Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 59 / §§180–183

Printed page 59 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §180, §181, §182, §183. The opening continues §179 from the preceding page. done this first. I regard this day of your arrival as a great day, and from year to year shall it be held in honour all our long life. Moreover, it happens to be the anniversary of our naval victory over Antigonus.{1} Therefore also it shall be my pleasure to sup with you to-day. All things," he added, "shall be duly prepared for you in accordance with your _national_ customs, and for me with you." And when they had expressed their gratitude, he ordered that the best quarters near the citadel should be assigned to them, and the banquet made ready. (VIII) THE BANQUET IN HONOUR OF THE TRANSLATORS So Nicanor, the lord high steward,{2} summoned Dorotheus, who had the charge of guests from this nation, and ordered him to make preparation for everything. For such was the arrangement decreed by the king, and it may still be seen to this day. To every state which has its special usages in matters of drink and meat and in its mode of reclining was there a corresponding official in charge ; and then, whenever any person visited the reigning king, preparations were made in accordance with their customs, in order that there might be no discomfort to mar their enjoyment. This practice was followed in the case of these envoys. Dorotheus, the patron of visitors from their nation, was scrupulously attentive. He laid out all the stores for the banquet which were in his keeping and were set apart for receptions of such guests. And he placed the couches in two rows, according to the king's instructions; for he had ordered him to TRANSLATOR’S NOTES (1917) — printed page 59 {1} See Introduction, p. ix. {2} Text emend[letters abraded]: MSS "the chief physician." TRANSCRIPTION CAUTIONS (2026, editorial) - Source abrasion in apparatus is visibly labelled in square brackets rather than filled from another edition or inferred citation.