Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/309

Rh but rather that these goldsmiths, turners, gravers, perfumers, and cooks would be chased and sent away, forasmuch as this were indeed an honest and civil banishment of unprofitable artificers as foreigners that may be spared out of a city. Now if it be so, that things requisite for the necessity of nature be common as well to the poor as the rich, and that riches do vaunt and stand so much upon nothing else but superfluities, and that Scopas the Thessalian is worthily commended in this; that being requested to give away and part with somewhat of his household stuff which he might spare and had no need of: Why (quoth he), in what things else consisteth the felicity of those who are reputed happy and fortunate in this world above other men, but in these superfluities that you seem to ask at my hands, and not in such as be necessary and requisite? If it be so, I say, see that you be not like unto him that praiseth a pomp and solemn shew of plays and games more than life indeed, which standeth upon things necessary. The procession and solemnity of the Bacchanals which was exhibited in our country, was wont in old time to be performed after a plain and homely manner, merrily and with great joy: You should have seen there one carrying a little barrel of wine, another a branch of a vine tree; after him comes one drawing and plucking after him a goat; then followeth another with a basket of dried figs; and last of all one that bare in shew phallus, that is to say, the resemblance of the genital member of a man: but nowadays all these ceremonies are despised, neglected, and in manner not at all to be seen, such a train there is of those that carry vessels of gold and silver, so many sumptuous and costly robes, such stately chariots richly set out are driven and drawn with brave steeds most gallantly dight, besides the pageants, dumb-shews and masks, that they hide and obscure the ancient and true pomp according to the first institution; and even so it is in riches; the things that be necessary and serve for use and profit are overwhelmed and covered with needless toys and superfluous vanities, and I assure you the most part of us be like unto young Telemachus, who for want of knowledge and experience, or rather indeed for default of judgment and discretion, when he beheld Nestor's house furnished with beds, tables, hangings, tapestry, apparel, and well provided also of sweet and pleasant wines, never reckoned the master of the house happy for having so good provision of such necessary and profitable things: but being in Menelaus his house, and seeing there store of ivory, gold and silver, and the metal electrum, he was ravished and