The Greek Asopodorus now spoke, and his voice in contrast to the raucous accents of the Persian, fell pleasingly upon the ears of the feasters. “We Greeks believe in a unit of love in which love of beauty, of wealth, sensual love, intellectual love and many others are but earthly modifications of the true and the good. Thus a love which satisfies the æsthetic can take as great delight in the manly strength of a youth’s body as in the graceful, softer lines of a woman’s form.”
“Ah,” thought Zopyrus, “Many of these Greeks think and feel as Asopodorus. Their adoration of loveliness in any form is their outstanding characteristic. They love the beauty of this earthly paradise in which they dwell, yet because they love power less, they are turning over their beautiful land to foreigners. If I had only been born a Greek!”
He glanced at Thersander. “I am half Greek, and may the gods smite me if I do not look more Greek than this fellow near me! If it were not for Masistius whom I love as a brother, I believe I should not tolerate seeing this fair land over-run by such as Artabazus and many another eastern despot.”
Although the wine was not strong enough to intoxicate if taken in moderation, the spirits of many of the guests were rising as the evening wore on, owing to excessive drinking. At length six girls, whose hair was entwined with daisies, appeared at the entrance to the court. Each held a lyre and sang as she moved lightly on tip-toe between the tables. They were modestly attired so as not to offend the taste of the most fastidious, for Attaginus was a conservative man and much respected in Thebes.
“So much for your love of the æsthetic, Attaginus,” laughed Mardonius, winking at the Theban. “In accordance with your theory why did you not have some handsome youths dance with the lyre?”
“Because,” replied Attaginus, “the male figure does not appear as well in a dance, but I could have put on a wrestling match that I think would well have pleased my guests.”
“The girls will prove far better entertainers,” said Artabazus, who had overheard the conversation, “but why are their charms so hidden? They might better be a group of priestesses than dancers amid the revelry and loud clamor of a banquet!”
The evening wore on in this fashion, the feasters trying to out-rival one another in attracting the attention of the six damsels. When the singing and dancing were at an end and the maidens had disappeared, the conversation turned to the more serious matters of the approaching battle. Mardonius spoke.
“The Athenians will regret their refusal to form an alliance with us against the Peleponnesians. Remember Thermopylæ, my friend and do not forget that Salamis was a naval battle. Athens’ powerful navy will avail her naught in the approaching conflict.”
“Your great leader speaks most encouragingly, my friend,” said Thersander addressing Zopyrus, “wherefore are you so downcast?”