PHILINUS.
DIOGENIANUS, a young visitor from Pergamum, son of a friend of the
same name.
THEON, a literary friend.
SERAPION, the Athenian poet.
BOETHUS, a geometrician, almost a convinced Epicurean.
TWO GUIDES of the temple of Delphi.
1. PHILINUS, coming out of the temple, explains to BASILOCLES why his
party has been so long in making the round of the sights. It included an
intelligent and inquisitive visitor, the younger Diogenianus, of
Pergamum. He continues:—
2. DIOGENIANUS raised a point about the tint of the Corinthian bronze.
THEON interposed with a story:
3. And discussed the properties of olive oil, which produces a crust on
metals. He refers to Aristotle’s view (which cannot be traced in his
extant works).
4. He suggested special properties in the air of Delphi—density and
rarity—and quotes Homer for the combination of such opposites.
5. A verse inscription catching the eye of DIOGENIANUS caused him to ask
why the verses of oracles are so poor. SERAPION suggested that perhaps
our standard ought to be revised by that of the God. BOETHUS told a
story about Pauson the painter. He added that there is no excuse in the
subject-matter, witness Serapion, who wrote excellent poetry on dry
science!
6. SERAPION agreed that our standards are wrong—they lack severity.
Pleasure was cast out, once for all, from the seat of the Sibyl.
7. THEON disclaimed the false theory of inspiration. The verses are not
the God’s, he only gives the impulse. But there is no pleasing the
Epicureans, whether the prophetess uses verse or prose. DIOGENIANUS
protested against levity on a subject of profound interest to all
Greeks. THEON asked that the question might be reserved, and the round
continued.
8. Instances from Hiero’s statue, and others, of the jealous care of
Providence for human affairs. BOETHUS thought Chance, or Spontaneity,
sufficient to account for all, and was answered by PHILINUS, who
continued,
9. And referred to the history of the first Sibyl. BOETHUS mocked, and
was met by DIOGENIANUS with instances of prophecies verified,