brink, Summons from the murky sink Many a
disembodied ghost; And Peisander reached the coast To raise the spirit
that he lost; With conviction strange and new, A gawky camel which he
slew, Like Ulysses.--Whereupon, etc.

H. Frere

Cf. "Peace," 395; "Lysistr." 490.

At this stage of the proceedings the boy danced.

The dance being over, Socrates exclaimed: Pray, did you notice how the
beauty of the child, so lovely in repose, became enhanced with every
movement of his supple body?

To which Charmides replied: How like a flatterer you are! one would
think you had set yourself to puff the dancing-master. (27)

(27) See "The Critic," I. ii.

To be sure (he answered solemnly); and there's another point I could
not help observing: how while he danced no portion of his body remained
idle; neck and legs and hands together, one and all were exercised. (28)
That is how a man should dance, who wants to keep his body light and
healthy. (29) (Then turning to the Syracusan, he added): I cannot say
how much obliged I should be to you, O man of Syracuse, for lessons in
deportment. Pray teach me my steps. (30)

(28) Cf. "Pol. Lac." v. 9.

(29) Cf. Aristot. "H. A." vi. 21. 4.

(30) "Gestures," "postures," "figures." See Eur. "Cycl." 221;
Aristoph. "Peace," 323; Isocr. "Antid." 183.

And what use will you make of them? (the other asked).

God bless me! I shall dance, of course (he answered).

The remark was greeted with a peal of merriment.

Then Socrates, with a most serious expression of countenance: (31)
You are pleased to laugh at me. Pray, do you find it so ridiculous
my wishing to improve my health by exercise? or to enjoy my victuals
better? to sleep better? or is it the sort of exercise I set my heart
on? Not like those runners of the long race, (32) to have my legs
grow muscular and my shoulders leaner in proportion; nor like a boxer,
thickening chest and shoulders at expense of legs; but by distribution
of the toil throughout my limbs (33) I seek to give an even balance to
my body. Or are you laughing to think that I shall not in future have
to seek a partner in the training school, (34) whereby it will not be
necessary for an old man like myself to strip in public? (35) All I
shall need will be a seven-sofa'd chamber, (36) where I can warm to
work, (37) just like the lad here who has found this room quite ample
for the purpose. And in winter I shall do gymnastics (38) under cover,
or when the weat