Part 8 (1/2)

The two, accordingly, made their escape without any further interference.

”Will you walk with me as far as my house,” said Callias' companion to him. ”It lies in the Agrae.[33] The night is fine and I shall be glad of your company.”

Callias cheerfully consented, and was glad that he had done so, so witty and varied was his companions conversation.

When they had reached their destination his new friend invited him to enter. This he declined to do for the hour was late, and he wished to be at home.

”Well then,” said the other, ”we can at least meet again. This, you see, is my house, and my name is Xenophon, the son of Gryllus.”

FOOTNOTES:

[26] Persons who had rendered distinguished services to their country in peace or war received, among other rewards, the privilege, lasting for life, of dining in the Town hall. The city had no greater honor to bestow.

[27] It had brought about for a time the subjection of all the Boeotian towns (Thebes only excepted) and of Phocis to Athens.

[28] Myronides marched out with the citizens above and under the military age--all the available force that was left at Athens at the time--and won two victories, the first at Megara, the second and most famous of the two at Oenophyta in Boeotia.

[29] The old man was thinking of the Spartan offer to make peace after the capture of the five hundred and ninety-two prisoners at Pylos (B. C.

425). Terms much more favorable might have been secured than were obtained four years afterwards by the Peace of Nicias. Again, after the defeat and death of the Spartan admiral Mindarus in B. C. 410 peace might have been made, and the ruin of Athens probably postponed for many years; but the people refused to enter into negotiations.

[30] When the meal was ended the tables were not cleared, but removed.

[31] There were three original moods in Greek music, the Dorian, Phrygian, and Lydian. The last of these was in a major scale, and was reckoned to be plaintive and effeminate. So Milton writes in _L'Allegro_.

”And ever against eating cares Lap one in soft Lydian airs Married to immortal verse; Such as the melting soul may pierce In notes with many a winding bout Of linked sweetness long drawn out.”

The Dorian was in a minor scale, and was considered to be manly and vigorous. Martial music was of this kind. So, to quote Milton again, we have:

”Anon they move In perfect phalanx to the Dorian mood Of flutes and soft melodies; such as raised To heights of n.o.blest temper heroes old Coming to battle.”

The third, or Phrygian, was also minor, and was considered to be suitable for sacrifices and other religious functions as being of an ecstatic kind. There were combinations and modifications of these moods.

Readers who may desire to know more of the subject, should consult Professor Mahaffy's _Rambles and Studies in Greece_, pp. 424-444 (3rd edition). A more elaborate account may be found in Mr. Chappell's History of Music.

[32] So Hector in the single combat with Ajax.

[33] A quarter of Athens south of the city on the Ilissus.

CHAPTER IX.

SOCRATES.

Callias lost no time in cultivating the acquaintance of his new friend.

The very next day he called upon him at as early an hour as etiquette permitted, and was lucky enough to find him at home. He had lately returned, indeed, from drilling with the troop of Knights to which he belonged, and was just finis.h.i.+ng his breakfast, which had been delayed till his military duties had been performed.

”Will you drink a cup to our new friends.h.i.+p--if you will allow me to call it so?” said Xenophon, to the young man as he entered the room.

”Excuse me,” replied Callias, ”if I decline.”

”You are right,” said Xenophon, ”this is one of the offers which formality commands us to make--whether rightly or wrongly, I cannot say--but which I always myself refuse, and am glad to see refused by others. But what will you? A game of koltabos, or a walk to the springs of the Ilissus?”