(6) Or, "his creations are all but coextensive with every mortal
thing."
Pray (interposed Antisthenes), (7) do you also know the way to be a king? (8) since Homer praises Agamemnon, you are well aware, as being
A goodly king and eke a spearman bold. (9)
(7) Some modern critics (e.g. F. Dummler, "Antisthenica," p. 29 foll.)
maintain plausibly that the author is here glancing (as also Plato
in the "Ion") at Antisthenes' own treatises against the
Rhapsodists and on a more correct interpretation of Homer, {peri
exegeton} and {peri 'Omerou}.
(8) Or, "Have you the knowledge also how to play the king?"
(9) "Il." iii. 179. See "Mem." III. ii. 2.
Nic. Full well I know it, and full well I know the duty of a skilful charioteer; how he who holds the ribbons must turn his chariot nigh the pillar's edge (10)
Himself inclined upon the polished chariot-board A little to the left of the twin pair: the right hand horse Touch with the prick, and shout a cheery shout, and give him rein. (11)
I know another thing besides, and you may put it to the test this instant, if you like. Homer somewhere has said: (12)
And at his side an onion, which to drink gives relish.
So if some one will but bring an onion, you shall reap the benefit of my sage lore (13) in less than no time, and your wine will taste the sweeter.
(10) "Il." xxiii. 335; Plat. "Ion," 537.
(11) Lit. "yield him the reins with his hands."
(12) "Il." xi.630: "And set out a leek savourer of drink" (Purves).
Plat. "Ion," 538 C.
(13) "My culinary skill."
Here Charmides exclaimed: Good sirs, let me explain. Niceratus is anxious to go home, redolent of onions, so that his fair lady may persuade herself, it never entered into anybody's head to kiss her lord. (14)