But now, supposing your young people yonder were to tread a measure to the flute, some pantomime in dance, like those which the Graces and the Hours with the Nymphs are made to tread in pictures, (3) I think they would spend a far more happy time themselves, and our banquet would at once assume a grace and charm unlooked for.
(3) Cf. Plat. "Laws," vii. 815 C; Hor. "Carm." i. 4. 6:
iunctaeque Nymphis Gratiae decentes alterno terram quatiunt pede.
The Graces and the Nymphs, together knit, With rhythmic feet the meadow beat (Conington).
Ib. iv. 7. 5.
The Syracusan caught the notion readily.
By all that's holy, Socrates (he cried), a capital suggestion, and for my part, I warrant you, I will put a piece upon the stage, which will delight you, one and all.
VIII
With these words the Syracusan made his exit, bent on organising his performance. (1) As soon as he was gone, Socrates once more essayed a novel argument. (2) He thus addressed them:
(1) {sunekroteito}, "on the composition of his piece." Al. "amidst a
round of plaudits."
(2) "Struck the keynote of a novel theme." Cf. Plat. "Symp." 177 E.