Metrodorus 3 of Lampsacus, nor Stesimbrotus 4 of Thasos, nor Glaucon, 5 nor any one that the world has ever seen, had so many and such fine comments to offer on Homer as I have.
What you say is true, Socrates: I at any rate have found this the most laborious part of my art and I consider I speak about Homer better than anybody, for neither
For the rhapsode ought to make himself an interpreter of the poet's thought to his audience and to do this properly without knowing what the poet means is impossible. His thought and not merely learning off his words, is a matter for envy since a man can never be a good rhapsode without understanding what the poet says. I must say I have often envied you rhapsodes, Ion, for your art: for besides that it is fitting to your art that your person should be adorned and that you should look as handsome as possible, the necessity of being conversant with a number of good poets, and especially with Homer, the best and divinest poet of all, and of apprehending Well done: so now, mind that we win too at the Panathenaea. We carried off the first prize, Socrates. Why then, you were competing in some contest, were you? And how went your competition? No, no, Socrates from Epidaurus and the festival there of Asclepius.ĭo you mean to say that the Epidaurians honor the god with a contest of rhapsodes also? Where have you come from now, to pay us this visit? From your home in Ephesus?
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