[123] I shall use the edition of Didot, one vol., 1855, for reference.
[124] Compare Antiphanes (Didumoi, fr. 2; Progonoi, fr. 1), Alexis (Kubernetes, fr. 1), Diodorus (Epikleros, fr. 1), Timocles (Drakontion, fr. 1), the long passage from an uncertain play of Nicolaus. The invention of the part of the Parasite is usually ascribed to Alexis, but this is clearly a mistake. That he developed it and made it a fixed character of comedy is probable enough. The Symposium of Xenophon furnishes curious matter on the professional joker and diner-out as he existed at Athens.
[125] See above, vol. i. p. 442.
[126] The following anonymous line (Didot's Comici Græci, p. 732), συνεπίνομέν τε καὶ συνεκοτταβίζομεν, "together we drank, and played at cottabos together," seems to point to the good fellowship of the game.
[127] Compare the praises of Athens quoted from anonymous comic poets by Athenæus, i. 20, B., and by Dio Chrysost., 64, p. 334, Reisk (Didot's Comici Græci, pp. 723, 729).
[128] Compare Alexis (Hippeus, p. 536; Meropis, p. 550; Olympiodorus, p. 552; Parasitus, fr. 3, p. 558).
The only free gift which the gods gave men,
To sleep.
Sleep, that prepares our souls for endless night.
[130] The great subject of cooks I leave for discussion in relation to the New Comedy. See below, pp. [229]-231.