[174] This was certainly the number for comedy; it is assumed for tragedy.
[175] τράγος. This was supposed to be the origin of the word “tragedy” (τραγῳδία “goat-song”).
[176] Vitruvius, V, vi., and Pollux, iv., 126.
[177] Professor Ridgeway makes much use of this custom in his theory that Greek drama originated in celebrations at the tombs of great persons. See his Origin of Tragedy, and pp. 2 sq. above.
[178] Haigh³, p. 187.
[179] Clouds, 225.
[180] Pollux (iv. 128), who gives the most definite description, adds: “one must understand it at each door, as it were in each house,” but his unsupported testimony on any subject is not trustworthy.
[181] In fact Pollux, who is fond of making a particular case into a general rule, may have had this instance in his head. He writes (iv. 128): “the eccyclema is a lofty stand raised upon timbers and carrying a chair” (ἐπὶ ξύλων ὑψηλὸν βάθρον ᾧ ἐπίκειται θρόνος).
[182] Ar. Knights, 1249.
[183] This story occurs in the anonymous Life of Æschines.