objects of real value are sold, like jewelry, chariots, good
furniture. In certain sections, too, may be seen strong-voiced
individuals, with little trays swung by straps before them, pacing
to and fro, and calling out, not foods, but medicines, infallible
cure-alls for every human distemper. Many are the unwary fools
who patronize them.


16. The Flower and the Fish Vendors.--Two circles attract especial
attention, the Myrtles and the Fish. Flowers and foliage, especially
when made up into garlands, are absolutely indispensable to the
average Greek. Has he a great family festival, e.g. the birth
of a son, then every guest should wear a crown of olives; is it a
wedding, then one of flowers.[*] Oak-leaves do the honors for Zeus;
laurel for Apollo; myrtle for Aphrodite (and is not the Love-Goddess
the favorite?). To have a social gathering without garlands, in
short, is impossible. The flower girls of Athens are beautiful,
impudent, and not at all prudish. Around their booths press
bold-tongued youths, and not too discreet sires; and the girls can
call everybody familiarly by name. Very possibly along with the
sale of the garlands they make arrangements (if the banquet is
to be of the less respectable kind) to be present in the evening
themselves, perhaps in the capacity of flute girls.

[*]The Greeks lacked many of our common flowers. Their ordinary
flowers were white violets, narcissus, lilies, crocuses, blue
hyacinths, and roses ("the Flower of Zeus"). The usual garland
was made of myrtle or ivy and then entwined with various flowers.

More reputable, though not less noisy, is the fish market. Athenians