THE SYMPOSIUM

or

The Banquet



I

For myself,[1] I hold to the opinion that not alone are the serious
transactions of "good and noble men"[2] most memorable, but that words
and deeds distinctive of their lighter moods may claim some record.[3]
In proof of which contention, I will here describe a set of incidents
within the scope of my experience.[4]

[1] See Aristid. ii. foll.

[2] Or, "nature's noblemen."

[3] Cf. Plut. "Ages." 29 (Clough, iv. 35): "And indeed if, as Xenophon
says, in conversation good men, even in their sports and at their
wine, let fall many sayings that are worth preserving." See Grote,
"Plato," ii. 228 foll. as to the sportive character of the work.

[4] Or, "let me describe a scene which I was witnes of." See Hug.