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And, in the Second Phoenix, the same Ion writes-- 
I made a noise, bringing the deep-toned flute 
With fluent rhythm. 
Where he means Phrygian rhythm; and he calls the Phrygian 
flute deep-toned. For it is deep; on which account they also 
add a horn to it, having a similarity to the bell mouth of 
trumpets. 
So now this book may be ended, my friend Timocrates; as 
it is quite long enough. 
BOOK V. 
1. BUT since, 0 Timocrates, we have now had a great deal 
of conversation on the subject of banquets in all that has been 
hitherto said; and since we have passed over those things 
in them which are most useful and which do not weigh down 
the soul, but which cheer it, and nourish it by variety of food, 
-as the divine Homer incidentally teaches us, I will also men- 
tion what has been said concerning these things by that most 
excellent writer Mavyrius. For we, as the beautiful Agathon 
says- 
Do what is more than needful as if needful, 
And treat our real work as if it were superfluous. 
The poet accordingly says, when he is speaking of Menelaus- 
At the fair dome the rapid labour ends,' 
Where sat Atrides 'midst his bridal friends, 
With double vows invoking Hymen's power 
To bless his-son's and daughter's nuptial hour: 
as it was a custom to celebrate banquets at marriages, both 
for the sake of the gods who preside over marriage, and as it 
were for a testimony to the marriage; and also, the king of 
Lycia instructs us what sort of banquet ought to be given to 
foreigners, receiving Bellerophon with great magnificence 
There Lycia's monarch paid him honours due,2 
Nine days he feasted, and nine bulls he slew.. 
2. For wine appears to have a very attractive influence in 
promoting friendship, as it warms and also melts the soul. On 
Od-yss. i-v. 3.              2 Iliad, vi. 114. 
287 
:BANQUEnTS.,