
Tl TavTa,
Xaiva
/uLevrju
;

Xa\/JL(i)v IS

L.

cS

XaX/uiWp]^,
<je

V7reptj(f)aveig,

tol-

ovk iyoo irapa

;

eh Tovpyaa-rripLov
aKecTTrjv

KaOrj-

tov

tov

erepowoSa
t*}^ /uLrjrpos
;

aveiXofxyjv

Kai

ravra XaOpaiwg

Kai

KaOawep Tiva ewLKXripop eyyvrjThv ayayoX(jo

',

fievog

Sf

Se

(ppvaTrrj,

iraiSia-Kapiov
ficoKco/jievij

eureXe?,

kol

Ki^l^ova-a
irava-u

kol

/me

SiareXeh.
eyo)
croL

Ov
tov

raXaiva
Sel^co

rijg

ayepcoxtag

cpacrrrju

SearTroTJjv,

Koi

Kaxpvg
Kai

eiTL

rcov

aypcop

(ppvyeiv

avaireLcrco'

Tore

e'la-u

juLaOovaa,

olwv

KaKOiv creavrrji/

evSov eOrjKag.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

132

XXVII.

Gemellus to Salmonis.
Unhappy Salmonis
You seem
letting
it.
!

what means
I

this
?

haughty behaviour towards your master

to

forget

that

rescued you

from the lame botcher's

shop,

without

my
I

mother know anything about

not after
that
instal
wife,

Did

you
yet,

in
will

my

house as

my

lawful

who

inherit all

my

property?

And

you
airs,

worthless hussy, you put on these

laugh in

my

face,

with

contempt.
your lover

and always treat me Wretch, leave off this

or
I

insolent

behaviour,
is

will

show you
I

that

your master.
understand,

will

send you to roast barley in the country,

and then you cost, to what

will

to

your

unhappiness

you

have

brought yourself.

133

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXVIII.

TlavTa
croL

VTTOiJ.GveLv

ola

re

ei/m],

TrXrjv

tov

rrvyKaOevSeiVy

S^cnroTa.

Ka^

Triv

vvKTa

ovK e(f>vyov ovSe

eiri

Toh

Oa/ULVOL? eKpvTrTOfxrjv,

eSoKcig,

aXXa

rrjv

KapSoirov vireLcreKQodcra

eKeifJiriv,

ajULcpiOe/ixevyi

to kolXov tov
Se KeKpiKa

(TKevoug

6ig KaXvjUL/uLa.

^YiTreiSrj

Pp6x(p tov
avacpavSov
rj

Blov

eKXtTreiv,

aKOve,
julov

Xeyw
eyco

cot

(iravTa

yap
TovTO

irepiaipei

(f)6/3ov
ere,

Trpog

TO
TOV

TeXevToiv

op /mi]),
jULev

cS

TejuLeWe,

CTTvyw,

fiSeXuTTOjULevf]

TO /Sapog

(ToojuaTog, Koi. coarirep

tl KivaSog eKTpeiro-

jnei/rj-

TOVTO
K

Se,

Trjv

Sv(r\peLav tov a'TOfxaTrjg

Tog,

TOV /mvxcLiTaTOV
eKTre/uLTTOVTog.
(jov.

(jyapvyyog

Ttjv

Sv<TO(TiuLiav

Ka/co? KaKcog uiro-

XoLO TOLOVTog

Ba(5ffe irapa Tiva Xrnxdicrav

eiri

aypoLKOv ypavv
aXrjXiiuLiUievriv

kvi

yojUL^lw craXevovcraVj

tw

Tvjg TriTTrjg

eXalw.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

133

XXVIII.
Salmonis to Gemellus.
I

AM ready

to suffer anything, master,

rather than sleep with you.

I

Last night

did not run away,

or

hide myself in
;

the bushes, as you imagined

was lying
I I

under the kneading-trough, with which

covered myself.

And now,
to

since

have
I

made up my mind

hang myself,

am
all

not afraid to speak frankly to you,

Gemellus, for

my
;

resolution to die removes

I

my
I
;

fear.

Hear then what

I

have to
of a

say.

hate you

loathe your unwieldy

like
;

person

your

manners,

those

wild beast, frighten

me

the smell from

your mouth

is

like

poison.

Wretch
some

that

you

are,

may you

perish
for

wretchedly
blear-

Meanwhile, go and look

eyed old woman,
left,

who has

only one tooth

oil.

and

is

anointed with rancid

134

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XXIX.
"0 piog *AvO
^UTriarTajULrjv
ere,

(j)

p Icov

L.

Av6o(j)oplwv, airXoiKOv

elvai

avOpooTTov,

koI avTOXP^ll^o. tov oltto t^?

aypoiKiag
Koviv

aypoiKov,

o^ovra
(5e,

crrejuLcpvXcov

Kai
et

TTveovra'

rjyvoovv
iv

on

Seivog

pVTCop,
Tplodv
OLTTO

vwep
VKV

TOV?

M.t]TixelM

TMv ctXXo-

aSiKOjUiaxovvTag.

Kf/7}(Ta9

yap

TOV Kco/mdpxou SUag

ovx}
viKy](Ta<5

vayxo<Si

ovk ccttlv

ijvTLva

cnrrjXXayrig.

M.aKapi
'Eyto
eKKei/mai

T^9 y\w(Tcn]g, koi XoXlcTTepe rpvyovog.

^e
epjULalo) aroL xp^l^^'-y
'^'o

tov \6yov'

yap Toh
KOI OTL

Pov\ojULVOl9
Trjv

TCLJULU

(T(pTpL^6<r6ai,

ayaTTU)
jULOL

^arvx^Gii',

Kal

raura

eiSa)^,

TToXXa K T^9 aTTpay/jLOduvrj^ <pvTai

TTpay/ixaTa.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

134

XXIX.
Orius to Anthophorion.

Until now
were a

always believed that you

quiet, simple fellow,

who had
;

be-

come a
I

regular countryman,

smelling of

pressed olives and reeking with dust

did

but

not

know

that you were a clever

speaker, superior even to those

foreign commercial cases
It

who

plead in

in the

Meticheum.

seems that you have taken to pleading

causes before the village magistrates, and

that, since then,

you have always gained

luck to you
!

the day.

Good

with your

tongue you will become a greater chatterer

than a turtle-dove.
I I

As the proverb

says,
fall.

shall

make

use of you as a wind-

am

daily exposed to the greed of

certain

persons
;

who have
you
shall

designs upon

my
love

property

defend me.

and quietness, but I know that my carelessness and inactivity often cause me trouble and annoyance.
peace

135

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XXX.
^A
jULTT

eXloov

Euepyo).
TtJTeg, Koi.
KaTi\i](f)6,
fJLoi/ov,

IIoXl'9 6 xeiiJLWV
TYiTov.

TO
x^cov

ovSei/l

e^i-

Jlavra

r]

koi

XevkqI

KavOl^ovcTip
TCI

ovx

ol

\6cj)0L

aWa
SfJTa

KoiXa

Trj^

yfjg-

airopla Se epyodv,
JIpOKv\f^ag
irapavoL^a<s
Srj/jLov

apyov
Trjg

Se

KaOl^eiv

oveiSog.
e(pOt]v
Tft)

KaXv/Srjg^

ovK

to Ouplov,
oXov opvecov

Kai opco (Tvv

<pp6jULvov,

VKpeTU)
Koxfrlxovg

Koi
OLTTO

Koi

KLxXag.

Eiy-

Oecog

odv

Trjg

XeKavrjg

avaarTrdo-ag

i^ov koi

CTraXeKpco
OCrOV
OUTTCO

tcop

axpaScov

Tovg

KXaSovg'

TO
ck

P6<pog eTrecTTrj

tcov cTpovQujdv,
cKpejuLavTO,

Km
Kai
(TOL

iracrai
rjSv,

tcov

opoSa/uLva)p
exojuievai,

Oea/ma

irTeptav

Koi

KC^aXrjg

TToScov

elXrifjijuLevai.

'E/c

tovtcov Xdxog

Tag

iTLOvag

koi

evarapKOvg

ccxeWaX/ca

TrevTe

e'lKOcriu.

l^oivov
Se

yap
ol

ayaOov
irovrjpol

Toig
toov

ay aOoig'
yeiTovcov.

^Oovowtoov

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

135

XXX.
Ampelion to Evergus.

The

winter
is

is

very severe this year,

and no one

able to go out.

The snow
it

has not only covered

also whitened the hills

the

earth,
valleys.

has

and

One

must give up
it is

all

idea of work,

although

disgraceful to remain idle.

I

myself,

tried to

look out.
I

To amuse No sooner

was

my

door opened than

saw, together

with the falling snow, a regular flock of

blackbirds

and

thrushes.

had

birdlime

all

ready prepared in
it

some a jar, and

quickly smeared
tree branches.

over some wild pearbirds flung themselves

The

upon

it

in

swarms, and then found them-

selves caught
treat to see

by the branches.

It

was a
I

them
a

some

hanging by their

wings, others by the head or claws.

picked
fattest

out

couple

of

dozen

of

the

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
vTrcoTTore
eig

ea-TvWcp
eiocog

acTV Karapa^, ovoe

XcyO/ULGPi]
ISeiv,
'TToXig,

TL

IT ore

(TTLV

T]

TToOcO

TO

Katvov

TOVTO

OeajULa

v(j>

evi

TrepiSoXw

KaroiKOvvTag
Sia(ppi
aroi

apOpcoirovg,

Kai

ra

aWa
Ef

ocra

TToXig

aypoiKiag

jmaOeiv.

ovv

7rp6(pa(ri9

oSov
koi

aarrvSe

yevrjTai,

yK
oI/ULai

aira^eov

vvv

Kajue'

yap
i^Si]

eyco

Seiv

Tov
rrjg

'TrXeiov
vTT^vrjg

ri

/maOeiv,

jmoi

^pveiv Opi^i
jne

apxojuievi]?.

T/? ovv Sy
rj

kclkci

juLvcTTaywyeiv
e'lcrco

eirirriSeiog,

av,

ra iroWa

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

confined within the same

to learn

people inclosure and

sight
inIf,

the difference

between the

habitants of town and country.

fore,
city,

there-

you have any occasion to go to the come and fetch me; we will go
I

together.

think

ought to try and

increase

my

knowledge,

now

that

my

beard

is

beginning to sprout.

And who
You have

could initiate

me

into

the

mysteries of

the city better than yourself?

entered
its

gates often enough.

18

137

AAKI-iPONOS PHTOPOS

XXXII.

Xk O TT laSfl^ ^KOTtWVt.
BaXX'
^KOTicop
criov
yj

e?

lULaKapiav.

OIov KaKov eanv

jULeOrj.

^YtjULirecTvov

yap

eig (tv/jltto-

KaKoSai/uLovcov

avOpcoTTwv
ovSelg

{oivoipXvyeg Se
/uLerpw

TrdvTeg ^aav, Koi

tw

to

irieiv

<TTpye'
KOi,
rjv

(Tvvexodg Se Trepi^epofjievrjg Ttjg kvXi-

roig
e/V

apvov/uievoig
Trjv

TOviriTifxiov,

Seiv

avTOvg KOI
ovVy

varTepalav ka-Tiav)'
a<TKcp

inldv

o<Jov ovTTw irpoTepov eV

^acrracrag
(toi

otSa, TpLTtjv TavTrjv ^fiepav

exw

kol ctl

KapTj/Sapw, Kai rrjv KpaiTraXrjp airepvyyavta

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

137

XXXII.
SCOPIADES TO SCOTION.

Confound
ness,

it
!

what a curse
I

is

drunken-

my

friend
fell

found

it

out,

when

recently

in
:

with a company of
all

dissi-

pated fellows

they were

heavy drinkers,
to take a

and not one of them knew how

glass in moderation.

The cup went round

to drink, for to those

continually,

and

was obliged

there

was a penalty attached

:

who

refused

they were obliged to give a ban-

quet at their
day.

own expense

the following

Being obliged to do as the rest, I must have swallowed more than a whole
This
is

skin.

the third day

have had
still

a fearful headache,
bilious.

and

am

very

182

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)?,

exo/xei/,

ore

rjSri

Xoiirov vl'Sovg koi OvyarpiSovg

e/oa? Ki6ap(t)Sov yvpaiKog, Ka/me Kvi^eig 0L\pL

tov

Kat

avTtjv KpLvrj<TaL
arijuLa^ojuLaty

Tr]v

KapSiav.

'Eyo) fnev
tjSrj

yap
<roi'

TpiaKocrrov erog
r\

crvvovcra

irapQevLOV Se

iTTiroizopvog /xeO'

viroKO-

piCFiJMV eKOepaireveTai,

oXov

ere

avTOig aypoig
koi (Tv

KaraTTiovG-a.

TeXwcrt Se oi
exeig,

veoi,

tov

yeXa)T09 avaicrBriTtog
iralyviov.

^Q

yrjpag eralpag

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

138

XXXIII.

Anthylla to Coriscus.
It seems as
if

rivers could flow

upwards
spite

to their source, to

see

you,

in

of

your years

and the grandchildren that we have, madly in love with a fluteplayer it grieves me enough to wear away
;

my heart. You are disgracing me, who

now been your
you bestow
a
well
-

have
;

wife for thirty years

and
girl,

all

your affection upon a

street
-

known

walker,

who
you,

has
land.

already eaten up your

money and
at
it.

The young
you
don't

fellows

laugh

but

seem to

mind

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 'ExeTrXofcrtoy,

KparlSov
(TiraOrjara^

TOV
Tr]v

ILoXKvrea,
ovcrlav
eig et?

o?
^jULoig

e/c

Tovg irapacricrvvrjKaOti'

Tovq
6?T*
rrjv

KOii

rot? eralpa^,

airoplav

e/c

(piXavOpcoTTov juLia-avOpcoirog eyevero, kul

e/ULi/ULriaraTO

^Airrj/iiavTOv

(rruya

Kararovg

Xa/Bwv

yap

rrfv

ccrxoLTiav,

Tah

^coXoig

irapLovra^

^aWei,

TrpofJujOov/JLevog
'

firiSiva

avTW KaOdira^ avOpwTroop ivTvyxaveiv

rriv KOLvriv

ovrm

^v(nv aTrea-Tpairrai.
veoirXovTwv

01

Se Xonroi

Twv
KOLL

^A.Qrivr}(TL

^eiScovog

re

ela-L

Tv[<poovo9

/ULiKpoTTpeTrecrTepoi.
Koi.

*Qpa
Aexov

/ulol

fxeTavlcTTaa-Oai,

ttovovvtl

^rjv.

Srj

ovv

/UL6

/ulktOcotop KttT

ciypov, iravra vTrofxeveiv

Trjv

avexoiiievov virep

tov

aTrXrjpwTov

e/ixTrXfjcrai

yacTTepa.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

139

XXXIV.
Gnatho to Callicomides.
You know Timon,
tides, of the

the son of Echecra?

borough of Colyttus
is in

He was

once rich

to-day he

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.
long

He

has retired to a

field

way

off,

where he throws clods of

is

earth at the passers-by, or hides himself,

to avoid meeting anyone, so great
his

abhorrence of his
other

fellow-men.
other

On

the

hand,

the

Athenians,

who

have lately come into money, are meaner than Phidon or Gniphon.
live ?
I

How

is

one to

try

and and earn my living by hard work. Take me as a hired labourer on your farm. I will put up with anything, if
think
I

shall leave the city

only

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^
Sixlrtjv

uirep

y^?

aiperai,

Set

Se

eTro/ii^plag'

yap ra^
^coXov

apovpag
SeiKvvari.

avTa9

to

Kara^ripov
o)?

t^?

Marat a

^/ulip,

coikc,

koi avriKoa
a/ULiXXtjg

TeOvrai

rw

'Yer/o)*

Kalroi

ye e^
Koo/mrj^

eKaWiepriarajmep iravTes ol t^9

oiKTjTope^,
elxe,

Kai

009

e/ca(7T09

Suvafxecog

r]

irepiovalag

(TweKrepcyKaTo,
o
Se

6 6

/ulcp

Kpiov,

Se

Tpayov,
6
Se

Kairpov,

Trevrjg

iroiravov,

en
ev-

TreveoTTepog

Xi^avwrov xovSpovg

ev juLoXa

paiTiwvTag, ravpop Se ovSeig- ov

/Boa-KrjjuLarwp
ri/jLip,

yap
rfjg
'

eviropla

rrjp

XeTrroyeiop

Arrtfc^?

KaToiKovartp.
ptjfjLarwp-

'AXX' ovSep o<peXog

tcop Saira-

eoiKe

yap

irpog

erepoig eOpeariP

Zevg

a>p

tcop Ti]Se a/meXeip.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

140

XXXV.
Thalliscus to Petraeus.

A VERY
now
;

great
is
;

drought

prevails

just

there

not

a cloud in the sky.

is

We
land

want
is

rain

the soil

so dry that our

parched.

In vain have

we

offered
All

sacrifice to Jupiter

God

of Rain.

we
ac-

inhabitants of the village have done our

best to appease

him with our

gifts,

cording to our means.

a ram, another a goat
;

One
those

contributed

who were
;

not so well off gave a sacrificial cake

those

whose means were even

grains of incense.
sacrificed a bull
cattle, since
;

less,

a few

mouldy
no one
large
soil

It is true that

but

we have no

we

live

on the poor

of

Attica.
less
;

All our expenses have

been usehis

it

seems as
other

if

Jupiter devoted
to

care to
of ours.

countries,

the

neglect

141

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XXXVI.

H p ar Lvog MeyaXoreXef.
XaXeTTO? ^v
'E7re
^fiip

6 (TTparicoTi]^, x^^^"^^^-

yap

yKe SelXrjg oyjrlas kol KarrjxOr] ov

ayaOrji; eig
rjinag,

Kara rvxnv
evoxXwv

ovk

ciravcraTO

Toig

Sitjyrf/jLacri,

ScKaSag

nvag
Koi.

Koi

<l>aXayya9 ovojuia^wv, etra a-apicra-ag

Kara-

TreXrag

Kai

yeppag-

koi

vvv

w?

aveTpexfre
jne-

Tovg

OpaKag,
vvv

tov
Se

TrporjyejULova
cog

/SaXwv

(TayKvXw,

kovtw
eirl

Siairelpag

tov

^ApjuLcviov airwXea-ev

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
copeyov
koi

KvXiKa

evjueyiOi],

^Xvapiag

(papjucaKov
eirl

6 Se Kai Tavrrjv koi irXelovag

TauTu

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
Finally, he
;

and, after that,

how he

pierced an Armenian through and through.

produced his prisoners, and

exhibited the

women, whom, he
I

declares,

he received from
large

different generals as the

reward of his gallantry.

chattering;
larger

poured out a

cup of wine, hoping to cure his

he swallowed
it, it,

and

several

ones after

but

it

did not stop

him

he

still

went on chattering.

142

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXXVII.
'ETTf^uXXf?
Yiipeo'iwvrjv

^A

JUL

ap

QK LV IJ.
ijeiv

e^

avOcov
TU)
/xoi
^

irXe^aara,

eg

*^piuLa(j)poSiTOV,

AXwTreKrjOev

ravrtjv

avaOriG-ovaa.
(fyalverai veoov

Etra

Xo^o?

^al(f>vrjg

ava-

ayepwx'^Vy
Se

^tt' eyue

avvreTayiuLecrvveirpaTTev.

vwv
'Exef
Splav,

\6xo<s

M-OtTX^oivi

yap

tov fxaKapiTijv
/ixoi

aire^aXov

$atiraped/uia djuLa

ovK eTravcraTO
Koi
ya/uLTja-eiwv

Trpay/ULara
Se

X^v,
fxev

eyw

avtjva/ULrjv,

Ttt

veoyva
ijpco

iraiSla

KaTOiKTelpovcra,

Se TOV

^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
(rvvex^g

(Tvvvjpe^eg

ayaycou,

ov to

irvKvco/ULa

^v Twv SevSpoDVy
Koi
Trjg

avTOv nrov KaTa twv avOwv

atSov/mai
eiTrelv,
(h

(pvWaSog,

(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
to

dear husband, incessantly worried

I

me

marry him, but

refused,

partly

out of pity for

my
I

little

ones,

and partly

because

could not forget the deceased

Phaedrias.
self for

But

unwittingly kept my-

a disgraceful amour, and found a

nuptial

chamber

in a grove.

He

took

me

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

into a shady part of the forest,

Her

late

husband.

143

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
ovx Kov<ra
fikv,
ojulco^

^ v^petog avSpa'
exw.

Se

KaXoi'

niev ydip

airelpaG'TOv elvai

twv

aPovXr/TCDV

otw

Se

ovx

^'^^Lpxci

tovto

KpvTTTeiv TT]v crvjULfpopav avayKoiov.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
husband by the
not of
true.

143

insult

have suffered
but
still
it

my own
It is

free will,

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
TOLOVT09
oiK6Ttjv
exft)

TrovrjpoVy

09

aire^ri

eirl

Twv ayptov.
K\oyr}v tovtov

'Q? yap t^ tvy

eirpiajULrjv,

Ka\ via KttT

[jLYiviov
juiev

Nof-

v6vg

eOe/uLtjv

KaXeia-Qai-

So^avra

Se ehai pcofxaXeov, Ka\ eyprjyopwg ^XeTrovra,

jULera
JJ.01

irepixoiptcL? vyov,
iaro/uLeuov.

cttI

Trjg

ecxarm?

^Hv
julp

Se

0VT09 d/ma Xa/nTrpa

Tecrcrapajv
i^Kovara

^rj/uLia'

icrOiet

yap

CTKaira-

vetav
jULcvov

(Tirla'

vttvoI Se^

oaov

Tervtpw
Tiva

a-o<l>i(7TOv

\iyovT09,
rj

^l^TTijULeviSrjv

ILprJTa KCKOL/UL^G-Oaiy
/cXeoi/9

ft)?

aKOvojJLev Trjv

'Upa-

Tpiea-irepov.

T/ av ovv
crvvepywv,

7roioi/JLr]v,

<l>i\TaT
eir\

eralpcov Ka\

'lOi

(f^pacrov,

TOiovTU) Or/piw KaTa^aXcov apyvplSiov

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

144

XXXVIII.
EuDicus TO Pasion.
I

HAVE a good-for-nothing

slave,

Phrygian,
country.

who has
Since
I

turned out so in the

picked

number
last

of

him out of a others and bought him on the

I

day of the month,

call

immediately de-

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
termined to
turned out a sheer loss to
as

me

he eats

much
as

food
I

as four

diggers,

and he
for

sleeps,
like

heard a crazy sophist say,

three

Epimenides the Cretan, or

successive nights, as

when Hercules was

Whatever am I to do, my dear friend and fellow-labourer, now that I have thrown away my money on the
born.

purchase of such a monster

^

Connected with the new moon.

19

145

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XXXIX.

Upo?

Oeoov

Kai

SmiJLOvwv,

c5

juL^TCp,

Trpog
rrjv

oXiyov KaTaXnrovo'a rovg a-KoireXovg kol

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

vrja-reia Se

Trjv irpurrriv

yeyovev ^jmepav, ^
Trap

to

rrjimepov elvai

^AOr]vaLoig eopra^erat,

ra ^aWiyeveia
Ef ovv
eireixOeitjg,

Se eig Trjv eTTiovcrav Ovovcriv.

epxtl ecoOev irpo

tov tov

ecDcrcpopov

e^eXOetv
^H/ce

crvvOveig Taig 'AOrjvalcov yvvai^\v avpiov.

ovv,
juLrj

yueXXe,

Kal tt/oo? ejm^g Kal tcov avra-

Se\<pcov

Twv

ejjLwv a-cortjplag'

to yap ayevcTTOv
co?

TToXeo)? KaTaXvcrai

tov ^lov, airoTpoiraLov,

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

145

XXXIX.
EUTHYDICUS TO EPIPHANIUM.
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
the
:

By

most holy which we

day the
the

festival

of the Thesmophoria,
celebrating.
first

are

now

The
to-

Ascent took place on the

fast is

day,

being solemnly kept, and

Calligeneia

sacrifice

to
If

takes

place

to-morrow.

you make haste, and start early before the morning star rises, you
be able to join in the sacrifice with

will

the Athenian

women.

Come,

then, don't
I

waste time,
to

beseech you, as

wish well
to end

my

brothers and myself;

for

your days without having had a taste of

the
city

would

be

abominable, beastly,
19

146

AAKTc^PONOS PHT0P02
OrjpicoSeg

ov

Koi
eTTf

SvcTTpoirov.
Tft)

'Avexov

Se,

jULijTep,

T^9

a-v/UL^epovTi

Trapprjariag.
ojuli-

KaXoj^

OLTracTLv

avOpcoTroig

avvirocrToKw<s

Xeiv ovx VKicTTa Se avayKolov to irpoq rovg

oiKelovg aXrjOi^ecrOai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
and ill-mannered.
freedom, mother,
It is right

146

You must excuse my

it

is

for

your benefit.

that

all

should speak frankly;

necessary to be sincere

but above

all it is

with one's

own

relations.

147

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XL.

^ iXo
'EycD
imev

JUL rj

TO) p

^lXlo-m.
eig

tov iraiSa aTroSocrOai

aireireiJLXJj'a,

aarrv
rrjv

iuXa KOI
avTriv
TO.

KpiOa^

eiravriKeiv

KepjULara

Ko/ui^ovra

irapeyyvwv
avroVy

X0X09 Se
ovK
e^tt)

e/uLTrecrcov,

e^ otov

Sai/novcjov eig

XeyeiVf oXov

Trap^/ULeixl^e,

kol (ppevwv

c^co Karea-Ttja-e.

GeacrdjULevog
01/9

yap

eva tovtmvi TrdOog

tij

Tu>v

nie/uLrjvoTooVj

Sta

to

/mavicoSes

Kvvag
IJ.ijULr}crei

airoKaXelv

elcoOaariv,

vwepe/SaXe

twv
ISeiv
Koiurjv

KaKwv
OeajuLa

tov

apXfiyeTtjv.

Kaf
^o/SXe/m-

kcTTLV

airoTpoTraiov
avaa-elwv,

Km
to

fiepov,

avxMP^v
ev

fia

iTa/j.6g,

^juLiyvjuLvog

Tpi^oovlcp,

TrrjplSiov
TreTroitj-

e^VpT^jfJiepog, koi
fJLCVOV

poiroXov ef axpaSog
^XOiV,

JULTa

X^^P^^

aPVTToSrjTOg,
^juiag

pVTTWV,

airpaKTog' tov aypov Kai

ovk

eiScog

Toug

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

147

XL.
Philometor to Philisus.
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.
I

For, having seen one of those lunatics,

who mad

are

nicknamed
his

*'

Dogs

"

from their

behaviour, he outdid his master in

imitating
fearful

extravagances.
sight
:

He
wild,

is

and disgusting
hair,

he shakes
goes

his

unkempt
a
little

he

looks

about half-naked in a threadbare cloak,

with
wallet
staff

slung
of wild

over

his

shoulders,

and a

pear-tree

wood
filthy,

in

his hands. He is unshod and 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
aXX'
apvov/ULei/09, (jyvcrei

yopeig,

Xeycov yeyovevai

TO. Travra, koi Trjv

twv

(ttol\L(jov
ov)(}

crvyKpacnv
Trarepa?.

alrlav

elvai

yevecrecog,

tol'9

^vSrjXov Se

ecTTi

Kai xprnnaTWv irepiopav, kol

yecopylap crTvyelv
fxeXci

aWa
Trjv

kol

aiarxvvrj^

avTM
to
i^e-

ovSev,

Km
O'I/ulol

aiSco
ere,

tov
cS

7rpo(TU>7rov

aire^va-rai.
Toov

oIov

yecopyla,

cLTrarecovcov

tovtmvI

(fypovTia-Trfpiov

Tpax>]Xicre.

M^e/UL^o/uLai
jULv

tcc

SoXcow

koi

tw

ApaKOVTi, 01 Tol'9

KXeiTTOVTag a-Ta(pvXas

OavaTM

^r]jULLovv
(jltto

eSiKaioocrav'

Toug Se avSpaTovg
veovg,

TToSi^ovrag

tov

<ppoviv

aO(povg elvai TijuLcoplag aireXnrov.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
everything
the
is

148

produced by nature, and that

of

mixture
is

the

elements,

not

our
It

parents,
is

the cause of generation.

that

evident

he despises money, and

;

hates agriculture
of shame,

he

is

lost to all sense

and

all

trace

of

modesty

is

banished from his countenance.

culture
!

Agri-

what

utter ruin this thinking-shop

of impostors has brought

upon you
for,

blame Draco and Solon

thought
lit

while they
those

to

punish with

death

who stole grapes, they allowed those who made slaves of young men's understandings to go scot-free.

49

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

XLI.

A puaSrj g
"l^irejj.yjrd
croc,

M.rj\la}V

i.

twv AeKeXeiacTL irpo^aTcov

rovg ttokov^' ocra yap
Troijj.evL

oLTTOKelpag to. pco/ULoXea,

x/rcopag

viroifKea,

ravra tm
^?
^>
'^'

Jlvppla
t^P^v

irapeSooKa

XP^^^^^

^^

^^^V>

(pOaarai SLa^Oapfjvai iravreXwg viro Ttjg vocrov.

''Exofcra
ecrOrj/uiaTa
IULV

ovv

a^Oovlav

eploov,

e^ixprjvov
ft)?

rujilv

irpoa-cpopa Taig copaig,

etvai to.
to,

Tft)

Oepei

TrpocrapjULo^ovra XeTrroVtpf},
TrepiTTcog rfjg KpoKtjg,

Se

x^'M^/t^'ot

exeTft)

koI

ireiraxyvOw irXeov
(TKia^ri fjLOvov, Koi.

%a

tgl

julcv

th

lULavoTrjTL

juLrj

KaTaOaXTru
airelpyii

Tct crufimaTa'
KpvjuLov,

ra

Se

tu SapvTrjn

top

koI
rj

dXe^avefxa Tvyx^^Uirah)
yjv

^clI

t]

irapOevog Se

exo/mev ev copa ya/mov,

avWa/uL^avcTM
'iva

T^9

LCTTOvpylag

ralg

OepairmvlcrLV,

eig

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

149

XLI.

Dryades to Melion.
I

HAVE

sent you the fleeces of

I

some

sheep shorn at Decelea.

only picked

out those that were healthy; those that

were

full

of

the

scab

gave

to

my

shepherd Pyrrhias, to do what he liked

with them, before they were entirely destroyed by the disease.

Since you have

abundance
let

of

wool,

make

me
be

some
finely

clothes suitable for the different seasons

those
;

for

summer wear
for

woven
plenty

those
of

winter

should
thicker;

have
the

nap,

and

be

former should rather shade than heat the

body by
it

their thinness,

while the latter

it,

should keep the cold from

our maiden daughter,

and screen
Let
of an
in

from the wind by their thickness.

who
the

is

now

age to marry, assist

weaving, so that,

handmaids

when she

leaves us for a

ISO

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
jmr]

dvSpog eXOovcra
rilJ.a<s.

Karaia-xvp}] rovg irarepag

Kaf aXXw?

de elSevai

ere

XP^y

<*'?

"t'

ToXacriav

ay airwcraL,

koi Ttjv ^^pyavtjv OepaKoi.

irevovcraiy Kotrjuno

^lou

croxppoaruvi]

crxoXa-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
husband, she
Besides, you

150

may not disgrace her parents. must know that those who
and are the

are fond of spinning wool,

handmaids of the goddess of labour, devote themselves to an orderly and chaste

life.

151

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XLII.
'Tayija-Tpayytcrog
J^TafpvXoSaifMOvi,

"KpSriv aTToXwXa
<p09,

(TOL'

6
Kai

yap xOh^

evirapv-

TTivapoi^,

cog

opag,

rpix^voL^ paKccri

KaXvTTTd) rrjv aiSw.

Kicov
Sk,

^KireSvcre

yap

/me

Harai-

6
ft)?

irajjiirovripog,

o?

ra

Kep/JLara jmov (elxov

ola-Oa,

VTroG-uxvov

apyvpiov),

Se^iaig

Xpwjuievog

Taig KoKivSy^areaL

tcov kv^cov,

axpi
Se

SpaxjJLm Ka\
uoi
irapiSeiv,

o^okoov

ci'irecnjXrjcrev.

'Efoj/

oaov

e^rj/uiiwOriv,
e/c

eira

aOwco
opytjv

yevearOai

tov

TrXeiovog,

rrjg

Kar

epiSog Tfjv 19 TOvcrxaTOv

vTre/uLeiva

/SXa^tjv

KaO^
creft)?

'iv

yap

cKacTTOV toov iimaTioov ck ttpokXt]-

aTTOTiOeig,

riXog airavTwv
Srj

iyf/'iXcoOrjv

twv

ivSvjuLaTCiov.

Hot

ovv ^aSicrreov

x^^'^^?

yap
juLov

KOI

Xa^poog eiraiyl^wv 6 /Sofipag SUkti

clxrTrcp

Twp irXevpwv
'l<rwg

BeXog.

'E? JLvvorig

crapy eg

olxv^eov

yap

twv

eKCi

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

151

XLII.

Rhagestrangisus to Staphylodaemon.
I

AM

utterly ruined.

I,

who

but yes-

terday was clad in fine garments,

obliged to cover

am now
filthy

my

nakedness with

rags

made

of hair.

That accursed

villain

Pataecion has stripped

me

bare; with his

lucky throws of the dice he has cleaned

my money, with which as was well supplied, even to last drachma^ and obol.'* And when it in my power, by ignoring the loss I
me
out of
I

you
the

know

was had
one,

sustained, to escape
in

still

greater
I

my

anger and quarrelsomeness,

bitter

went

on to the

end

I I

staked each of

my articles
and, at

of clothing as

was challenged,
wind, blowing

last,
?

was stripped naked. Where

for the north

am
like

to go

with cruel violence, goes through

a knife.

my

sides

Perhaps to the Cynosarges

either

one of the young

^

men
About

there
ijd.

will

About gid.

152

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
eiroiKTelpa^
ajULtpieG-ei

veavL(TKU>v,
rj

/ue

iimaTioig,

KaTa\rj\lrojuLai

rag

eyyvOev

Kajntpovg,
'

koI

T(p

TTVpL

SvG-Trjvog

OaXyl^o/iiai

Toig
<pXo^,

yap
koi

yvfjLvoig

(TiG-vpa

koi

e^ecrrph

TO

K Trj^ eX7? OepecrOai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
out of pity give

152

me some

clothes to cover
get

me, or

shall

be able to

near

the

self by the and warmth take the place of both outer and inner
fire
;

stoves and warm

for

my

wretched
fire

to the naked,

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,
ev

Xova-afj-evoL
oLjUL^l

eh

to

Hrjpayylo)
Spo/uiov

PaXavelov
e/V

Tre/uLTTTiji/

wpav

a^e^re?,

TO
Tou

TrpoacTTeiov
jULeipaKicTKOv

to ^AyKvXrjg to ^apiKXeovg
(axof^eOa.

"Ei/^a avTO^ re

acrjuievcog

vTreSe^aTO,
rjixels;

^iXoyeXoog

re

cov

koI

ipiXavaXooT^^'

tc SiaTpi^rjv

avrcp

tc

Kot Toig arvjuLTTOTaig irapea-xofxcv, irapa

/uLpo<;

aXXi]Xovs eTTLppaTTi^ovTeg, Kai avairaKTra eu-

KpoTa
Kol

eiriXeyovTcg

avTO(rKOjuLjuLaToov

aaTiKwv

avTOxapLTWv 'Attikcov Kai aL/uvXiag ye'Ef

juiOVTa.
(j)po(rvvt]^

TOUTM

Si^

iXapoTijTO^ KOI
(JvjULTroa-iov,

ev-

SiaKeLjiievov

tov

cTrecrrr]

TToOeV

XjULlKpLVrjg

6 Sva-rpOTTOS KOI
oIkctcov,
ol.

SvcTKoXo^,
SpajuLovrc^
^juLiKpivrig,

elireTO Se

avrw TrX^Oog
wpiuLJ]crav.

0'

^/xa?

Auto?

Se

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

153

XLIII.

PSICHOCLAUSTES TO BUCION.

The
sites

day before yesterday, the paratook

a the

Struthion and Cynaedus and myself

shaved our heads,

rangium,
and,
hurried as fast as
of Ancyle, where
estate.

bath at
fifth

Se-

about

hour,

we could

to the suburb

young Charicles has an

us very welcome, being
;

He made
we

generous and fond of merriment

our part,
afforded

and, on
to

amusement

him

and

his guests,

slapping one another in

turns to the accompaniment of sonorous

anapaests,
full

of genuine

town witticisms
In the

and Attic grace and

liveliness.

meantime, while cheerfulness and merri-

ment

prevailed, that

cross-grained, sulky

Smicrines came on the scene from somewhere, followed by a crowd of servants,

who

rushed upon us from

first

all

directions.

Smicrines

smote

Charicles

on the

20

154

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
IUL6V

TT/ocora

TH

KajULTrvXt]

iralei
eirl

tov

vwtov
ira^jixeig

Tov ^apiKXeov^, cTreiTa Se

TOL^a^,
rjyev
o)?

KOpprj^

eaxaTOv avSpairoSov

Se vevjULari juLom tov irpecr^vTOv

eh

Toviricrw

Ta?

x^^P^^
$yiva<s

iarrpe^XovjULeOa'
^/xa?
va-rpLxlSi,
lULaa-ri^i,

to.

Se

/uLeTo.

Tavra
ovS^
eig

ovk

oXlyaig

evapLQiJ.riTOi<s
Sea-jUicoTripiov

reXog

ayaywv

TO
1

aireOeTO 6 aypiog yepcov.

Ka

JULY)

(Tvv^Orjg

wv

Koi.

TToXXa KaOrjSv-

iraOrjaag

/meO^

^jmwv 6 x^P^^^^ Ey^iy^to?, avrjp

ev Tol<s irpcoTOig

tov
riij.iv

arvjj.Troa-lov

twv ^Apeoiratolxci

yiTcoVj

avew^ev
Tip

to

Sea-jULOOTrjpiov,

dv

KOt

Sr]jUL[(p

TrapeSoOrj/mep.

OvTcog

Spi/uLvg
VJIJ.WV,

yepwv
Kai

Kai

iriKpog

eiri/j.TrpaTO

KaO^
eir]

iravTa

eirpaTTev

w?

dv

Trjp

OavaTcp, tcra Totg apSpocpovoig Ka]

airaxOeujuiev.

lepoa-vXoig

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
back
with
a

154

crooked

stick,

and

then,

hitting
like

him on the

face,
;

carried
at

the meanest slave

him off a nod from

flogged

the old man, our hands were tied behind

our backs, after which

severely with

we were

a whip of hog's bristles

the blows

inflicted

upon us were more

;

than we could count

cruel old
off to

and, at

last,

the

man
;

ordered us to be dragged

fellow

prison and, had not that good Eudemus, one of the chief mem-

bers of the council of Areopagus, an old

acquaintance

of

ours,

who

had
us,

spent

many
likely

pleasant

hour with

opened
to

the prison door for us,

we should most
over
the
against
;

have

been
so

handed

executioner, that harsh

furious

us

was
led

and cruel old man

if

and he
us

did

everything
to

he could to get

away
derers

death, as

we had been mur-

and temple robbers.

155

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOE

XLIV.

T paOcov AeixoTT Lv aK I.
HfjLwv
ft)?

M-cyapecov
Se

rj

Aiyiewv

ovSet^
/ulovo^

\6yo9,
Kai

evSoKi/ULei

Tavvv

TpvWiow

Karapxci

tov acTeog,

Km

iracra

avTw

KaOaTrep T^paTtjTt T6d O^^rjOev kvv\ ai/ewyei/

^ oiKLa.
ri

'E/ioi SoKclv,

OerraXiSa

tlvu.

ypavv

^AKapvavlSa

(papjuLaKcvrpiav

TreTr opKr/ixevog

KaTayofjTeveL

Tovg

aOXtovg
exei
;

veavlarKOvg.

T/

yap
KOI

Koi.

(TTOUfxiiKov
(jyepei

tl
fcrft)?

Se

o/uLiXtjriKov

^Su

'AX\'
elSov

eujULevecTTepoi^

o/uL/uLacriv

eKelvov

at ^apireg'

wg Tovg

Hiki/

aTTOjUiaTTea-Oai irpog avrov, ^fxag Se

el

ayaTig

irav,

ra?

aTTOjULaySoXlag

wg

kvct'l

Trapappixfreie.

Tax

^e ov yorjg,

aXXa tvxh
iravTu

KexpWOLt-

Se^ia.

Ti^x*?

y^P

"Trapa

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

155

XLIV.

Gnathon to Leichopinax.

We
time

are

thought
alone

no
;

more of than
at in

Megareans or Aegieans
Gryllion
is

the

present

good repute,
city
if
:

and
house
to

holds
is

sway over the open to him, as

he has
got

every

he were
It

Crates the Cynic from Thebes.

seems

me

that

hold of some

Thessalian or Acarnanian sorceress, with

whose assistance he bewitches the unhappy youths of our city. What a fund
of
is

talk
his

he

possesses
!

how

delightful

But perhaps the Graces have looked upon him with favourable eyes, so that, while others have the inside of the loaf, we must be content if
conversation

anyone throws us the leavings,

after

like dogs,
it.^

he has wiped his hands upon

is

But perhaps he
The meaning

no magician, but only

it

very fortunate; for

^

is

fortune that preis

of this passage

greatly disputed.

56
ecTTi

AAKI*P0N02
Tu
ev

P]

Twv

avOpcoTTwv
yvco/ULrj,

TTpdy/uiaTa'

ovSev

yap

avOpooiroig

irdvra

Se

tvx^'

KOI TavTT}^ 6 Tuxiiov ^Sv^ iaTi Koi vojuLL^erai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
vails

156

beyond everything
for

in

human
is

affairs.
is

Prudence counts
everything
is
;

nothing,

fortune

the

man who
has
the

fortunate

pleasant,
so.

and

reputation

of

being

157

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XLV.

"JiXyrjara,
arv/jL^acrav

u>

KaXe

^lxIcov,

ciKOvcrag

Trjv

aoL irepi to TrpocrcoTrov crviu^opav.

El ^e KOL TOVTOV
Sirjyrja-aTO
rujiiv

eyevero

tov Tpoirov,

ov

eTraveXOovara
^e
TJ71/

tov

g-v/ulttoo-Iov

Aeipiovtj

(Xeyo)

iraiSlarKrjv
virecrTtj^

^vWiSo^
koi
irop-

T^9 \lraXTplag)y
Orjariv

TroXe/nov

Uavtjv

aveu
Koi.

fjLtjyavrj^

Kai

eXcTroXem'
kol
OtjXvo)?

CLKOvco

yap

tov KaTairvyova
aoi
Ttjv
croi

Splav

irepiKaTea^ai

(pLoXrjv,

ra
kol

OpavafxaTa
T]v

Xtafiria-aaQal

Tr]v

piva

Seiiau a-iayova,
Kpovvovg,

koi

tov aifiaTog avaxr

vSaTog
ev

Oijvat

oloug

Tepavia

ireTpai (TTaXacrarova-i.
KaKoSaijULOvcov

Tig Tl ctve^eTai tmv

1,

tovtoov,

ToarovTOv to yacr-

TpL^ea-Oai
^ijVy

TrcoXovirrwv,
XljULOV

wvovimeOa

KivSvm

to
TtJV

KOJ.

TOV K

OttVaTOV ScSlOTC^y
0.(717 a^o iJieQ

ucTCL KivSvvov TrXrjcfJLOVfjv

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

157

XLV.
Trapezoleichon to Psichodialectes.
I

chion,

WAS much grieved, my dear Psiwhen I heard of the accident to

If
it

your

face.

happened as Leirione

mean

the servant of Phyllis the harpist

told us

on her return from the banquet,

in

you have indeed been

the wars and

exposed to destruction, without any engines of war being brought against you.
I

hear that the disgusting and effeminate

wretch
your

broke

goblet

over

your
cheek,

head

with such violence that the pieces injured nose

of

and

your

right

and
the

streams

blood

spirted

up from

wound,

like the

drippings from the rocks

will

of Gerania.

Who

be able to endure
?

such wretches

much
for

longer

They ask
bellies that

so high a price for

filling
it

our

we have
our
lives

to
;

pay
and,

with the peril of

fear

in

our

of

being

starved to death,

we welcome
it.

the chance
if

of getting a good meal, even

to pay dearly for

we have

158

AAKIiP0N02 PHT0P02

XLVI.
'LT6jUL(j)vXoxoitp(jop

Tpaire^oxoipovTi.

Q?
''IcTft)?

evTvx'^9,
iprja-i]
iUL,

ft)?

/ixaKapLcog

ireirpaya.

Tiva

rpoirov,

Tpaire^o-

XCLpov.

'Eytt) Sr]
fjiev
rj

aoL ^pacro) koi irplv epecrOai.

o)?

'Hye

ttoKl^,

otnrOa,

Trjv

li^ovpecoTiv

^jULepav
TepireLV,
jULOve?

eyo)

Se

TrapoXtjipOelg

iir].

Selirvov

wpxovjurjp

top KopSaKa.
eco?,

01 Sairvr^? a/mlXKaTecrxe

Se K ^iXoveiKia^ einvov,
Trpoxoipovarfjg,
Kttt

X>/9 eig aireipov

kw/ulo^

TO

(rvjuLTTOG-iop,

TTaPTag
KOI

vTTvog

vTreiXrj^ei
oiKeroop.

pvcTTaKTrjg,

oLXpi

avTwv
fj-ev,
e'i

Twv
tl

'Eyo)

Se

irepie^Xeirov

twv apyv

pwv

OTKevcov

v^eXeaOai

Suval/uLrjv

wg Se Tavra,

TL vri^ovToov,
P

i^ o^OaXfAcop eyeyopei, koi ^v

ao-^aXe?,

to

x^^P^I^^'^'^P^^
cog

^"^^

/ndXijg

Xa^cop

e^ijXXojULrjp,

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
will

have had
Well,

Perhaps you
will tell you,

ask

me how.
will

and you
city,

have no need

to inquire.

The

as

celebrating the

Cureotis,

you know, was and I, having

cordax.

been invited to the feast to amuse the

guests,

was

dancing
vied

the

The
in

banqueters
drinking,

with

one

another

and the contest went on with-

out stopping, until drunkenness overcame

them
I

all,

and
fell

at

length

they

became
filch

drowsy and

asleep, even the servants.

looked round

to
;

see

if

could

some of the plate but since this had been put away out of sight, in a place of
safety, while they

were

still

sober,

took

a napkin under
in
I

my arm
slippers.

and ran away

such a hurry that, during

lost

my

flight,

one of

my

Look what

ex-

159

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
oOoprig
Ttj^

TroXvTeXe?,

AlyvTrriag koi

aXovpyov

TTOp^vpag
/3oX^/

^p/ULiopiTiSog Xeirrou e? virepUtpaO-jUia,

KOI

TTOXVTIJULOV

Ei
(re

TOVTO
ayaycov

aSeoog
1^

aTre/uiTroXricraijUii,

yaa-rpico

Tov 'jravSoKca

TLiOaXlcopa'
irapoivLa<s

TroXXa?

yap
koi

ojuLOv

TToWaKig
(TCy

aveifKYHj.ev

Xpyi

TOP

KOIPOOPOP

TWP

SvorTvxilluiaTcop,
^/ULcpa^.

fjLepLTrjp

yepearOai koi t^9

evTvxovaijg

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
pensive material
linen

159

it is made of Egyptian and purple from Hermione the texture is exceedingly fine and very valuable.
:

If I

can safely dispose of

at

it,

will treat

you to a good feed

For, since

Pinacion's

inn.

with
only

we have many drunken

fair

often

had to put up
it

insults together,

is

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

KpS(i)f

Km

aXe^iKaKe

UpaKXeig,

aTrecrcoOrjv ovSev Seivov

v<j)\6iuLi/og

yevoiTO en.

Upoxoriv
irXovcrloVf

apyvpav Pavlov
(pepecrOai,
ijv

tov

Sp6juL(p

Sovg

yap awpia vvKTog

ejuLavroi/.

ULea-ovcrr]?)

fJTreiyojuLrjv

crw^eiv

Kwe?

^e

e^ai^vrjg

oiKOvpol
'^^^

irepixvOevTeg

aWog
vXaKtjv
wj/

aWoOeu
eTTijecrav,

x^^^'^o^

Bapetg

Tr]v

MoXottoi
cog

koi ^vcocrioi, v(f

ovSev

cKooXve

lULe

fjSiKrjKOTa Tr]u '^ Apre/uLip Siaa-iraa-'

cog
juLrjSe

Oat

fiecrov,

to.

uKpwrripia
Trpog

eig

rtjv

vcTTepalav
cTOLjULOig

7repi\i<p6fjvai
ig

racpriv

TOig

eXeov

Koi.

a-vjuLTrdOeiav.

^vpcov

ovv vSpoppoov
7rnro\T}g,

avewyoTa ovk

elg

^aOog

aW

Kai viroSug eig tovtov, KaTKpv/3i]v.

Tpejuoav kol

^'Ert a-ot

Tavra

iraWo/nevog \iyw.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

i6o

XLVII.
HOROLOGIUS TO LaCHANOTHAUMASUS.

O
I

Mercury, god
!

of gain,
I

and Her-

cules, averter of evil

am

saved.
I

May
had
v^as

never be in such straits again.

filched a silver pitcher

from the wealthy

it

Phanius, and had taken to flight;

the dead of night, and
to get safely away.
I

made

all

haste

dogs, of Molossian

Suddenly the houseand Cnosian breed,

all

rushed

upon

me from

sides,

and,

barking loudly and

I

fiercely,

attacked me.

barely escaped being torn to pieces by

if I

them, as
not even

my

had offended Diana, so that extremities would have rethe next day,
if

mained
pity
luck,

for

burial

any

kind people

had wanted to show their and sympathy. Finding, by good an open watercourse of no great
I

depth,
myself.

It

jumped into it and concealed makes me shake and tremble

21

i6i

AAKI$P0N02 PHT0P02
Sk ai'aaxovTog,
toov
jjIv

^(ixr^opov
r]G-66jULr}v

ovk

OVK

&

vKaKTOvvToav

{o'lKOi

yap

iravreg
Spa/ULcov,

eSeSeuro)'
vrji

avrog

Se

etg

Heipaia
tcl

XikcXik^

Xveiv

fxeWovcru

irpvjuLvija-ia

7rpiTVX(*>Vj aTreSojmtjv

rw

vavKXripcp
e'xwi'

Trju 7rpoxor]v.

Kaf

j/vv

to

TLjULrjjULa

ve-

vaa-jxai

toI<s

KepjuLacri,

koi veoirXovro^ eirave-

\ri\vQa, Kai roarovrov piTri^ojuai Taig eKirlaiv,

w?

67riOvjULii/

/foXa/ca? Tpe^eiv, koi

Kexprja-Qai

TrapaariTOig,

ov irapacTLTelv avrog.
TTopia-Oh
cLpyvpiov

'AXX'

rjv

TOVTL
TToXiv

TO

airavoXuxrw,
TpeyjrojuLai'
Ttjg

eiTL Tt]v

apxalav einTriSevcnv

ovSe

yap

kvcov

crKVTOTpayetv ixaOovca

Texvii9 7ri\i](rTai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
even

i6i

now
for

to

tell

you.

As soon

as

it

was daybreak,
more,
the
the house.
to
I

heard their barking no

all

they had

been tied up
a
I

in

immediately hurried down

and,
to

Piraeus,

finding
set
sail,

Sicilian

vessel just about

sold
I
I I

my
now
have
in

pitcher

to

the

skipper,
full

so

that

have

my

pockets

of money.

returned,

newly enriched, and

am
I

such a keep
the

flutter

of expectation that

am
of

eager to support some flatterers, and to

parasites

of

being one myself.

my own, When I

instead

have spent
I

money
once

have just

gained,

shall

return to

my

old profession.

dog who
to

has

become accustomed

gnaw

leather will never forget the habit.

21-

i62

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

XLVIII.
^XoLoyXvTTTrjg
MaTTTra^acr/ft).
kol
*Q><s

^aK09 KaKw^ airoXoLTO

AiKv/Jivi09

a(JHcvo<s

eirj

Trjg

TpaywSla<s.

yap

eviKa

Toug avTLTixvov<s K-pirlav top KXecovaiov, koi

Iinraa'ov tov 'Ajm^paKKarriv rovg AlcrxuXov
UpOTTdjuLTTOvg,
(p(ovi]iuLaTi

TopM

TivL

KOi
rjv,

yeycovoTepcp
kol kitto-

xPW^I^^yo<s, yavpog
(rvfjiirocnov'

(rTe<pr]g

^ye

ev6a

TrapoXrjcpOe]^,

^if

Toov

KaKcov
Trjv

oTa

VTrifxeiva.

Toi^ro

ijiev

iTLTTOVfJievog

KetpoXrjv,

Kai
Se,

yapco
clvtI

Tovg
7r\aKot

6<p6aX/ULovg paivojmevog'

tovto

KOWTog,

Toov

aXXcov

ajmrjrag

icrOiovTMP

arrja-ajULOvvrag,

avTog jmeXiTi

SeSevjuievovg

XiOovg

aireTpayov.

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 He had gained may he be struck dumb

!
!

the victory over his competitors, Critias

of Cleonae and Hippasus of Ambracia in

the recital of the Propompi of Aeschylus

and, although he
to the shrill
voice, he

owed

his

success only

and penetrating tone of his

head with

went mad over it, crowned his To ivy, and gave a banquet. my misfortune, I was invited what insults did I not have to put up with
:
!

Some amused

themselves with smearing

pitch, or

my
in

head with

dabbing fish-sauce

my

eyes

others

rammed down my

throat stones moistened with honey, while

they

were

eating

Indian corn.
of
all

cakes of milk and But the most mischievous

just

was the little courtesan who has taken up her quarters in the Cerami-

i63

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
oi/uiaTog TrXripuxraa-a,

'YaKLvOh, KvoTTLv
tpepei
jULOv

Karaktvttw

TyJ9

K<poX^9'
oljULaTi.

koi

ojulov

tco

XeXovjurjv TO)
jjLevcov

Kat twv

ixev

evcoxov-

TToXv^ KOI KaTTvpog i^exvOrj yeXwg' eyo)

/ullctOov

Se wv eiraQov

ovk aTnjveyKaiuLriv

ol^lov,

olXKa
/uLerpov

lULOL

yeyove

tcop

v^pewv
Se

ajuLoi^r]

to

Tfj^

yacrrpog, irepa
elr],

ovSev.
/Sio)*]

M^/re
6

ovv

eh

veo)Ta

/mrJTe

juLyjv

Oeoh

exOpog
vrj^

AiKv/ULviog,

ov eyco r^? axcuplo-rov 00)tt/oo?

evcKa

opOoKopv^ov KoXetcrOai
'^^^

^/ulwv

Kol

Tov x^P^^

Aiovva-OKoXaKODV

cKpiva.

"Yippwcro.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
cus,

163

Hyacinthis from Phenea

she

filled

a bladder with blood, and

amused
I

herself
it

by beating
blood

me
all

over

the

head with

besides the noise this made,

;

was bathed

in

and

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, May that enemy of and that was all.

the gods never live to see the

new
I

year

His voice
determined
us

is

so disagreeable that that

have

he

shall

be
the

called

by
of

and

his

fellow-actors

prince

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
'Hi/

el,

Kai Xvireig ael

rrj Trevla (TvvSewv.

yap
/me

airopia

tov

koXovvto^
ecrOietp

yevrjTai,
yi'fiva,

avayKri

crKavSiKag

koi

ri

TToas avoKeyeLv,
TTLiULirXaa-OaL Trjv

Km

rrj^

^YivveaKpowov irlvovra

yacrrepa.
vire/jieve,

Erra, ew?
kol
rjv

imev

rag

v^peig TO

a-w/uLa

ev

wpa tov

iraarxeiv veoTijTi Kai aK/ULu vevpovimevov, ^oprjTog

rj

vppig.

shTreiorj

de

to

Koittov

eyo)

croL

/uL(rai7ro\io9,
TT/oo?

Kai

to

XenrojuLevov
tcov

tov ^lov
;

yfjpag opa, T19

'laarig

KaKwv

'AXiapTTpO

TLOV (TXOLVLOV
AiTTvXov,
r]v

XP^'-^> '^"^ KpejULrjO-OJULai

TOV

/ULrj

tl Se^iov

rj

Tvx*] /SovXeva-rjTai.

Ei ^e Kai Toig avToig

eTrijuLelveiev,

ov irpoTepov

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

164

XLIX.
Capnosphrantes to Aristomachus.

FATAL

presiding
cruel

genius
!

of

my

destiny,

how

wilt thou torture

all

how long me, condemning me to

thou art
?

the horrors of poverty

invites

For,
I

if

no
be

one

me

to

meal,

shall

obliged to eat chervil and leeks, to pick

herbs,

and to quench
able
to

my

thirst

with the

water of Enneacrunus.

As long as
I

my

frame was

endure

ill-treatment

and was
to put
is

full

of youthful vigour,
it
;

managed

up with
left

but

now

that

my
of

hair
life

beginning to turn grey, and

is

all

that

to

me
is

is

advancing towards
is

old

age,
?

what remedy
Nothing
in
left

there
for
I

for

my
a

woes

rope from Haliartus, that

me may

but

go and

hang myself
unless
lot.
it

front

of

the

Dipylum,

please

Fortune to improve
if

my

And, even

things remain as they

i65

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
tov Tpax^^ov^ Trph Tpaire^tj^

o'TpayyaXicrco

dTroXavaaL
6

TroXvreXovg.

Ouk
koi

etg

[xaKpov

Se

Trepi/BXeTTTog

ovro^

aolSijuLog

ydjuLog

^apiTOvg
ueav
TrjV

Km

AecoKparov^ ixera t^v

el?

evtju

kol

TOV

ULvaveyj/'icovog,

ov Travrcog

rj

irapa

TTpcoTfjv

rjixipaVy

r}

rolg eTravXloi^ Kk\)]'

kol
nrapaarlToov

<ro/ULai.

Ae?

yap

6v/uLt]8lag

T019

yafjioig,

Kai avev

^julwu

aveopra Travra,

Kai crvcou ovk dpOpooircov Traprfyvpt^.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
are, at least, I
I

165

won't throttle myself until

In a
of the

have had a regular good meal.

after

short time,

the

new moon

month Pyanepsion, the famous and muchtalked of wedding of Charito and

crates will take place
for
;

Leothe the

shall be invited
rate,

the

first,

or,

at

any

for

second

day.

Marriage feasts

need

presence of parasites to amuse the com-

pany; without us there

air
like

is

not the same

of enjoyment
pigs

the guests are

more

than

an

assembly of

human

beings.

66

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS

L.

^OV KOTTV IKT)] ^ A V T O TT

^

TU

OuK
iropvov

avexojULm

opwu

Zev^iTTTrrjv rrjv liriro-

uTrfjpm

rw
eig

/aeipaKLW
auTrjv

XP^I^^^^^'
julovop

^'^

yap bairavaTai
upyvpLOV, aXX'

xP^^^ov

kol

^Sri

kol crupoiKiag koi

aypov^.
epcora

Se

iiri

TrXeov

eKTv^ecrOai

tov

TOVTip

firjxavco/ULevtj,

tov

ISiv/Soecog

epav irpogto.

TToietTai

TOV

veavloTKOVj
ctt'

ha

Ka\

tovtov
epcoTa.

(TTraOrjaraara,

aWov

Tpexl^u

tov

'Eyo) ^e oSvvw/ULaL Trjv KapSlav, opcov viroppi-

ovTa
avT(p

Toa-ovTOv Aver tag

irXovTOv,
Kal

ov

ol

imaKapiTai

^auocTTpaTtj

KaTeXnrov.
crvvriyayov,

yap

eKeivoL

kut
to

ojSoXov

aOpooog

avaXoi

ttoXvkolvov

tovto
juiev

Ka\
tl

alaxpoTaTOv yvvaiov.

YlacrxM

ovv

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

i66

L.

BUCOPNICTES TO AnTOPICTES.
I

CANNOT endure
all

to see Zeuxippe, the

most infamous of
that

our courtesans, treat

cruelly.

young

man
all

so
his
is

He

has
her,

not only spent

money upon

but, at the rate he

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

young

Euboean
will turn

by her

artifices
;

she will succeed

after

in ruining

them both
is

which she

her attention to a fresh lover.

heart

But

my

torn with grief,

when

which Lysias and Phanostrata, of blessed memory, have

see the splendid inheritance
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
in

and most disgusting woman

Athens.

16;

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
tm
laeipaKtw'

Kai cttI

Kvpio^
el<s

yap

yevojmepo^

Trjg overlap,

TroWtiv

tvjv

rifxa^

^CKavOpwirlav
^/xerepa
(tkol-

aveSel^OTO.
foi/ra*
1

Opco Se koI ra
eig

yap

TavTrjv diravTa
tu)
jSeXr/cTTft),

redelri to.
KOLK(jii<s,

Trpocrovra
Oeoi,

tovtco

KoXiag

aTToXavarojixev
0)9

t^?

TrXijcriULOvr}?.

''EcTf yap,
Kai
TTpog

oTa-Qa,

ctTrXotVco?

6 ^iXrj^og,
eirieiKri^

^yua?

Tovg

irapa<TLTOv^

Kat

/JLCTpiog
r]

Tov rpoirov, wSaig fxaXXov koi

el^ ijimag

ycXcoTi

raig

v^pecn OeXyofxevog.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
I

167

feel

compassion
great

for

the youth,

for,

as

soon as he became his

own
to

master,
us
;

he
will
is

showed
be a
ruined.

kindness

it

great misfortune for

If this

us,

if

he

excellent

young man's
into
!

entire fortune makes its way woman's hands, good Heavens

this

what a
Philebus,
;

charming

feast
is

we

shall

have

as you know,

a simple fellow

he has

always been gentle and kind to us parasites

;

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
vS(i)p

^vpwrav

Koi

to Kepvaiov

KOt

ra

Jletprivrjg

va/ULara,

epm

Ttjg

ILaWippot]^,
KaTeireiyojULai'
Tu>v
ev

ILopivOov

TToXiv

^AOrjva^e

ov

yap

fxe

toov Tpv^tjjUiaTcov

TOVTOig ovSep
cnrocro^eh,

fjpearei/'

aXX'

eroiiuog
ly/xa?.

evOevSe

koI

cnrevSeiv
cuSe
Trap'

w?

^AxapLCTTOi
arvjULTTOTiKor

yap
Ka\

co^Orjcrav

Kal

{jKicrTa

TrXe/of?

avroig

at

irapoiviai
ejULol

twv
rj

airoKava-eodv.

O9

ajueivov
tcjov

oXvvOovg
ri

7ra\aOag

eTrijUiaa-aa-Qai

^Kttlkwv,

Sia

TO irapa tovtoi^

xpva-lov
eiri-

airoSpvirTeG-Qai.
Xeipovcriv,

Ola yap oXa veovpyeiv

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

eagerly leave

now
the

Corinth for Athens, and

affection

return

with

renewed

to

and festivities of those places have no charms for me; I abandon them without regret, and hasten back to you.
fountain of Callirhoe.

The

luxury

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
for

than
the

run the risk of

gold
of

growing thin

Corinth.
tortures
;

They

are always inventing

new

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
Kucri

Kai

CKTTpayaXovg,

KaOairep

TOig

Trapa^piTTTOvvTeg, KOt vdpOrjKag iwifiprjykoi

arKVTe<ri

vvvreg,

koi

roig

aWoig
'E/xot

ijnacriv

avTi

iraiSiag

TrXT/TTOi/Te?.

yepoiro,
a<TTeo<s,

TTpOjULaxe
^AOrjvrja-i
irelv.
'

^AOijva
Kol

koi

iroXiovxe
koi

tov
/Slov

^fja-ai

tov

airoXi-

KjJLeivov

yap
^

irpo

Trjg

Aio/mrjlSog

TTvXfjg

r]

TTpo

Twv

iTTiraScov

CKTaSrjv iraTelt]

orOat

veKpov

tvjul^ov

TrepixvdevTog,

r^y

HeXoTTOVvrja-ov evSaijuLOvlag avix^a-Qm.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

169

fiery

one leg; they pour down our throats hot, wine without water then they throw
;

us the bones and feet from the joints as

if

we were
flog

dogs, break their canes over

our backs, and, by

selves,

way

of amusing them-

us with whips

and thongs.
and
die at

Minerva, guardian and defender of the

city,

may
!

it

be
is

my

lot to live

Athens
lifeless

It

better

to

be

stretched
or

in

front

of

the

Diomeian
with
the

Knights' gates, to be trampled under the

feet

of

the

passers-by,

bare

earth around

me

for

a grave, than to put

up with the pleasures of Peloponnesus.

22-

I70

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

LII.
oir

i\.

aS iwv
'

IEjv

T]

V Icrar (p.

Ou

fxot

lULcXei

TTOiovvTcov

oG-a

Koi

pov-

Xovrai pi\}roKLvSvvoL
TraXos"
Trpa^ecog
juL

VpovOwv koi ^apSavdKoivoovrja-ai

yap

Ttjg

cltottov
/xoi
e/c

aSwarov,

ovSe

el juLavTevjUid Ttjv

T^9 AcoScoi/aias Spvog einTpeiroL

o)?

irpa^iv,

ecTTiv

ipyd^earOai

xPWT~>i'

<j>vTai

yap

enravlcog Kal ev iraicri

to xPWTOv

Ka\ iricTTOv
vtto-

^609 KOI uyie^.

ireipuxTL

IldvT(D9 ovv CKpcKTeov

rrji/
tjSi]

yap
Kai

TraWaiajv tov
avroig
r]

Ttjg

oiKtag
eis

Sea-TTOTOV,
CLK^rjv

Trpa^i^

Trjp
Trj

-TrpoKexooprjKe.

Ka\ ovk dpKOvvrai

Toov acppoSicrlcoif dOecrjuLw TrXtjo-jmoviJ,

dWd

yap

Ta

e/c

TfJ9 OIK lag a-Kevrj

KaO^ ev cocnrep <pu)pia

\i]<t-

Xajn^dvovcri.

JLat la-ws fiev axpt Tivog

iravTco?

rai Tovpyov TrparTojuLevov

5/

Se irore

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
nothing
oracle of

shall never persuade

me
I

to take
will

part in so disgraceful a deed.

do
the
as

of

the

sort,

even
to

though

Dodona were
act.

recommend

it

an honourable
or

It is

a rare thing to

find in slaves either prudence, faithfulness,

honour.

means
of

to be avoided.

The whole affair is by all You must know they

and have already
all

are trying to seduce the mistress of the head

a household,

suc-

ceeded in the attempt; and, not satisfied with having got

after the other.

they wanted,

they

are carrying oif the furniture, one article

Perhaps their thefts

for

will escape notice

a while

but,

sooner
the

or

later,

the
will

neighbours

will

talk,

servants

17 1

AAKIi^PONOS PHTOPOS
irpayiJ.a eig TOUfx^ave^'

TO
TTvp

Kai avayKtj julctu

KOI

a-lSrjpov

Koi

rag TroXXa? ^a(Tavov<s

rj

TeKo^ avToh yevearOaL to Kwveiov

to ^dpa-

Opov

a(piS(Jog

yap

xpodjJievoL

tu)

To\fXi]HiaTi

Icroppoirov Tij irpa^ei Trjv Ti/Jiwpiav iKTicrova-i.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
whisper,

171

found out
drink

and the whole affair and the end of it all

;

will

be

will be,

that the criminals will be

condemned
into

to

hemlock,

or thrown

the pit

after they

have suffered torture, imprison-

and other punishments. Those who aid and abet such a crime without any shame will certainly suffer punishment in proportion to their' misdeeds.
ment,

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

Kai oXeKTpv-

XoiraSa ev juLoXa

KeKapvKeujiievrii/,

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
jjj/ox^ei

SpajUicov

eirl

rhv HoiKtXrjv (kol yap ovk

el?

rauTr/v

ovSe
Ki6i
Tfjg

Tcov aSoXecrxcov
irovcov

tovtwvI

(pLXocrocjxiiv),

Twv

airriXavov.

'Apavevtrag

Se
rrj^ jmev
eig

XoiraSog,

opw

TrpoarlovTa

rm
Sclera^,

airo

TriXlag

Tiva

veavicTKCov,

Kai

ra
Se

/Spco/ULara

oincrQev
eKi/j,r]v

aTreOeimrjv,

avrog

TOuSa(p09

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.

filled

There
quisite

saw a large dish

roast

with ex-

dainties, a

fowl,

and a pot
from
and, hastily

containing

anchovies and
I

sardines
it,

Megara.
retiring,

seized hold of

looked
I

about

for

a convenient

spot whither

might betake myself to

have
not
the

a
find

comfortable meal.

As
I

could
to just

any

place

handy,
and,

ran
it

Painted

Porch,

as
it

happened to be the time when

infested

was not
I

by any chattering philosophers,

fruit

began to enjoy the

of

my
I

labours.

But, looking up firom

my

dish,

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
TOig
airoTpOTracoLg

vjvxojuLrjv

irapekOeiv

to
01)9

V<po9i

vxocrxoywej/09 Xifiavayrov xovSpov^,

OLKOL

avaXe^a/ULevog

twv

lepthv

exoo,

/ULoXa

evpcoTicovrag, koi ovk tjarToxw^^'

ol Qeoi

yap

avTOv

aXXrjv

oSov

eTpeyfrav'

Kayw

o-ttovSij

KaraPpoxOia-ag
(TKevea-i,

iravO^

oca
rrjv

eveKciTO

TOig

(plXo)

iravSoKel

XoiraSa Ka\

to

XVTplSiov,
Xapi<r/JLa

Ta
Sov^,

Xelylrava

twv

KXejuL/naTcav,

airX(^pw^^

eTrieiKrjg

Tig

kol

fxeTpiog

e/c

twv

ScoprjiaaTOov ai/a^avelg.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
ing to conceal

173

my

theft.

prayed

to

the averting gods that the storm might

pass by, promising them some grains of

incense,
sacrifices

which

had picked up
at

at

the

and
for

keep

home,

although

they are quite mouldy.

My

prayers were

heard
in

the

gods
that

made

him

turn

Having hurriedly was in the dishes, I gave the plate, the pot, and the fragments of what I had stolen to a friendly tavern-keeper, and departed, having thus
another direction.

gulped

down

all

gained

reputation

for

liberality

and

generosity.

174

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

LIV.
^uTpoXeiKTtjg HareWoxcipovTi.
T/
SaKpveig
;

fVw?
r]

eprjcru

fxe,

rj

iroOev

Koriaya to
ig jmeptj

Kpaviov,

ttw?

to avOrjpov tovto
<popco
;

KaTcppwyo^
ft)?
jULIJ

I/jlcltiov

^^viKtja-a

KVpevOOV,
fie

TTOT

(jO(pAOV.

11

yap

061

acrOevecrTepov
;

ovTa

poofxaXioi^

avve^eTa.'

^etrOai veaviaig

Exe^ yap

et? ijuiauTOv
r]v

oXag

Ta^

6K6ea-ei^ (TvveXe^aiULriv, airopla Se

avTOtg

TravTeXrjg apyvpiov, ctt' cfxe Trai/re?

ct)piuLi](rav

Kal

ol

imev

irv^

eiraiov,

aWoi
to

Se

XlOoig

Xpu>VTO,
^

OL

Se Siicrxi^ov

Ijulcltiov.

'Eyw
ejuol

airpl^ eixo/mriv
"vj

twv

KepjuLaTcov,

airoSaveiv

irpoTEpov

irpoearOat

tl

eKeivoig

twv

TreTTOpiarjuLevcov alpovfjLevo^'

Ka\

Stj

jmexpi Tivog
TrXrjycov

avTcrTr]v yevvalw^,
vTTOfievwv,

Ka).

Tag <popag twv

Kai Tag KcrTpo<j>ag

twv SaKTuXwu
^irapTiaTrjg
TvirTOjuievog.
virejULcvov,

avexo/mevog,
avrip eiri

Kai

tjjuLtjv

ota

T19

tov
?i/

^co/ulov Tfjg

^OpOiag
fi

'AXX' ovK

AaKeSai/ULWv, ev

TavTa

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

174

LIV.

Chytroleictes to Patellocharon.

Perhaps you
weeping,

will ask

me why
skull
this
fine

am
coat

how
I

got

my

broken,

and why
to

am
I

wearing

torn to rags.

won some money

!

would

Heaven I never had What right I, weak as I was, to pit myself had against stalwart young men ? When I had swept in all the stakes, and they
were entirely cleaned
out,

they

all

fell

upon me
tore

some beat me with

their

fists,

others pelted

me

with stones, and others

of

my clothes. But I kept tight hold my money, resolved to die rather than surrender any of my winnings to them.
For a time
ing of
I

resisted

bravely, enduring

the blows they dealt me, and the wrench-

my

fingers

was
at

like

a Spartan
altar

who

is

being

flogged

the

of

Diana.

But

it

was not

at

Lacedaemon

175

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
^AOfjvai,

a\y

KOI

Twv

'AOrivrjcrL

Kv/Sevrcov

oi

^w\e<rTaTOi.

TeXo? odv

XeiTroOujuii^a-ag a<j>rjKa

T019 evayeai XajuL^apeiP'

KoXiriov Sirjpevvrjcrav, Kot
juLCva

ol Se Kai

to

irpo-

ra

ev tovto) eyKeiijULov
rj

^epopTcg

wyovTOy
^rjv

tout

\mov
julctci

^yrjcrajuLevov

to

avev

\prjiJLaTUiv

XprifxaToav TeBvavai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
that
I

175

endured
at

this

treatment,

but

at

Athens, and
rascally
I

the hands of the most

city.
left

gamblers in the

At

last,

gave up the struggle and

myself at

the mercy of the vile wretches,

who turned
it

out

my

pockets and went off with what

I

they found in them.

to live without
it

thought

better

money than

to die with

in

my

possession.

76

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

LV.

AuT0/cX>/T09
'OX/ya
ol
are/uLvol
t]

l^TOi/mapla-Ttp.
Sia^epovcri
tcov
Trjv

ovSev

iSiwtwv
apTt]v

koI

to

KaXov

koi

e^vjULvovvTcg-

TOVTOvg

Xeyo)

roug

epyoXa-

fiovvTag Tct /meipcLKta.

ere

Oiov yap, olov cXaOe

arvfjiTrocriov,

^KajuLwvlSov yevecria

Ovyarpog
ouk

eopTOL^ovTog.

KaXecra?
Trpoux^i^
yevei,
wr'jOrj

yap
Seiv

vayxo9

oXlyovg

Twv

Sokovvtoov

^A6r]vr}(ri

ttKovtw Ka\
(TO(pov(rt

Kai Toig (piXoTiaprjv ovv

Koafxrjcrai

ttjv

evwxlav.

ev

TOVTOig

l^vOvKXtjg

crTWiKog,

ovrog

TTpea-fivrrig,

6 Kovpeicov

to yheiov, 6 pvwapog,
6
yeyrjpaKcog,

Tt]v

K<paXr]i/

avxfjLfjpog,

pvaroTCpop toov ^aXavTioov exi^v to fxeTWirov.

llaprjv Se Ka\
TTctroy,

OejuLtcTTayopag 6

e/c

tov

irepit>/

avrjp

ovk

axapig

6(j>6fjvai,

ovXn

yeveiaSi Xa/uLTrpvvojiievog.

"Up

Se Kai 6 'Exf-

Kovpeiog
KiKivvovg,

ZrjvoKpaTfjg,

ovk
viro

aTrjiuLeXrjTog

Tovg

Ka]

avTog

fiaOei

tm

Trcoywvi

(Tefivvvofievog.

"Ore

aolSi/ULog

(tovto

yap

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

176

LV.

AUTOCLETUS TO HeTOEMARISTUS.

Those solemn
of virtue, differ

personages,

who

are

always singing the praises of the good and

little
;

or nothing from or-

mean those fellows who go after our young men for money. What a banquet you missed, when Scadinary individuals
I

monides gave a
vited

feast

daughter's birthday.
a

in honour of Having recently

his
in-

number of the wealthiest and

it

noblest in Athens, he thought

also

his

duty
the
these

to

grace

the

festivities

with

presence of philosophers.

Amongst
an
old

was

Euthycles the
long beard,

Stoic,
dirty,

man

with a

filthy-headed,
in his fore-

decrepit, with

more wrinkles
Themistagoras

head than a leather pouch.

also
tetic,
at,

There were
the
Peripa-

present

not an unpleasant person to look a

fine

with

curly beard

Zenocrates

the

Epicurean,

locks,

with trimmed and a long and venerable beard;

carefully

23

177

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

irpog airavTdov CKaXeiTo), 'A/)x//?fO? o TLvOa-

yopiKog,

(axpov

eirt

tov

Trpocrcoirov
oltto

ttoXw

7r I /Se/SXrjiuLevog,
jui.xpt

TrXo/ca/xof?

t^9 Ke^oXrjg

(TTepvwv avTwv aioopw]/, o^v koi [xaKpov

KaOeiKO)^
CTTOjuLa

TO

yeveiov, rrju plva

e7rf/ca/x7r>79,

to
Kai

cTrix^iXrj^,

avrw

to)

TreTriecrOai

Xlav

juLcnivKevai

rrji/

exeimvOlav

VTroa-ij/uiaLvcDV.

^Yi^aL<pvr]9 Se

Koi 6 HayKpaTtjg 6 Kuwj/, pv/mn

Trapaxra/uLevog
eicTTjpprja-e,

Tovg TToWoug
\(p

crre-

irpLvlvw eTrepeiSojUievo^'

V^ yotp avTi
Ticrtv

tov

irvKvcojuLarog
/uL7r7rapjj.evJ]v

rm

o^cov

x^^'^o??

ij\oi9
rrjv

(pepcov

^aKTrjplav,

Kai

irripav
1/0)9

Siclkcvov,

koi

irpog to. \ei\lrava ev^co/jlV

rjpTrifxevrjv.

01

ovv clWol

ott' Trju

apx^9
avrrjv

eig

TeXo9 TrapaTrkria-lav Tiva Kai

T^9
ecTTiacrecos Ttjv

eixov

aKoXouOiav
(TVjUL7ro(Tiov,

ol

(piXoaro^oL Se,
Trj^

irpoXovTO^ tov

koi

(piXoTrjcrlag (tvvXO09

irepLO-o^ovixevr}^,

aX-

\o^ aWrjp TcpaTeiav cTreSei^aTO.

^vOvKXtjg
7r\ri<r/ui0Vf}9

yap

eToyiKog
Keljuievog
ariooTrijv

vwo

yrjpcog

Kai

eKTaSrjv

epeyx^v-

TLvdayopeiog

Se Tijv

Xvcrag, toov

xP^^^^
oLTe

eirwv

KaTa

TLva

ixovG-iKriv ap/JLOviav

cTepeTi^ev.
Trjv

'0 /3eAevSai/mo-

Tf<7T09

Se

OefitG-Tayopag,

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 turnedup nose, lips drawn in and tightly compressed,

an

indication

of

his

reserve.

Suddenly Pancrates the Cynic,

in,

violently

thrusting the others aside, forced his

way

leaning on a staff of holm-oak, which,

was studded with and carrying an empty wallet, conveniently slung for carrying away the
in place of thick knots,

brass nails,

remains of the

feast.

All the other guests,

from beginning to end, maintained a uniform

and

orderly
as the

behaviour

but

the

philosophers,

entertainment went

on, and the wine-cup

to behave in a

went round, began

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

silence,

through his

began

to

trill

the

" Golden Verses "

air.

to

a kind of musical

The

excellent

Themistagoras, who,
23

according to the doctrine of the Peripa-

178
viav
yjrvxii

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
Kara
Kou

tov

tov

irepLirarov

\6yov,

ov

a-cojULari julovov,

aXXa

koi T019 cKTog

7rejm.juLaTa,

6pi^6juivog,

a7r{]Tei
o\l/-ct)p

ifKelova
SaxfriX^.

koi

TTOiKiXlav Tcov

Zr]V0KpaTtj9 Se
0)9

^JEiTTiKOvpeio?

Trjv

'^aXrpiav

avTov

evYjyKakl^eTO,
irwv
eivai

raKcpov kol

vypov

irpoa-^Xe-

VTrojULe/ULVKoa-i

roh

ojuLjuiaa-i,

Xeywv tovto
koi
ILvoov
Trjv

TO

T^9

crapKog

a6)(\r]TOV,

KaTairvKvoocriv

tov

^Sojuievov.

Se

TrpcoTa

ovpeL

KaTa

Trjv

KVPiKrjp

aStacpopiav

et? (TvpfJia

x^^^o-a?, Kai KaOeig to Tpi^wviov,

eireiTa
V

Km

AcopiSa

tyjv

fJLOvarovpyov,

0T09

o^OaXjuLOig
o-pxh^
^juLwv

airavTcov
yeveareco^

opcovTcov
elvai

evepyelv,
tpvcriv.

(pacTKCov

tjjv

''Qo'Te

Tcov

irapaa-LTcov
Oeajuia
etV

ovSelg
Trjv

ecrTi

Xoyog'

TO

yap

koi

OvjuLrjSlav

irapel'xev ovSei^ tcov

tovto

KeKXrjpcojixepcov,
julijuloi

KaiTOL

ye ^oi^iaSrj^ 6 KiOapwSog, Kal

yekoLcov ol irepl 'Eavvvplcova Koi ^iKia-TiaSriv

ovK aireXeiirovTO.

'AXXa iravTa
8e
/uovog

(j)pov8a kol

ovK

a^LoOea'

evSoKi/ULei

twv

aro-

^icTTcov Xfjpog.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
tetics,

178

places

happiness not in bodily or

mental advantages alone, but also in external enjoyment, asked for

more

pastry,

and plenty of
crates the

different

dainties;

Zeno-

Epicurean took the

girl

who

played the harp in his arms, looking at

her wantonly and lasciviously with halfshut eyes, declaring that this quieted the
desires
fection

of

the

flesh,

and was the

per-

of enjoyment.

The

Cynic,

with
his

the indifference of his sect, let

down
Doris

cloak and publicly

made

water, and then

proceeded
singing-girl,

to

copulate

with

the
see

so that

everyone could

him, declaring that nature was the principle

of generation.
;

No

one took any

notice of us parasites

none of those who

chance of showing

were invited had

pany,
player,

what they could do

although

to

amuse the comthe

lute-

Phoebiades,

was

there,

and the comic mimes

and Philistiades were not 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.
Sannyrion
absent.
;

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,
apLCTTWV.

UvOoKXei, koI

airoc/iepij

jneplSag toov

OvKovv

Ttt?

(TTrvplSag

KaOrjjmepap

i^oyKcov

(TV jUieyeOeL XeiyJ/^avoov

(KaOdirep irpwrfv
cog

ApTraSrjg 6 ypa/j-jULaTiKog eiroUi, 'Ojmripov

ecpacTKev eiriXeyoov (ttix^Slov,
ev/uLijxavcog

avTw

irpog rag apirayag

twv

^pcojuLaTCOv ^pjuLoar/uievov.

Kaf

(payefxev,

Triejmep

re,

eweira
rrjv

Se

Kat

ri

(pepecrOai) ireiravcro'

Kara^aXe
ere

aXa^ovelav,
Trjg

TpKTaOXie,

\]

avayKf]

yvjULvov

oiKiag

Ovpa^e

ev ciKapel

xpovov eKpXriQevra

eKirearelv.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

179

LVI.

Thymbrophagus to Cypellistes.

You

are puffed up with pride for no

all,

reason at

and swagger about

carry
off

full

of

insolence, like

Pythocles in the proverb,

and

yet

you

your

share

of

breakfast.

Give

up

filling

your

basket

every day with fragments, like Harpades

the

from

Grammarian, who quoted a verse Homer, which was singularly ap-

plicable to his
off

own fondness
eat

for

carrying

food

"

To

carry

something

and drink, and then away." Wretch, have

or, in

done with your insolence,

ling,

a twinkkick you

we

shall

be

obliged

to

naked out of doors.

80

AAKI^PONOZ PHTOPOE

LVII.

OivoXaXog UoTt]piO(pXuap(p.
OvK
ig

Seou

oivcofjLepog

ecTKCoxl/a/uajv

tov

Tpo^ea TOV

veavlcTKou Zwirvpov.

'E^
(ara,

eKelvov
irepl

yap
Tag

\<Twg
Socreig

Sia^oXiJ
KaT<TTrj
juLeTpo)

Tvireig

ra

iJUKpoirpeirecrTepog,

Ka\

(peiSuiXw

TO)

Kexp^otf-

EfwOw? yap
rj

v Taig eopTao'TiKaig toov ^jmepcov,

rj

^ltoovlov

Tpi^wviov ^ c^ecTTplSa

Tre/uLTreiv,
juloi

evayxog
veovpyelg

}LpovL(t)v
eTrejuLylye,

eva-TavTMV ^I(piKpaTlSag
tu)

ApojuLwvi

Sovg

KojJLi^eiv.

'0

^e
Ttjg

eiri

TavTaig

e^pevOvcTO,
e'yo)

koi

jULia-Oovg

SiaKoviag
irpoireTrj

OLTTiiTeL'

Se

SaKvo/uai,

Ka\

Trjv

yXcoTTav

SLa/ui,a<T(rM/uLai,

Kal oyjre Trjg pev/ma

ajuLapTiag aiarOai/ojuLai.
Tcov

''Otup

yap to
Trjg

Xoycov

JUL}]

KaOrjyovjULevrjg

Siavoiag

(t>epYiTai,

TOTE

(T(paXXe(rOaL

Tt]v

yXwTTav

avayKvj.

"^ppwcro.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

i8o

LVII.

Oenolalus to Poteriophlyarus.
Having
ridiculed
tutor.

taken

too
the

much
young
against

wine,

Zopyrus,
that

master's

From
to

time,

perhaps

from
he

listening

accusations
liberal,

us,

has been less

stingily.

and

treats us rather

On
but

feast

days he used to send

the
Sa-

me

a coat, or a cloak, or an upper gar;

ment

lately,

just

before

turnalia,

he sent

me

a pair of

new shoes
airs

by Dromio.
about
his
it,

The
;

latter

gave himself

and asked me to pay him

but
I

for

trouble

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 mistakes.

Farewell.

AAKI#P0N02 PHT0P02

LVIII.

'AX OK V
OvSev
pieiv
veig.

fA.

Li/

OS

^iXoyape\ai(fi.
crov,

irpoTLiJiw
cjulou,

kuu aTreiXrjg

\ln6u-

Kar

koi

kuttvi^s Sia^oXag ayevkoi

'A-TrXoiKog

yap

yewaiog 6 MaXtevg
rifjiag.

(TTpaTi(jOTi]g

/36(TKU)v

Ta

vvv

Se

TavTa

KOI

TOcrovTOV a7re\L tov ^rjXoTVTreiv

Trpcorjv

Tag eralpag, wg
iirl

Xoyov pvevrog

avTcp

TOV

(Tv/jLTTOcrioVy

TroXXr]v KaTex^e ^Xa(Tcl>Y}virofjievovTOdv.

jULiav

Twv Ta TOiavTa
yajixeTatg

"^Xeyev
irpeireLV

yap
Ka\
eivai

eTriKXr/poig

oiKovptag

TOV

orejuLvov

/Slov

Tag CTalpag
Traa-iv

Se

Seiv

iravTOdv avacpavSov, Kal

eKKelcOai

TOig ^ovXojuLepoig.

Ovirep ovv Tpoirov Tolg

(TKevecri

XovTpoig Kal TOig

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

threaten

in

the

least,

al-

though you
against me.

to

whisper

about

me, and patch up disgraceful accusations

For the Malian

soldier,

who

keeps
able

me

in food, is a simple

man.

and honourFar from being jealous in the

lately,

matter of women, only

when

his

tongue began to wag freely at table, he

heaped

abuse

upon

those

who
said

allow
that

themselves to be jealous.
the duty of married
after their

He

women was
affairs

to look

household

and to lead

a chaste Hfe;
to
for

but that courtesans ought

be looked upon as
all

common property who wanted them. Just as we

baths

and their appliances in common, even though they are supposed to belong to one person, so is it with
use
the

women who have

registered

themselves

82

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
tov ^lov.
crov

a'iroypa\lraiJi.evai9

^ISvo^

oivv

Ttj-

va\\(i09
TpejuLiJt)

Tr]v

Sia^oXriv

x^/'^^oycrai/,

ov

ivSaKcov

to x^^^o?, w?
fjLrj

ol tov criyrjXov

"H/aw 7rapi6vT?,
ov

kukov tl irpoarXa^dOfxar
etg

yap

ecTTi

twv ^Attikoov tovtoov

aXX'
avrip

tcov

Xavvwv

fieipaKLcop,
(h

oTrXo/xaxo? Kal

aprfCo^j Trap
efipei.

KoXaKcla Kai Sia/3o\r}9 Tpoirog

jur]

'AvayKrj Se tov

Sia^oXas

irpoa-ie-

jmevov T019 SiaPa\\ov(riv uirexOuvecrOai.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
courtesans.

182

Therefore, since

know

that

your accusations will be

not

fruitless, I do 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-

tremble

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.

83

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

LIX.
AllULeVTp09
Hap*
Xelov
eva tcov

*A/ULa<T7}T(0

tu

irivaKia

irapa to
oveipov^

'la/c-

TrpoTiOevTWv,

koi

Tovg

vttoeXOcoi/,
/me

KpivearOaL

ifTriarx^ov/uLevwv

/SovXojmai

Tag

Svo

ravrag
exovTa,

Spaxi^<^9,

a?

otcOa
Trjv

ev

yepolv
oyfriv

KarapaXoov,

(pavetarav

JULOL

Kara
Kai

Toug
irpog

inrvovg

SirjyriaraarOai.

Ov

xeipov Be

ce

cb?

(piXov
irepa

ava-

OecrOai
TrlcTTewg

to

Kaivov

tovto
'^Sokovp

Kai

Trao**/?

(pauiiia.

yap Kar

ovap

evirpeirhg

elvai

i/eavia-Kog,

Kai

ovx o tvxwv,
6
TrepiyjrvKTois

aXX'
Kcu

KLV09

(ehai)

6
6

'IXtet'?

7r6pLKaX\i<TT09,

Tov Tpcoog Trah Taexeiv Kai crvpiyya,

WjUL^Srig'

Kai KaXavpoira

KOI Tidpa ^pvyio) crTe(f)eiv Tt]v Kecj)aXr]Vj iroijmaiveiv 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.
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
I

to

me

in

my

sleep,

to see

if

he can ex-

plain

to

it. But it will not be out of place 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 Suddenly, flock of sheep on Mount Ida. a large eagle, with crooked talons and bent beak, and a savage look, flew
;

84

AAKI^PONOE PHTOPOS
(TTO/uLa,

TO

Kov<p[cravTa

/me

toi^

ovv^iv,
eig

a^'

ovirep

CKaOrjjULrjv

Trerpov jULeTecopl^eiv

tov

aepa,

Kat

TreXa^eiv

Toh

ovpavloig

TOTTOig
yp-aveiv

7reiyojULvov'

elra
oX<s

/uLeWovra

Tore

Tcov TTvXwv,

at 'Qpat
koi

i(pcrTa(Ti,

Kepavvw

PXtjOevra
SioireTrj

irecre'lv'

tov opviv ovkcti

aeTov,

tov
Se,
eliju,

tov jxeyav
oScoSoTa,

etvai

yvira
o?

iriKpov

e/me

Se

tovtov,
ea-OtjTog,

KijJLevTepov,

yvfJLVov

iracrrj^

ola

Trpo<s

XovTpov

rj

TToXaia-Tpav
odv,
009

ijvTpeTrio'iuLevov.
e7r\

'E^tttco-

TapaxOeig
/iiaTi,

eiKO^,

toctovtw

i^rjyeipojULrjv,
bxjrecog

Kot

irpo<s

to irapaSo^ov
oXov
<pepei

T^9

ayoDviu),

koi

SeojuLat,

TO ovap,
Twv,
ei

/uLaOeiv

irapa toov TOiavTa uKpi/SovveiSevai,

fieWoi T19 cnrXavcog

koi eiSwg

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
towards me,
lifted

184

me up
I

in

his

claws
sitting,

from the rock on which

to

was

and flew away with me into the air up heaven when I was close to the by the Hours, I fell, gates, guarded smitten by a thunderbolt and methought the bird was no longer the mighty eagle,
:

swooping down from the clouds, but a

vulture,

stinking

foully,
I
I

and

was the

same Limenterus as any clothes on, as if

ready
ground.
for

am
or

now, without
the
wrestling-

had been getting

the

bath

Greatly shaken, as was natural,

a
fall,

by

such

awoke.

am

still

troubled

by
in

the

strange

vision,

and
is

want

to find out from those

who
what

are ex-

perienced

such

things
if is

the

meaning of my dream, knows for certain, and

anyone

really
tell

willing to

me

the truth.

24

85

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

LX.
XacrKo/BovKfjg *Y irvoTpaire^w.

OvK en

ela-fjXOov
Trjv

i<i

ttjv

l^opivQov eyvcov
tcov
eKeia-e

yap

Ppaxei
kol

/SSeXvplav
TremjTcov

irXova'mv

rrju

tcop

aOXioTtjTa.

'Qg yap eXovcraPTO oi ttoWoI, Kal /mearovaa

^jULepa
rjv,

aTcojuLvXovg

eOeaarafjLrjv

Kal

ev<j)veig

veavl(TKOv<i,

ov Trepl rag oiKtag,

eiXovjuievovg,

aXXa

Trepl

to

l^pdveiov

Kai

ou juLaXiarra eOog

Taig
avaeTri-

apTOTTCJoXiart

Kai

oirwpoKairrjXoig
ei*?

aTpe(piv.

^^vravOoi yap

TovSa^og

KvirrovTe^j 6 jmev <pXoiovg OepjuLcov avupeiro, 6

Se

eXvTpa
ri

tcov

Kapvwv

eTroXvirpayjULOvei,
OLTTOjULelvav

/mrj

TTOv

Twp

eScoSljULiJOV

SieXaOep,
ariSia

Se Tcov

poicov

ra

irepLKapiria,

rifuv

Tolg ^ArriKOig irpocrayopeveiv eOog, aireyXucpe

T0?9 ovv^LV,
SvvijOeltj'

el,

TTOV Ti

Twv KOKKWv eTTiSpa^acrOai

01

Se Ka\

ra

ck tcov

aprwv

airo'

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

185

LX.
Chascobuces to Hypnotrapezus.
I

HAVE not been

its

to

Corinth

again

for I

soon discovered the disgusting manrich

ners of
poor.

men, and the misery of

its

them had been to the bath, when it was midday, I saw some talkative and comely young men,
After most of

who

were

sauntering,

not

round

the

houses, but in the neighbourhood of the

Craneium, where the bakers' and

erers'

fruit-

shops are.

With

their

eyes

bent

pods,

upon the ground, one picked up beananother carefully examined nutshells, to see if any of the kernel had
been
left

in

them
off

accidentally,

while

another peeled
granate-skins
Sidia), to

with his nails pome-

(which
if

we Athenians
while
others

call

see

he could lay hands on

picked

any of the seeds;

up pieces of bread, which had

fallen

on

24

86

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
TT/oo?

TTLTTTOVTa

TToWoov

r/Sf]

TTeTTaTtj/Jieva

avoXiyovTe<s,
TLekoTTOvvria-ov
\dcr(ratv ev
iSeiv,

eKaiTTOv.

HoiavTa
koi
rj

ra
Svotv

t^?
Oa-

TrpOTrvXaia'
Keijjievri

/JLecrcp

TToXt? xapUcrara luev

Tpv(pr]jULaT(jov,

Kai
Se

ayu^fXa0a)9

exovcra

Tovg

oiK^Topa^

a\apla-Tov^
kqitol

kou

aveirarrjv

(ppoStTOv^

KeKTrj/iiepri'

ye

^acrl

^A<ppo6iTr]v K TLvOi'ipcov avaarxovcrav Ttjv aKpo-

KOpivOov
yvvaloi's

aarTraaracrOai'

el

/mr]

apa TOig

/uev

^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.

is

Such

the

entrance to

Peloponnesus.
the two seas
is

The
cer-

city

lying between

tainly agreeable to look at

and abundantly
but
its

furnished with

luxuries,

inhabit;

ants are disagreeable and unamiable

yet they say that Venus,

and
rose

when she
is

from the sea near Cythera, saluted the

citadel of Corinth.

Perhaps Venus
of

the

protecting

goddess
is

the

women

only,

and Famine men.

the tutelary god of the

8;

AAKIi'PONOS PHT0P02

LXI.

Y S p OCT ^ p avTt]

Mep((5a.
pu/uL-

'Hpa/cXef?, oara vTrearTrjv TT/oay/xara,

/uLttTi

KOI VLTpcp
fiioL

^oXacrrpaLM

x^'-t'-^^^ ^co/ulou
oltto-

Tou

TrepiXvOevTog rrjv yXicrxpoTtira

KaOalpcov.
o(Tov

Kaf ovx
irap*

ovtoo /me eSaKcv

vTrojUievetv.

rj

v^pig,
/mev

TO
^

a^iav

'Eyo)

yap

AvOe/ULiwvog viog

rod TrXovcncoTaTov
rrjg

tcov
e/c

^AOtjvrjcrt,

KOI

^A^ioOeag
opjuLwjuevrjg-

Kara yeVo?
Se

Mey aAcXeof?
pya^6jULvog,

ravO^

rjimag

Trarpos

/J^ev

acnj/uiov,
rj

/ULrjTpog

Se
ev

pap^apov,
veojULtjvla
pljULCtyv

^KvdlSog

ol/mai
ourot)

KoXx^^o?
juloi

icovrjfjieptig,

yap

tcov

yvit)-

Tiveg

Sirjy^aravTO.
(rxyilJ^o.TL

'AXX' eyo)

jmeu

ev

Taireipw
ovaiav,

tw

Ttjv

iraTpwav airo/SaXaJv
Tt]v

ayairu)

tu

yacTTpi

avayKalav
Se,

TrXtjcr/jLovtjv

eKiropi^wv.

Ao(naSrjg

Oeoi,

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

187

LXI.

Hydrosphrantes to Meridas.

O Hercules, what a job I have had wash off the sticky soup, which was thrown over me yesterday, with soap and It was not so much Chalastraean nitre the insult itself that annoyed me as that I am the son of Anit was undignified.
to
!

themion,

one

of

the

richest
is

men

in

Athens;

my

mother Axiothea
;

descended

from Megacles

while the father of the

man who
low
fellow,

treated

me

like

this

is

some

and
fair

his

mother a barbarian,
least,

a Scythian or Colchian slave, bought at

the monthly
:

at

some of
so.

my
And

acquaintances

have
lost

told
all

me

now

I,

having
left

the fortune that

my

father
if I

me, in humble guise

am

content

can procure enough to satisfy

the cravings of
time,

my
!

belly.

In the mean-

ye gods

Dosiades harangues the

AAKI^PONOS PHT(
Tt]P

HvvKa

KaToXa/ULpavei Srj/mtjyopwv, koI

SiKu^ova-i,

roh

ev

HXia/a KarapLOfxeiTaL
exL

koi rag

ijviag

tov

Sy/mov,

tto/o'

M.iXTiaSt]g

eSeSero, 6

to

ev

MapaOcoui rpOTrmov eyetpag,

6
SiKaiog

Kai

ApicrreiStjg
julc

e^wa-TpaKi^ero.
roig

AvTrei

Se

ovx VKiara

tt/do?

aXXoig

Km

tj

Ttjg Trpoartjyopla^ a7ro/3oX>i-

ol jmev

yap
rj

Trare/oe?

HoXv^iov
a/uLelyl^acra

juce

eOevro

KaXeia-Qaf

Tvxv

^e

Tovpojuia

'YSpo(r<j)pavTrjv

TTpog Tcov
ecrOat.

6iJ.0TXvwv r]vayKa(r Trpoarayopev-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
people

i88

from
of the

the

Pnyx,

is

one

of

the

judges
people,

Heliaea,

and guides that

Miltiades,
in

who

imprisoned

whose honour the trophy at Marathon was set up, and ostracised Aristides the But what most grieves me is the Just.
loss of

my name

my

parents called

me
it,

Polybius;

but Fortune

has

changed

and forced me
fession.
^

to take the

name

of

Hypro-

drosphrantes^ amongst those of

my

Water-smeller.

89

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

LXII.
Xi^poXeTTfo-o?
K.a7rvpocr(f>pdvTi].

^HiriarTacro Tr]v airlav,

e(j>

ij

fue

SieciXtj

Xaivov at yvvatKcgSovXij eXoiSoprjcraTO

pyjOeirjg,

TcXevraiov Se ^ ypavg
jULOi,

ciTrova-a,

aXX' ckko^varrrjpiov

OTL OLKaipoi el Kai XaXo^.

ev avTai<i <TTp<j>eTaL
(TLvlaiv

ralv
Koi.

Oeaiv toIv 'EXef-

a(T(paX(TTepov,
rj

^oiiXovrai

^fxag

ayvoelv rovg elSorag,

ov7r<a
Koi.

Kai oiovTai aKrjKooTag

Se

TreTreicrOai.

'Eyw

olSa to

Spajma,

ocrov ovK etV fiaKpav Karepco

tw

SeciroTH'
tcov
kuvcov

ov
di

yap

PovXo/iiai

xeipcov

(pavfjvai

Twv TpecpovTWV TTpoVXaKTOvarL

rrjv

koi Kr'iSovTai.

Motxo? iroXiopKel
vlcTKo^,

oiKiav 6 'HXeFo? vea/Saa-Kavcov

et?

Ttoi/

^0Xv/ii'7rta(TL

koi

irapa tovtov ypajmjuLaTiSia

ocnj/mepai

^olto.

SlOvpa
rj/jLOL^y

irpog

rrjv

yafxerr^v

tov

TpetfiovTO^

Kai

aT<l)avoi

^/ULiiiiapaPToi

Kai

HJLtjXa

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

189

LXII.
Chidrolepisus to Capyrosphrantes.

You know
jeered at me.

the reason

why

the

women

me,

telling

An old me to go

slave lately abused to the devil for a

is

troublesome chatterbox. There

a secret
care-

amongst them which they keep more

fully

than the Eleusinian mysteries, and

it

they try to conceal

all

from

us,

who know

about

it,

or else think that, although

we have heard of it, we do not believe But I know what is going on, and I it.
intend
I

presently to

tell

my

master

for

do not want to show myself

less grate-

ful

than the dogs, which bark in defence

of those

who

feed
is

and take care of them.

An

adulterer

laying siege to the house-

hold

young man from EHs, one of the he sends neatlyOlympian fascinators folded notes every day to our master's wife, together with faded bouquets and
;

90

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
Ac
^e aXacrro/oe? avrai Oepa-

uTToSeSijyiuLeva.

iraivlSes (rvvi(ra<n,

Koi

rj

eTriKijSeio^ ypav<;,
rrjv oiKiav

y]v

"Yijuirovorav diravreii ol

Kara

KoXeiv

elwOacriv, ck

tov iruvra

iroLelv kol ^la^efrOai.

Eyo) ^e ovK ecO^

otto)? criy^arojULai,

BovXojULai
(plXov eiriTi/xw-

yap

cjiiavTOV ov TrapacriTOv,

aXXa

Sei^ai'
/ota?.

KOI aXXo)?

^i/rco Trjg

Kar avTCOv
etV

OtSa yap,
at
Se
/mev

olSa,

ei

ravTa

(pavepov 6

axOelrj,

OepaTraiviSe^

SeSr/arovrai,
Ttjv

IU01X09

airoiXeiTaL
tj

pa^avoig

eSpav

/Se^ucriuiivog,

/miapa Se yvvrj rlcrei Trjv a^lav

Slktiv,

T^9 OLKoXacrlag

/mr]

HoXvaypov tov
AvotikX^^'
rii

KvpTOv KaKWTepo<s
eKivo^

ecTTi

Ta Toiavra

yap Xvrpa irapa rwv

irpaTTO/JLevog

jholxImv eirl

ya/ULeT^
r](pLL.

aOcoovg

T^g

Ti/mcopLag

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
half-eaten
apples.

190

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
to

hold

my
I

tongue no longer;
friend,

want

show myself a
besides,

not

parasite

thirst to
I

have

my

revenge upon
if

them.

For

am
light,

certain,

this

affair

be brought to

the servants will be

put in the stocks, and the adulterer will

be put to death, with a radish stuffed up

his
shall

backside.

And

the

abandoned wife

pay the just penalty of her wantonunless

ness,

Lysicles

is

more stupid

in

such matters than the hunchback Polyagrus, who,

in
after

exacting compensation

money from

his wife's lovers, let

them

go without further punishment.

191

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

LXIII.
^i\o/ULayipo9
Ola SovXevovrai
exOpai
XaiKa<TTpiai.
koi

HivaKOCTTToyya).
koi SiavoouvTai al Oeolg

Avrai
oiSe

t?J

KeKTrj/uLevn

crv/uiTrpaTTOvcrL'

tovtcop

ovSev

^aiSplag.

M.rjvl

TrejULTrro)

fxeTa rovg ydfAOvg

TTOKv avT(p TO yvvaiov iraiSlov af>pev' tovto

jnera tcop a-irapyavodv,
pla-fJLaTa
irepiSeia-ai,
KOjUil^etv

depaia Tiva kol yi/weScoKav

eirl
^

A(T(f>a\[(jopi

tu
rrjg

(Tvpyaa-TOpL

rag aKpcopelag
Teoo^
7r/0O9

HapvijOo^.
Kpvirreiv
a-iycoriv'

HjULoig

Se

[xev

avdyKrj

to
criyt]

kqkov,
Se

koi

to

irapov
Tpo(pi].

ecTTt

tov

Ovjulov

^^TreiSap Se tl kolv
Koi.

^paxv

Xvir^a-ooan,

KoXaKa

irapaa-LTOv
etdoOacriv,

oveiSl^ovarai,

koi

Tag aWag,
e'larcTai

ag

v/3peig 7rnpepoucrai,

to

yey ovog

6 ^aiSplag,

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

191

LXIII.

Philomageirus to Pinacospongus.

What
with

tricks

these
!

accursed

harlots

are always devising

They

are in league

my

mistress,
is

and Phaedrias knows

going on.
Five months
a child
his

nothing of what

after marriage, the

woman had
in

a boy; they wrapped him

swad-

dling-clothes, fastened a necklace

and some

tokens, by which he might be afterwards

recognised, round his neck,

to

and gave him

Asphalion,

one of the labourers, to

carry to the

and leave

summit of Mount Parnes, him there. In the meanwhile,

I

we were
secret,

obliged to keep the cruel deed a

and
is

would keep
food
of
little,

silence

now, but
If

silence

the

anger.

they

annoy me ever so for a flatterer and

the
shall

reproaching

me

parasite,

and heaping
Phaedrias

usual

insults

upon
of

me,

be

informed

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

1^

TpOTTOV TOP vlov

Tpe\}re'

^iXoOTO^OV

(ftOLTOV

eiTE-

rov avcTTrjpov irpecr^vTriv Koi

a.'TravTcov

a/meiSfj

TOP K T^g HoiKiXijg e^

aro^wv
KaOrjyelcrOaL
cog

twv

fpiXo-

tov
ttq/o'

TraiSog

a^tcorepou

^yrjcra/uLevog,

dv

avT(p

\6ywv Tivag
ayKvXog
eg

(TKivSoXjULOvg
Trjv

eK/ULaOcov,

epicFTiKog koi

yXwa-Q-av

yevrjrai.

'0

Se

Traig

to
ov

oLKpiPea-raTOv e^ejua^aTO top SiSdcTKaXov'

irpoTepov
Kat

yap Xoywi/ ylveaOai

Kal
Trjg

jmaOtjT^g,

aXXa

TOV ^lou

aywyrjg

ecrirovSaae.

Qeacra/uievog
(Te/ULPOP

yap top
(rKvOpoDTTOP

SiSa<TKa\op
Kai

t^
peoig

^/mepa
eiri-

Kai

Toig

Ti/ULOopTa,

PVKTCop

Se

irepLKoKviTTOPTa
irepi

t^p

KecpaXrjp

Tpi^copLM
^r]Xo)(Tep
eig

Kal
ep

x^M''^'^*'?
Kal
ire/ui'TrTijp

eiXovjULepop,

KaXw'

TavTf]P

^/ULcpap

epcoTa

^AKoXapQlSog

Trjg

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

192

LXIV.
TURDOSYNAGUS TO EPHALLOCYTHRAS.
Crito has been so
philosopher's school
that austere
foolish

and such a

dotard as to allow his son to go to a

;

he has sent him to

Stoic,

and gloomy old

fittest

whom
art of

he thinks the
that

instructor for the youth,

he

may

learn from

him the

splitting straws,

and turn out disputatious

and double-tongued. The lad has copied he has paid his instructor most faithfully 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 lecturing 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 in

four

days he has

been

madly

love

with
is

Acalanthis of the Ceramicus.

She

25

193

AAKI^PONOX PHT0P02
AvojuloiJcrOi]-

K K.paiuLtKov KaTo\i(rO}]cra9 (pXeyerat.

ri ^e

eirieiKM^ e^eL

irpo^
Se

ijue,

koi

epav

Xoyer
fjiivri

tm

juLeipaKicp

iiravaTeiverai

TToOo) TV<l>6jULV0V, Ktti ov TTpoTCpov, ^r]crh,

eavTrjv,
ifxe

eTTiSuxrei

irpiv

av

eyo)

tovto

eiri-

TpeyJrcD'

yap

Kvptov

tov tu

roiavra

TTpocTTaTTeiv eiroLYicraTO.
Soir]9,

IloXXa kol ayaOa

^A(f)poSLTri

iravSrjiiie,

th

(piXraTi]

yv-

vaiKL'

CTalpov yap, ovx eralpa^ epyov Sieirpd-

^aro.

'E^

eKCLPOv

yap

OepaTrevoimai
kqI

Xnrapw^
tjv

aWoT
peva-eiev

aX\ai9

Soi)po<popLaig'

fxoi

tov xpovov irpoXovTog

jue,

SayJ/^iXearTcpop,

ovSep KcoXvG-ei

tovtov yajULOvvTog
crxvjui.aTi

eirUXri'A/ca-

pov yvvaiKa,

ev yajULerrjg

rrjv

XavOlSa Xvcrafxevov avaXa^eiv.

^ijv

'H yap tov

aiTia Koivcovog tov ^^v SiKalayg av KaTa-

(TTalr}.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
friend of mine,

193

and professes to love me

is

she knows that the youth

desire, but refuses to

mad
enjoy

with
her
it,

yield

to

him, and

declares

that
until

he
I

shall

not

favours
for

give

my

consent
to

to

she

has

left

the

decision

me.

Venus, goddess of sensual love, bestow

every blessing upon this excellent

woman
I

she has behaved more like a friend than

a
prostitute
!

Since

that

time

have
if

been loaded with handsome presents;

they pour in upon
dantly,

me

even more abun-

as

time goes on,

nothing

shall

prevent

me

from ransoming her from her

master and making her

For she to

whom

every right to share

my lawful wife. owe my support has my comforts.

252

194

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

LXV.
M.iar

6yv

(p

o^

'Y
rj

y o juLaxVpavg,
r]

Meya tovto ayadov

eiri

e^ ^larrplag
eig

TOv xwixarog

opjuLcocra,

'AOT^vag
ejj.iropov,

rjice,

(pepovcra

tov OavjuiacrTOv tovtov

^

o<5

Toug irXoucriovg Tovg

Scopovg,
KijuL^iKag

KOyivhctl

kol

yueyaXocnrefjiYivev,

koI jmiKpoTrpeTreig

ovTO) KexvjuLevwg irpog Tag Socreig Kexp^Tai tu>

PaXavTLU).

Ou yap
^juag

va irapaa-iTOv e^ acrTeog,
juLeTaTrejuLyJ/ag,

aWa
rijiiag

iravrag
jnovov,

Kai

ovx

aWa

Kai

twv

eTaipcov Tag ttoXv-

TeXecTTepag,
ovcrag, Kai

Kai jmovarovpycov Tag KaX\icrTveir]

crKrjvrjg

Tovg
ov

aira^aifkodg elireiv
ova-lav,

diravTag,

Trjv

iraTpwav

Ta

Se k

SiKalcov avTO. Tropi^ojueva cnraOa, Kai

\l/^aW6-

Hievog Ka\ KaTavXovjuLevog ijSeTai, Kai Trjv Sia-

Tpi^h^

TTOieiTai

x^P^'^^^
ovSev.

'^^^

AippoSiTtjg
Se Ka\

ye/ULOva-av,

koi

v/3pi^i

"E(7Tf

o^Ofjvai KexapiorjuevcoTaTog, Kai

to

irpoo'coTrov
ex^i,

avTov

Tag

lopag

avTag

evopxov/mevag

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

194

LXV.
MiSOGNIPHUS TO RhIGOMACHUS.

The
chored

vessel from
off

Istria,

which
brought

is

an-

the

pier,

has

great
is

good

luck.

One

of

its

passengers

the

wonderful merchant, whose lavish open-

makes the wealthiest and most generous of our citizens seem mean and niggardly by comparison. He has invited not one parasite only from the
handedness
city,

but

all

of us, as well as the

most
in

expensive courtesans,
singing-girls,
in
is

the most beautiful

all

fact,

who perform

public.

He

not squandering his patrithe

mony, but

all

money he spends has

been honestly earned by himself.

very agreeable to
to anybody.
at
;

He

is

fond of music, makes his stay in the city

all,

and

is

never rude

He

is

very pleasant to look

his face

was the dancing-ground of the Hours, and that

you would say that

195

AAKI^PONOZ PHT0P02

KOI Tf]v TreiOo) Tip (TTO/uLaTL 7riKa6fj<rOaL e'nroi^

av.

Ylpoa-irala-ai

re yXacpvpog Kai XaXfjcraL

ol

<TT(iOjULvXo9.

OvvKa

yXvKV M.ov(ra
elirelv

Kara

(TTOixaro^ X^e veKrap'

yap

ov x^^P^^

Kara roug
op/ULWjUievov,

iraiSela

(rxoXa^ovrag e^ ^AOrjvwv

ev alg ovSe

eh tovtcov ayeuo-Tog

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
Persuasion was seated on his
lips.

195

His

wit is refined, his conversation agreeable. " The Muse has poured sweet nectar over
his lips,"
it

in

the words of the poet;

for

does not seem inappropriate for a naof

tive

Athens to use the language of

received a liberal educaall

those
tion

who have
is

which

the case with

of us.

[96

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02

LXVI.

Mox
leaaco 'E^e

V'
/me

oia

eipyacraTO o Karaparog

ovTO(i Kovpev<s,

6 Trpog th oSw,

Xeyw

Se

rw
k6-

aSoXea-xov
TiQefj-evov

Km

XaXov, tov ^^pevTrjcTLOv irpo-

earoTTTpa,

tov

rou<!

x^^/oor/^ei?

paKag TLOaararevovTa, tov Taig

^aXio'iuLOV

/maxotipio-L KVfx-

evpvOjixov

avaKpovovTa.
Ttjv

Q? yap
fiouXov\frr]Xou
'

a^iKOjmrjv
jmevog,

^vpielorOai

yeveiaSa
e(j>

acr/mevoog

T6 eSe^aTO, koi
crivSova

Opovov

KaOlarag,

Kaivtjv

TrepiOeig,

irpaw<i u jULuXa KaTe(j)epe

julol

toov yvaOcov

to

ivpov,

airoyfriXwv
ev

to

TrvKvco/ULa

twv Tpixwv.
j]v

'AXX'
CKaiog'
Kal ov
(pO^vat

avTcp

TOVTM

iravovpyo<i

Kai

eXaOe yap tovto Trapa /mepog

tfoicov,

KQTa
juioi

Tracrrig Trjg

yvaOov,

cocttc vTroXei-

TToXXaxov

/mev Sacretav,

iroXXaxov
ovk eiSm

Se Xeiav Trjv criayova.

Tr]v

Kayo)

/mev

iravovpylav,
eig

{pxo/mrjv

/cara

to

eicoOog
Se,
o)?

aKXrjTog

llacrlcovog,

ol

(jvixiroTai

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

196

LXVI.

Gamochaeron to Phagodaetes.
who me I mean that chattering gossip, who offers his mirrors for sale at Brentesium, who tames
that accursed barber
;

You saw how

lives

by the roadside treated

jackdaws, and plays a kind of tune with

his razors.

When
sit

shaved,

he

went to him to get received me most politely,

I

made me

down

in

a high chair, and

put a clean cloth round

my

neck

then

he gently drew the razor over

my

cheeks,

and took
doing
chievous,

off

my

thick

hairs.

But,

in

this,

he

was

cunning

and

mis-

for

he only half shaved

me,

and
the

left

one part of

my

face rough, while

I,

other

was

smooth.

knowing

nothing of the trick he had played me, went as usual to Pasion's house, without waiting
guests
to

be

invited.

When
killed

the

saw me, they nearly

them-

197

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
e^eOavov
oToo

elSov,
/UL ((>

tw

yeXoori,

ecog

ayvoovvra
etg

yeXwcriv,

eh

Tf?

/meaovg
eiri-

TrapeXOwv,
Xa^ojULCvog

twv airoKei^OeLawv Tpix^v

etX/cyo-ei/.

'E/cetVa?

jmev

ovv irepieroiniog

iraOwg
Se
eijuLi

KoirlSa

\a/3m

aire^pl^oocra,

^vXov

ev/uieyeOes aveXofxevog

Kara tov

PpeyixaTO^ irara^ai top aXiTrjptov.

ol

*A yap
Tpecpoov

Tpe^ovTcg

Trai^ovcn,

Taura

/mrj

eToXjj.Yja-e.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
selves with laughing.
I

197

could not

make
the

out what had

excited their mirth, until

one

of

them

came forward

into

middle of the room and caught hold of

and pulled
left.

at the hairs

which had been

took a knife, and, feeling greatly

;

annoyed, uprooted them somehow

now

intend to look for a big stick

and 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
KaWiTTtjxvv,

iSwv
Koi

Kavri<j)opov(Tav,

irapOevov

evSaKTvXov,
aa-TpaiTTOVcrav,

Taig

^oXaig
Kai

Twv

6<j>0a\iULU)v

eu/uiriKr]

euxpovv,
e^cKavOrjv

^9

at

Trapetai

/uLap/uLalpoucriv,
/ul

ovtw<;

eig

epwra,

co<tt

eTTiXaOojUievou
Kvcrai

OLO^

eijULi,

irpoo'Spa/uiovTa

eOeXeiv

to

(TTOjuLa'

eTTetra iwl (rvvvola^ yevo/iievov, irposto.

Ttjg
r)

^vvTa ^ovXeaOai
(piXeip.

tolv ttoSoiv
ayepcoxicL^,
Kua/ULCOV
t]

'ix^>j

Kara/xi;

Aa

ou

vvv

eyue

ewiOvjULeip

6ep/uL0)v,

aOapag, aX\'
epav,

OVTC09

vTrepjULa^av,
/ze
rj

kol

tmv avecpLKTWv
eig

KaTaXev<raT
Oovre^,
yevearOco
7rp]v
julol

Travreg

TavTOV avveX'
ttoOol^,

ppiOfjvm

toi^

kqi
XiOi-

rvjuL^og

epooTiKog

tcov

Slcov koXwv6<;.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

198

LXVII.
DiPSOPHAPAUSILYPUS TO PlACYNTOMION.

When
who
like

first

saw Neuris, the maiden

carried the basket, with her beautiful

fingers, her eyes flashing glances

arms and

lightning,

her

charming
with
I

figure

and
that,

complexion,
I

and
I

her

glistening

cheeks,

was so

inflamed

passion

forgetting

who
I

was,

ran

up
I

and

attempted to kiss her; then, when

to

came

my

senses,

was ready
marks
of

to follow her

and
that

kiss

the

her
!

footsteps.

Alas, alas, for

I

my

insolent folly

to think

could not be content with lupins,

beans,

and

pulse,

with high

feeding,

but, grown wanton must needs long for

what was beyond my reach. Assemble, all of you, and stone me to death, before and let I am consumed by my desires,

me

have, as a lover's tomb, a

mound

of

pebbles.

199

AAKI#P0N02 PHTOPOS

LXVIII.
HSvSeilTPOg
Oeoi
jULaKape^,

^ApKTTOKOpaKl.
e'lrjTe.

IXyKOire kg] evfxevelg

toov

Otov

a7r6<j>vyov

klvSvvov,

Tpia-Karapdrcov

epavia-Twv Xe^rjra /moi ^eovra vSarog eTrix^ai

^ov\i]OevT(iov.
aireirriSrida'

^ISm yap iro^pwOev

ol Se

evrpeireig

airpo^ovXevTa)^

e^ex^op,

Km TO
ovvTL

Oep/ULOV eirifipvev

BaOJXo) rw
Ttjg

oivoxoK(pa\fjg

TraiSi

^iXov eipyaoraro'
to
Sepjua,

yap

airecTvpe

koi <p\vKTaivag eirijjlol

vwTiovg

^r]vOr](r.

Tig
furi

apa

Siafxovoov eiri-

Kovpog eyevero

irore ol crwT^peg avaKreg,

wg
Kat

^iiuLiovlSrjv

tov AecoTTpeirovg tov J^pavcovlov,

e^rjpTraarav
:

fJLe

Tcop

tov irvpog Kpovvwv

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

199

LXVIII.

Hedydeipnus to Aristocorax.

O
pitious

BLESSED gods, be kind and pro!

What

a danger did

escape,

when

those thrice-accursed clubmen tried

kettle

to throw a

of boiling water over

when

saw what they were ready to do was a long way off, and jumped out of the way. They poured at random, and the boiling contents, falling over
!

me

Bathylus, the lad

wine,

who was handing

flayed
;

the

completely
off his

has peeled

him the skin head, and his back is

covered with

blisters.

Who
who
fire,

then of the
?

gods was

it

that protected

me

the Saviour princes,

preserved
as
in

Was it me
time

from

the

streams

of

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
Trjg yajuLCTtig

tw

TLaiaviei Trjp

aa-eXyetav koi

09,

Seop ^aaravLcaL
opKco

Siepevvav re
TToiv,

to

irpayjuLa

ttoikIXoo?,
^

to
ovv

6
r]

x/o^^oi/S',

'7rTp\[rv.

Ay ayovcTa

avTOV
(Tivi

yvvt] eig

to l^aXXlxopov to
koi

ev 'EXey-

(ppeap,

aTTW/xocraro,

(nreXvaraTO Tr]v
ireireiarTaL,
Trjv

aiTiav.

Kaf

o /mev

a/uajyeirr]

koi

Tr]v viroyl/lav

aire^aXev iyoo Se
ocrTpaKM
ei/ixi

<pXvapov
toI^

yXfjdTTav

air OTjuipeiv

TeveSlu)

povXojuLVOig eTOifJLog

irapexeiv.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

200

LXIX.
Trichinosarax to Glossotrapezus.
I

HAVE

informed

Mnesilochus
;

of

Paeania of his wife's wantonness

he,

and
in

when he ought
and
left

to

have thoroughly
the

sifted

investigated

matter

various ways, Hke the precious fool that

he

is,

it

to

his

wife's

oath.

The

woman
at

led

him

to the well of Callichorum

Eleusis, swore she

herself.

was innocent, and

or
all

cleared

He was somehow
I

other convinced, and has abandoned

suspicion;

and

who

pleases cut out

am ready to let anyone 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.
aarriKf}^

TToWa

e^exetTO
koi

eir

cjuloi

tco

yeXwTi,

arrcojuLvXlag
i'jrai'cov.

^evrj^

rj

Kara Tovg
wy/^iyi/,

XW/OiVa?
el
eig

Tovtov iSwv epfxaiov

'TTpayjuLaTWP

TU)P

KttT

acTTv

ci'TraXXayeh,
.

TOP

aypov

^aSiolfjLrjv,

koi

a-vvecroliULijv

avSpl <pi\M, yecopyw airpayixovi kol epyarih

OVK K SlKaCTripLWV,

OvSe K TOV
iropovg,

(TcUlV

KQT
yfj-

ayopav aSUovg einvoovvTi

Oev
avajuLevovTi
rrjp

aWa

eiriKapirlav

exeiv.

KaJ

SrJTa
/mrjv

SiavorjOeig

TavO'

ovtco
Kai

Spav,

WKeiaxra-

TOV

Ko/3u^ft)i/a,

cTelXag

ijuavTov

aypoiKLKwg, puKog evayfraimevog, koi

^cov, avTOCTKaTrapevg cSokovp.

(r/ULivvrji/

Xa-

Ea)9

julcv

ovv ev
rjv,

TraiSiag

jmepei

ewpaTTOV TavTa,

olvcktov

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

201

LXX.
LiMUSTES TO ThRASOCYDOEMUS.
I

WAS

fairly

intimate
often

with used

Corydon
to

the

farmer,

who

laugh
city

heartily at

me, since he understood

wit better than country people usually do.

When

first

saw him,

thought

it

would
if I

be a regular piece of luck for me,

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
friends
like

determined to
with
took

do

this,

made

Corydon,

dressed

myself
in

countryman, clad myself

as a regular
ditcher.

a sheepskin,

up a mattock, and got myself up

As long as I did this for amusement, it was endurable, and I thought I had made a very good
26

202

AAKI^PONOS PHT0P02
(pojmrjVy

Kal /xeyaXa airoKepSalveiv

paTria-jixaTcov

v^pewv kou

koi

t^?

ttc/oI

tu

eSooSijuia

twv
8e

irXova-lwv avicroTrjTog aTnjWayjuLevo^'

eirel

TiJ9

KaOrj/uiipav

arvvrjOelag,

e^

eTriTayrj^
17

7rpaTTTo Tovpyov, Koi

rj

eSei TravTW?

apovv,

(peWea eKKaOaipeip,

rj

yvpovg

irepiarKaTTTeiv,

Kal

Toh ^oOpoig
Siarpi^r],
irpa^eco^y

/jL^vTViv,

ovK

avacT'

X^TOS V

aWd
Kai

juloi

yuere/xeXe

t^?

aXoyov
*EX0ft)/

rrjv

ttoXip

eiroOovv.
^^'^

ovv

eiri

fxriKio'TOV

XP^^^^>

^^'

op-olm
T(9
fJLV

ScKTO^y

ov8e

xapUi^

eSoKOVVf

aWa
ai

opeio^
oiKiai

KOI

Tpax^9

koI ainixv^,
Tracral
juoi

coarre

Twv

TrXovcrliJdv

Xonrop

aTreKCKXeivTO, 6 Se \i/ul6^ rijv yacrrepa eOvpoKoirei.

'Eyw
evSela?,

Se avo9 lov viro rfj^ tcop avay-

Kalwv
TTcpl

XiJCTTah

tktl

M.yapiK0i9,

oi

Ta^ XKipoopi6ag T019 6Soi7r6poi9 evcSpevCKOivwvricra-

ova-iv,

evOev 6 ^[09 fxoi

apyog i^
iroiwv

aSiKiag iropl^erai.
ri

Ef Se

\i](r(o

ravTa

fit],

aSriXov'
eiwOacri

SeSia Se rrjp /jLeraWayrjp

rod

plov
OVK
<t>eip.

yap
aXX'

at TOiavrai
eig a'TrcoXeiap

juLera^oXai

etV

TO

^fjp,

KaTacTTpe-

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
bargain, since
insults,
I

202

was

free

from blows and

but

and the unequal footing on which

stood with

my

wealthy patrons

when he made
ing

a daily practice of orderI

me

to

work, and

had

either

to

plough, clear the stony ground, dig holes,

or plant in the ditches, then this kind of
life

foolish act,

became unbearable; I repented of my and longed for the city again.

I

When

returned after

my

long absence,

did not meet with the

before; instead of being looked

wit, I

same reception as upon as a was considered rough and uncultifact,

vated, in

a regular boor.

All

the

houses of the wealthy were from that time

forth shut against me,
at the doors of
for the

and hunger knocked

my

belly.

Hard pressed
life, I

bare necessaries of

joined a
in wait

band of Megarian brigands, who

for

lie

travellers

near the
I

Scironian

rocks;

and since then

livelihood

have gained a dishonest

working.
I

without
I

do

not
;

know whether
but
I

shall

escape detection

am

alarmed about

my new
life

pro-

fession, for

such a change of

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,
/uli]

Xa^wv

KaO^ eavTOV, irpwra

7riTr]Seviv,

/mev

evovOerei

Toiavra
kireiTa

e^ mv v^pig to reXog'
cog

tou

(ppovrjjULaTog

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
CTX^I^OL

Tolg

eiTLOVCTL

TO TOV OtKGTOV
cKelvo

(IVoXaviro-

/36uTa,

TO

juLpog

tov opd/uLaTog

KpLvaaOai.
(pvcriv

'Eya?

Se

6\j/^e

tov

Kaipov

kul

Kai

eTTLTT^SevcTiv

/meTa^aXwv, SvcKoXog
iirel

Tig Kai SucrjULaOrig

CTepcog
/JieXeTtjv

e^aivo/uLrjv'

Se ovk

?i/

irpaTTeiv,
acTKriarei

to

Spa/ua

i^ejUiaOov,
ei/ui

Kai

puxrag,

CTOi/mog

tw

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON

203

LXXI.
Philoporus to Psichomachus.
Lexiphanes, the comic poet, seeing treated with drunken insults, took me

me

aside.

tinue

He first advised me not to conmy present manner of hfe, which

;

only ended in insult

tested

and then, having

got

my
me

abilities,

me

into

the

comedians' company, which he said would

enable
to earn

my

living.

He

ordered

up the part of a slave for the next Dionysia, at which I was to make my first appearance. As it was rather
to get
late in

me

Hfe for
I

me

to

change

my

nature

and

habits,
;

to teach

but,

seemed peevish and hard as I had no alternative, I

and,

learned
studied

my

part,

now
it,

that

have

and practised
friends

am

ready to

perform with

the rest of the

company.

You and your

must be ready to

204

AAKI^PONOS PHTOPOS
Xv
Se
rj/miv

XO/ow a-vvreXetih
Ocov cTr/crete

/mera

twu

crvvfj-

Tovg KpoTOV^, %a, kuv tl

jmh
r]

XaOcojULev

airo(T(f)a\evTes,

Xa^ij

x^P^^

"^^

aamKa
o
TOdv

IxeipaKLa
eiralvdov

kXco^civ

avpLTTeiv,

aXX'

Kporog

tov

Opovv twv

(TKoo/mjuLaTwv

irapaKixTH.

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
start

204

the applause,

so that,

if

should
the city

happen to young men may have no opportunity of

hooting
ping
of
or

make any

mistakes,

hissing me.
in

Let the

clap-

hands

applause

drown the

noise of the scoffers.

205

AAKIi'PONOE PHTOPOS

LXXII.
Iv ox^'-

P^^ 'Pa^ai/oxopracrw.
Ep/xa? irepiKoyjravTe^,

Oux
r]

ovTcog ol Tovg

TO.

rfjg

Oeov iv

^l^XevoriVL jULVCTTiipia

i^opxi'

erdjuLevoi)
ft)?

top
ef?

irepl

"^vxrj^

aywua
deoly

vireixeivav,

eyw,

x^^P^^

ejULTrecroov, cS

t??

jULiapw-

rarr]^

^avo/uLax^9.

'YtTrel

yap

eyvoo

top

cavrf}^ irpocTKelixevov rij

'IwviKiJ

TraiSla-Kr},

t^

Tag

(r<paLpag ava^pLirTOvan Kai

vTreTOirria^ev
efxe

ra? Xa/uLiraSag
irpo^evov
elvai

irepiSivovcru,
Trjg

KOLvcoplag,

Kal

Sia
1^^^

tow
^v

oiKeTcov

avapiraSrja-aa-a

G-acra,

TrapaxpW^^
elg

KvcoSoxtl
Se

KaTccrx^v,
eavTtjg

t^v

vcrTepaiav

irapu

tov

?ye iraTepa, tov (TKvQpwirov KXeatVeSrj

TOVy
SpLov,

o? Tavvv

TavTa
avTov

irpcoTevei

tov

crvve-

Kal

ig

"KpeLO<s
tlvol

Trayo?

airo^XeTTOvcTiv.

'AXX' oTav

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

fell

into

the clutches

of

that

When
is

Phanomache. she found out that her husband

accursed
to
at

woman

was devoted
clever

that Ionian wench,

who
and

tossing

up
the

balls

swinging
suspected
in

lamps round, she immediately

that
I

was

go-between
her
servants

the

connexion, ordered

to

seize

me,

and
the

clapped

me

into

the stocks.
before

The
father,

next day, she took

me

her

sulky Cleaenetus,

who

is

now

President of the Council, and

held in great respect by the

the Areopagus.

members

of

But when it is the will of the gods that anyone should escape, they can draw him up even from the

2o6
Opwv,

AAKI^PONOZ PHTOPOS
0)9 KcijuLe

Tov TpiKaprjvov

Kvvog, ov

(ftaa-iv

e^earravai Tatg

Taprapem^
to,
/car'

TruXai^, e^ripiraaav.

OvK

e^Otj

yap

e/xe

6 Seivog CKclvog
Kai ^iriaXw

irp(rPvTrjg

tu /3ov\u
eig rrjv

koivovjulcpo^,

arva-xcOeh,

ew

airiyjrv^e.
rrjv

Kat 6
twu

jmev

KTaSr}v Kelrai,

irpo^

K<j>opav

oikol

7rapa(rKua^oiuLVU)v'
re/i/a?],
jj

eyw

^e

[\l/-vTTa
'^ct^

Kara-

ttoSwv elx^v, (pxoju^W'

Ttjg

crcofo/xai

ovx vTfo TOV

'AtXoj/t/^o? Ma/a? iraiSo^

viro
tcov

yjrvxo.y(ay^OeL<s,

aXX'

iroSwv

kol

TOV

To\/uLr]/JLaT09y

Trjv

eXevOepav

iropla-ag

OLTpairov,

LETTERS OF ALCIPHRON
bottom of the
from
the
pit, just

206

as they saved

me

clutches

of

the

three-headed

dog, who, they say, keeps guard before

the entrance to the nether world.
before the terrible old

For,

man

could bring

my

case before the Council, he was at-

tacked by the hot ague, and died in the

morning.
death,

He now
his

lies

stretched out in
are

and

household

making

preparations for the funeral;

I

meanwhile,
could carry

ran off as fast as

I

my

feet

me.
so

owe my

safety

and freedom, not

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
tions of
to

give brief explana-

names or

allusions^

and do not deal with

matters of textual criticism.

BOOK
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. The cask of
the
fifty

the Danaides : These were 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
3 3

*'

useless labour."

Sea In

nettles

Fishes called
of

18

the

pool

by Eurynome :

this

name. There is

great doubt about the reading here. Eurynome is supposed to be either the name of a sea-nymph or a place.

208
Page
5

NOTES
Line

Aneisidora
first

Corn is said to have been : produced in Attica hence its inhabitants gave the earth the name of Aneisidora, *' producer of gifts."
;

II

Who hang
the

about the Painted Porch: i.e., The o-roa Stoic philosophers. ttolklXt] was one of the most remarkable of the 2Toat, or porticos of Athens it was so called from the variety of curious pictures it conHere it was that Zeno, the tained. founder of the Stoic school of philosophy, taught, and for that reason his followers were called Stoics.
;

i6

Aratus : He wrote two poems on astronomical subjects; he is supposed to Cicero have lived about b.c. 270
;

translated part Latin Verse.

7
15

of

his

poems

into

The Oschophoria and Lenaea : Two festivals in honour of Dionysus (Bacchus). The former was properly the name given to a day of the Athenian ^KLpa or ^KLpo(f>6pia, on festival which chosen boys, sons of citizens,
in

branches
of

carrying vineloaded with grapes, went in procession from the temple

dress,
(ocrxot)

women's

Bacchus

to that of 'Adrjva ^Kipds.

The Lenaea was

so called from Xrjvos, a wine-press. Dramatic contests, especially between the comic poets, took place on this occasion.

Aegina : A well-known island in the Saronic Gulf, which played an important part in the history of ancient Greece.

NOTES
Page
Line

209

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."

Salamis : b.c. 480, when Xerxes was defeated in a naval engagement by the Athenians under Themistocles.
Stiria
: One of the demes or townships into which Attica was divided.

10 10
11

4
14
8

Hermione
//ajr-w^^s of net,

:
;

In Argolis, in Peloponnesus.

A woman's head-dress made

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 mountain in Lydia, in Asia Minor, which was famous as being the haunt of
pirates.

15

After the fashion of Maiidrobtilus : That The following is, from bad to worse. is the explanation given of this proverbial expression Mandrobulus, having had the good luck to discover 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
15

12

Sphettus

Cholargus

Two

Attic

demes.
17

Dionysia

Festival of Bacchus.

Apaturia : A festival first instituted at Athens, so called from aTrar^, " deceit," because it celebrated the memory of a stratagem by which

27

210
Page Line

NOTES
Melanthius,
king of

came Xanthus, king

1 I

Athens, overof Boeotia.

Market-inspectors

: Clerks of the market, regulated the buying and selling, like the Roman aediles.

who
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."
Caphareits
:

18 19

A
.

promontory of Euboea.
.

Paralus

Salaminia

The two

Athenian galleys, reserved for

stateservices, religious missions, embassies,

the conveyance of public moneys and persons, and also frequently as admirals' galleys in sea-fights.

ig

16
17

Sunium

In Attica.

19

Geraestus : A harbour in Euboea.

and promontory

22

16

first

The Telchinians were the : 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."
Telchinian

23

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

Watcher : A man whose duty it was to help the fishermen by keeping a lookout and giving them notice of the approach of a shoal of fish.

NOTES
Page

211

29 29

Line Gulf of Calydon 5

Part of the Gulf of

Corinth.
7
Crataiis sey.

A reference to Homer's OdysWhen Ulysses learns from Circe

:
;

that he must lose six of his companions 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 further loss. 31

protect

him against

Wine from Chalyhon : Wine from a town in Syria, which was a favourite drink
of the kings of Persia.

35

13

plan worthy of Ulysses : A proverbial expression, signifying a very clever plan, Ulysses being considered a model of cunning.
couple of obols : An obol was worth about three halfpence.
:

36
38

19
7

Propontis

39

Colonus

The Sea of Marmora. One of the boroughs of Attica,

for the tomb of Oedipus, and immortalised by Sophocles, who was a native of it, in his tragedy of Oedipus

famous

at Colonus.

39

17

40

talents ? A talent was worth about ^250. For a month : The interest on borrowed money was paid monthly, and the

How many

day of
40
12

collecting of every moon.

it

was the

last

day

wolf : Wolves were such a pest to the country that a reward was publicly
offered for their destruction.
'L\iQr2l\y,^^i\iTTiedL

41

Completely ruined 7ne

me

upside down."

The

allusion

is

27

212
Page
Line

NOTES
to casks o wine which, having been drained of their contents, are turned upside down and used for sitting on.

42
42

6
17

Decrepit:

Literally,

"as old as three

crows."
Cecrops
:

The
:

Athens
43
3

hence used
:

oldest legendary king of for " an old

dotard."

So called from The Isthmian Games the Isthmus of Corinth, where they They were supwere celebrated. posed to have been instituted by Theseus, king of Attica, in honour of Neptune.
Olympian
in
:

44
44
50

Read " Isthmian."

:

13

Chremes Or Diphilus

Two

characters

Menander's plays.

17

The Festival of Ceres : The H aloa ( * A Awa) was a festival in honour of Demeter
(Ceres) as culture.

the

inventress

of

agri-

52

The Academy : A gymnasium in the suburbs of Athens, where Plato the philosopher taught hence his pupils were called Academics.
:

54

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
56

17

The Lyceum
/I

public wrestling-ground

in the eastern
5

suburbs of Athens.

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
Page Line

213

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
57

Myrrhinus

An

Attic

deme.

The silver mines : The mines of Laurium, in the neighbourhood of Attica, were famous.
Well, my friend: find similar suggestions in Lucian's Dialogues of Courtesans (xii.).

58

10

We

59

^^^

festival of

Adonis

Celebrated in

most of the cities of Greece in honour of Venus, and in memory of her beloved Adonis. See the account in
the Adoniazusae, the 15th Theointus.
65
15
Idyll

of

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 happiness and fortune beyond their deserts the idea implied by " fig; ;

" is that of weakness untrustworthiness but it is not easy to see the application here.

tree

wood

and

66

14

serious dispute : For a similar contest compare Athenaeus, Book xii.,

and the Amores

67 68
12

of Lucian.
it

Then
The

showed : Lit., but did not tremble, &c.

she

(fvy)))

4
12

Golden Alley : This topography occurs again in Book iii. letter 8.

:

68

Colyttus

An

Attic

deme.

214
Page
Line
16

NOTES
A
dice-box
:

68 68

Others
:

propose

K-qpiov^

" a 17

waxen image."
image

Coral

Some
as
it

(KopdWiov)

others interpret

take Corallium proper name as " counters."

;

BOOK
70
6

II

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 garrison established by Demetrius of Phalerum. He seized Cyprus, forced Cassander to raise the siege of Athens, defeated him at Thermopylae, 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 afterwards forced his way there, took possession of the city, defeated the Lacedaemonians, and ascended the Macedonian throne. He died in
B.C. 2og.

71
71

Gnathaena

contemporary and

rival

courtesan.
6

But

this does not grieve

me

ing

of
;

puted

passage others render

this

is

The meanmuch dis"

I

'qX.oyrjficvrjy

am

greatly perplexed."

NOTES
Page 73
Line 16

215

Who

behaved
v

like

foxes
S'

at

Ephesus

There was a Greek proverb,

AeovT?,
fJ-dxy

olkol fxkv

aAw7rKcs.

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
19

Taygetus

mountain

in Laconia.

74

Epicurus:

The founder of the Epicurean

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.
sect of philosophers,

74
75

13

His
In

doctrines about nature: So^ai, or special tenets.

his irony
:

His Kvpuau

reference to the Socra-

an ignorance purposely aifected to confound an opponent.

tic t/)wvia,

75

Pythocles

The favourite
was

Alcibiades
76
5

of Epicurus, as of Socrates.

Some Cappadocian
is

A reference to the : inelegance of Epicurus's style, which

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.
This A treus : The following is the comparison 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-

76

26

2l6
Page Line

NOTES
mitted adultery with Thyestes, who on that account was driven out of the

kingdom.
77

26

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.
79

The Eleiisinian goddesses and their mysteries : These mysteries were celebrated 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.
50, 17.

80

The Haloa

See note on

80

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 greatness of Alexandria by inaugurating its Hbrary and school.
13 18

80
80

Philemon

comic poet, contemporary

342-290)
:

of Menander.

Menander

(b.c.

He was
in the

drowned while bathing

har-

bour of Piraeus. He wrote more than 100 comedies; but was only crowned eight times, through the intrigues of his rival Philemon. Only a few fragments of his works remain, found in Athenaeus, Suidas, and

NOTES
Page
Line

217

Stobalus

he was the creator of what

was
80
81 21

called the

New Comedy.
was the
chief

My

Heliaea: The Heliaea law-court of Athens.

18

Thericlean drinking-cups : Broad drinking-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

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 vermilion - painted rope, with which loiterers were driven out of the Agora into the Pnyx. See Aristophanes, A charnians, 22 ; and Ecclesiaztisae, 379.

82

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

nightly festival in which

the return of Demeter (Ceres) from the lower world was celebrated by

2X8
Page Line

NOTES
women.
Others propose
ISrct/ata,

the

of a deme or borough in the tribe of Pandionis.

name

82
85

13

Psyttalia

small island near Salamis.

:

The glorious Mother

Ceres.

86
87
19

Even

an ox were to speak : That is, if something unnatural were to happen.

if
:

The promontory of Proteus

The promon-

tories of the island of Pharos, which was afterwards famous for its light-

house.
88
Its echoing statues
:

Especially the statue

of

Memnon.
For a description,
148.
ii.

Its famous labyrinth:

see Herodotus,

88 89

16

Bushels

/xe8t/xi/os

was properly a
six bushels.

measure containing

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 destroyed the monster. In return for this, Theseus carried Ariadne with him as far as Naxos, and there abandoned her. She afterwards became the priestess of Bacchus.
19

90

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 character of the Athenians."

91
91 16

The tutor of Menander. The stretching of the branches of the broom Others read aa-rpaiv Sta^ccret, *'the arrangement of the stars."
Theophrastus
:

NOTES
91

ai9

23

Sty rax : The shrub which produces the sweet-smelling gum or resin used for incense.

94

Your damsel inspired with divine frenzy : The title of one of Menander's comeIt may simply dies {Oeo<f>opoviJivrj). allude to Glycera herself.

BOOK
96 96
96 97
I

III
city in

Orchomenus
there

Arcadia where
of the Graces.

was a temple
:

Gargaphia

fountain in Boeotia.
:

The Lesbian Sappho

yl

Who threw herself

into the sea for love of Phaon.

3

dose of hellebore : Supposed to be a Anticyra was specific for madness.

a town in Phocis, on the Corinthian

Gulf.

99 100

7
II

Phloea

One

of the Attic demes.

Pa/aw^^^s : The great inventor amongst Astrology and the Greeks. 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
105

14
2

Mendos
it

Others understand : In Egypt. of wine from Mende in Thrace.

unexpectedly interfered?
Lit.,

What god

acted the part of the Deus ex machina (^os (XTTo /xT/xa^^?)? ^ proverbial expression signifying a happier issue of a disagreeable situation than might have been expected.

220
Page 107
III
Line

NOTES
6

From

the

Scyrian quarter

The common

haunt of courtesans.
Fall of the leaves : Plutarch (Symposiaca, " Dreams are unreHable viii. 10) says and false, especially in the months when the trees shed their leaves."
:

112

Dryads, Epimelides, and Naiads : The Wood Nymphs, Nymphs of the flocks and herds (or fruits), and the Water

Nymphs.
112 10
17
Coliades of Venus.
.
.

G emty Hides

Both names

114

The Edonians
119
12

The son of Calliope: Orpheus. A Thracian people. :

Melian or Acarnanian mercenary : Supposed to be a reference to characters in Menander's plays. Compare the
Miles Gloriosus of Plautus.
:

121

13

The Cordax
Oechalia
:

The Athenian

representa-

tive of the cancan.

124

10

There were
thief
field

name.

five towns of this This Eurybates was a well-

known
125

and sharper.
:

The stony
13

The name

of a rocky

district of Attica.

126

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

mountain
its

in Attica, almost

as famous for

honey as Mount
:

Hymettus.
131
5

That rascal Strombichus

evil spirit.

Lit.,

Corycian

There was a Greek pro-

NOTES
Page
Line

221

verb, "
It

Corycian has heard him." origin from the brigands who infested Mount Corycus. (See note on 13, 16.)

had

its

134
134

7
12

^^^ Metichcunt

The name

of

an Athe-

nian law-court.

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.
: Compare Timon the Misanthrope as described by Lucian, and Shakspere's Timon of Athens.

139

Timon

141

The

soldier

stock

character with
Dialogues
of

Greek comic writers; compare Leontichus

142
2
in Courtesans.

Lucian' s

Hermaphroditus : The special god who presided over the destinies of married
people.

142

4
6

A lopece
to

One
:

of the Attic demes.

144

Numenius

It

was customary
sell

buy and mencement

at Athens slaves at the com-

of the

new moon.

144

13

Cretan : This person, Epimenides being tired with walking, is said to have gone into a cave, where he slept for 47 years.
the

144
145

14

Hercules

: His birth was said to have taken three nights to accomplish.

The Thesmophoria
held

An

ancient festival

by the Athenian women in honour of Demeter (Ceres) Thesmophorus, the law-giver, so called as having introduced tillage and given the first impulse to civil society.

2tt
Page 147
Line

8 10

Dogs:

i.e.

the Cynics.

148

Draco: The oldest Athenian legislator. His laws, which were very severe, were afterwards considerably modified

149 150
151 18

Decelea

by Solon. About 14 miles north of Athens,

:
:

on a ridge of Mt. Parnes.

The goddess of labour Especially women's Minerva is meant. labour.
The Cynosarges: A gymnasium outside the city, sacred to Hercules, for the use of those who were not of pure Athenian blood.
Serangium: In Piraeus.
Megareans or Aegieaus : Both these people were regarded with contempt, as we learn from Homer, Theocritus,

'

153 155

3 2

and Erasmus.
155
6
Crates

by Diogenes Laerhe was called Ovp7ravoLKT7j<;, that is, the door-opener, because all doors were open to receive him.
:

We are told

tius that

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 entertainment, 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
Page
Line

223

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.

159 160
,

2 8

Hermione: In Argolis.

0/ Molossian and Cnosian

Molossus in Epirus. came from Crete.

breed: From The Cnosian

161

15

dog who, &c, : A common proverbial expression. Cf. Horace : Ut canis a corio nunquam absterrebitur uncto.
against
it

162

The Propompi
is

Thebes

one

" Seven or ; of the lost tragedies of

:

Possibly
"

the

may be meant

Aeschylus.
163
163
I

Phenea:

town
:

in Arcadia.
Literally, flatterers of

14
8

His

fellow-actors

Dionysus.
164

Enneacrunus:

Another name for the fountain of Callirhoe, so called from its having " nine springs."

164

16
17

Haliartus: In Boeotia.
DipyUivt :

164
165

The " double gate,"

the largest

in Athens.

4
8

Pyanepsion: October- November.

165

The second day : Which was spent by the bridegroom at his father-in-law's
house.

166

His houses: Properly, houses in which

several families live, " flats," or ' lodging-houses," answering to the

Roman insulae. Such houses were common investment amongst the

wealthier Athenians.

224
Page i68

NOTES
Line Eurotas : Anciently called the 2 of rivers," and worshipped
in

" king

by the

Spartans as a powerful god. It rose Arcadia and flowed through La:

conia.

i68 i68
i68

Pirene

spring near Corinth.

6
17

See on 164, 8. Run the risk of growing thin Others render " of being torn to pieces."
Callirhoe:
:

170

The oracle of Dodona: The prophetic oak of Dodona, the most ancient
oracle of Greece.

172

The Painted Porch: See on

:

5,

11.

174

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.

176
These

solemn

personages

This

letter

bears a very close resemblance to Lucian's Symposium, or Banquet of

the Philosophers.

176

17

The

Peripatetic

The

Peripatetics were

the school of Aristotle and his followers, so called because he taught walking in a Tre/atVaTo? or walk of the Lyceum at Athens.
177
179 179
10

His reserve : The Pythagoreans were famous for their silence.

Pythocles
:

The

favourite of Epicurus.
:

To

and drink A quotation from the speech of Eumaeus to Ulysses, Odyseat

sey, XV. 377.

180

The Saturnalia : The festival in honour of Cronus or Saturn, celebrated at

NOTES
Pack
Line

225

Athens on the 12th day of the month

Hecatombaeon
180
182

(July- August).

Shoes

Called 'I^tKpaTtSe? after Athenian general Iphicrates.

:

the

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

The

Craneium:

The market-place

of

Corinth.
186

Cythera:

The modern
is

Venus
187

Cerigo, where said to have sprung from

the sea.
4
Chalastraean nitre : Yxovci ChdlesiTdi^ the name of a town and lake in Macedonia. It is highly spoken of by Pliny.

188

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

Ostracised

When

it

was decided

to re-

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 recorded against any one person, he was obliged to withdraw from the city within ten days.

move a powerful

28

226

NOTES
Olympian fascinators: The commentators do not venture upon an

Page Line 189 17 One of the

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
12

Empusa

hobgoblin that assumed

various shapes.
190

radish: This, as is well known, formed part of the punishment of an adulterer.

tokens : The recognition of children in later life through these tokens is

191

Some

a favourite device with Greek and

Roman
193
7

dramatists.

Goddess of sensual love: Venus popularis, or UdvSrjfxo^^ the goddess of " as opposed to " spiritual" *' common
love.

194
196 198

I I

Istria:

On

the Euxine Sea.

That accursed barber : We are reminded of the barber in the Arabian Nights,

Who

This basket sacred things that were carried in procession at the feasts of Ceres, Bacchus, and Minerva. The office was highly prized.
carried
the

basket:

contained

the

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
Page
Line

227

to

have been Castor and Pollux. Simonides of Ceos was the most

prolific

poet of Greece, and is conas a first inventor of a mnemonical system.

sidered

200

The Well of Callichorum: Wives suspected of infidelity to their husbands were obliged to declare their innocence at this well.

203 205

10
I

For

the next Dionysia : At which plays were performed.

new

Hermae : Figures of Hermes (Mercury) in the public streets, which it was considered a heinous offence to mutilate or

remove.

205

Betrayed : Literally, " danced out," apparently referring to certain dances which burlesqued these solemn rites.

205

7
I

That

loniati

wench

famous
207

for their

Ionian girls were wanton dances.

of .the

The three-headed dog: guarded the gates

world.

Cerberus, who nether

207

12

The son of Maia

who

Hermes (Mercury), : escorted the souls (^vxaywycii/) of the dead to Hades.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
The Aldine
princeps."
Recensuit, emendavit, versione ac notis travit S. Bergler, Lipsiae, 171 5.
illus-

edition, Venice, 1499

the " editio

Cum

Bergleri commentario integro, cui aliorum criticorum et suas notationes, versionem emendatam indiculumque adiecit J. A.

Wagner, Lipsiae,
Recensuit

1798.
integris,
selectis,

Meinekii, suisque annotationibus edidit, indices adiecit E. E. Seller, Lipsiae, 1853.

cum

Bergleri

Wagneri, aliorum

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
S.

grecques traduites en Fran9ais, par

A's

de Rouville, Paris, 1874. aus dem Griechischen Ubersetzt von J. F. Herel, Altenburg, 1767.
Briefe,
:

Letter! di Alcifrone tradotte dal F. Negri, Milano, 1806.

Greco per

\N

RETURN TO DeI^"^^
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