aleator classicus

Reading at Random in Classical Literature

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Matron, in Athenaeus, Sophists at Dinner 4.134d

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Athenaeus, collector of all things gastronomic, quotes this parodic opening of a description of a sumptuous banquet. The poet is parodying the opening of the Odyssey. (And yes, the poet really is called Matron!)

δεῖπνά μοι ἔννεπε, Μοῦσα, πολύτροφα καὶ μάλα πολλά,
ἃ Ξενοκλῆς ῥήτωρ ἐν Ἀθήναις δείπνισεν ἡμᾶς.

Sing to me, Muse, of the feasts, multinutritious and very numerous, which Xenocles the orator feasted us on in Athens.

Written by aleatorclassicus

October 2, 2010 at 12:00 PM

Posted in Athenaeus, Matron