And indeed, dear friend, my hunger is nearly as great as my distress at being obliged to leave you." "Hunger is a good thing," philosophized the Sybarite once more, "when a man has a good meal in prospect." "On that point you may be at ease, Philoinus," answered Rhodopis.

"I told the cook to do his utmost, for the most celebrated epicure from the most luxurious city in the world, no less a person than Philoinus of Sybaris, would pass a stern judgment on his delicate dishes.

Go, Knakias, tell them to serve the supper.

Are you content now, my impatient guests?
As for me, since I heard Phanes' mournful news, the pleasure of the meal is gone." The Athenian bowed, and the Sybarite returned to his philosophy.
"Contentment is a good thing when every wish can be satisfied.

I owe you thanks, Rhodopis, for your appreciation of my incomparable native city.
What says Anakreon?
"To-day is ours--what do we fear?
To-day is ours--we have it here.
Let's treat it kindly, that it may Wish at least with us to stay.
Let's banish business, banish sorrow; To the gods belongs to-morrow." "Eh! Ibykus, have I quoted your friend the poet correctly, who feasts with you at Polykrates' banquets?
Well, I think I may venture to say of my own poor self that if Anakreon can make better verses, I understand the art of living quite as well as he, though he writes so many poems upon it.