Book 2
32
Hesiod, in his poem on the marriage of Ceyx, (although indeed the sons of the Grammarians deny that that poem is his work, but I myself think that it is an ancient piece,) does call tables τρίποδες. And Xenophon, a most accomplished writer, in the second book of the Anabasis, writes— τρίποδες were brought in for every one, to the number of about twenty, loaded with ready carved meats. And he goes on, And these τράπεζαι were placed for the most part where the strangers sat. Antiphanes says— The τρίπους was removed, we wash'd our hands. Eubulus says— A. Here are five τρίποδες for you; here five more. B. Why I shall be quinquagenarian. Epicharmus says— A. And what is this? B. A τρίπους. A. How is that? Has it not four feet? 'tis a τετράπους. B. It may be strictly; but its name is τριπους. A. Still I can see four feet. B. At all events You are no Œdipus, to be so puzzled. And Aristophanes says— A. Bring me one τράπεζα more, With three feet, not one with four. B. Where can I a τρίπους τράπεζα find?
33
It was a custom at feasts, that a guest when he had lain down should have a paper given to him, conning a bill of fare of what there was for dinner, so that he night know what the cook was going to serve up.
