Plato, in his Phaon, relating how many things happen to women because of wine, says—
Come now, ye women, long ago have IAnd Axionicus says, in his Philinna—
Pray'd that this wine may thus become your folly;
For you don't think, as the old proverb goes,
That there is any wisdom at a vintner's.
For if you now desire to see Phaon,
You first must all these solemn rites perform.
First, as the nurse of youths, I must receive
A vigorous cheesecake, and a pregnant mealcake,
And sixteen thrushes whole, well smear'd with honey,
[p. 698] Twelve hares, all taken when the moon was full;
But all the other things may be got cheaply.
Now listen. Three half-measures of fine onions;
These for Orthanna. For Conisalus
And his two mates, a plate of myrtleberries,
Pluck'd with the hand: for the great Gods above
Dislike the smell of lamps . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . for the dogs and huntsmen.
A drachma for Lordon; for Cybdasus,
Three obols; for the mighty hero Celes,
Some hides and incense. Now if you bring
These things, you'll certainly obtain admittance;
But if you don't, you'll knock in vain, and long
In vain to enter, and get nothing by it.
Just trust a woman to drink only water.
