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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Symposium by Xenophon: With {tois pasi kalois kai tois beltistois} cf. Thuc. v. 28, {oi
'Argeioi arista eskhon tois pasi}, "The Argives were in excellent
condition in all respects." As to Philippus's back-handed
compliment to the showman, it reminds one of Peter Quince's
commendation of Bottom: "Yea and the best person too; and he is a
very paramour for a sweet voice."
[17] It is not easy to keep pace with the merryman's jests; but if I
follow his humour, he says to Socrates: "If the cap is to fit, you
must liken me to one who quits 'assault and battery' for
'compliments [sotto voce, "lies"] and flattery.'"
Soc. Why now, you are like a person apt to pick a quarrel, since you
The Symposium |
