Page:The Deipnosophists (Volume 2).djvu/366

 [Greek: hypopythmenes], in order to understand it with reference to the Peleiades, that there were four Peleiades on the handles, and two more [Greek: hypopythmenes], which is equivalent to [Greek: hypo tô pythmeni], that is to say, under the pedestal, as if the word were [Greek: hypopythmenioi]. So that the goblet is supported by two Peleiades which lie under the bottom, and in that way there are altogether six Pleiades in all, since that is the number which are seen, though they are said to be seven in number, as Aratus says—

They are indeed declared by mortal man To be in number seven; yet no more Than six have e'er been seen by mortal eyes. Not that a star can e'er have disappear'd Unnoticed from the pure expanse of heaven Since we have heard of its existence; but The number has been stated carelessly, And therefore they are usually call'd seven.

Accordingly, what is seen in the stars the poet has very suitably described among the ornaments made on the occasion. And many fancy that the poet is here referring to Jupiter, when he says—

No bird of air, nor dove of trembling wing, That bears ambrosia to th' ethereal king, But shuns these rocks. In vain she cuts the skies, They fearful meet, and crush her as she flies.

Meaning in reality, that one of the Pleiades was destroyed by the sharpness of the rocks and their smooth edge, and that another is substituted in her place by Jupiter for the sake of keeping the number undiminished. Expressing by the enigmatical figures of speech common to poets, that, though there are only six Pleiades seen, still their real number is not actually diminished; but there are said to be seven in number, and also the names of the seven are distinctly given.

83. But as for those people who contend that there is no appropriateness in embossing the Pleiades on this cup, as they are rather indicative of dry food, we must state that this kind of cup is calculated to receive both solid and liquid food; for [Greek: kykeôn] is made in it; and this is a kind of potion, having mixed in it cheese and meal; and the poet tells us, a mixture, especially a refreshing draught, made of barley-meal, grated cheese, and Pramnian wine (Il. xi. 624), to which Circe adds honey (Od. x. 234), and when it is ready puts in magical drugs.—Vide Liddell & Scott, in voc.]