51
Is it because the first men that were led down by Inachus from the mountains to the plain lived, as they say, on wild pears? They also say that wild pears were first discovered by the Greeks in the Peloponnesus at a time when that country was still called Apia, cf. Pausanias, ii. 5. 7; Aelian, Varia Historia, iii. 39. wherefore wild pears were named apioi.
52
What is the reason why the Eleans lead their mares outside the boundaries of their country to mate them with asses? cf. Herodotus, iv. 30; Pausanias, v. 5. 2; 9. 2; mules were not bred in Elis because of a curse, and this, seemingly, should be the meaning here; but the corruption in the text of one word, which should have designated asses, has made the mules somewhat dubious.
52
Is it because of all kings Oenomaüs was the most fond of horses, and, since he particularly loved this animal, he laid many terrible curses upon any that should thus mate horses in Elis; and it is in fear of that curse that they endeavour to keep clear of it?
53
Why was it the custom among the Cnossians for those who borrowed money to snatch it?
53
Was it that if they defaulted they might be liable to the charge of violence, and so be punished the more?
54
What is the reason why in Samos they invoke the Aphroditê of Dexicreon?
54
Is it because a sorcerer Dexicreon, making use of a rite of purification, freed the women of Samos from the unbridled licentiousness in which they indulged because of their great luxury and wantonness?
