An extract from the
Ambrosian Lexicon (837). For the verb see also
delta 642,
delta 641,
eta 286,
alpha 1493,
alpha 1494,
alpha 1499.
The present headword itself must be quoted from somewhere, and the likeliest place is
Demosthenes 19 (
On the Mismanaged Embassy) 193 -- with the addition, here, of
e)kei=nos as subject, probably from a marginal note. This passage alludes to a historical event also mentioned at
omicron 736 (cf.
phi 769; also in
Aristotle fr.604 Rose, and
Diodorus Siculus 16.55), and serves to correct an error in modern interpretations. The comic poet
Satyrus (perhaps the
xoreu/ths, ‘chorus-dancer’, of
sigma 154, unless the entry refers to a Satyr) was offered a favour by king Philip II of Macedon (
phi 354), and replied that all he wanted was something that Philip could give him more easily than anything else, but "he was afraid that he would fail." Modern interpreters take this to mean that
Satyrus was afraid he would fail to get his request. The addition of
e)kei=nos, however, makes Philip the subject: "he was afraid that Philip would fail/miss the opportunity.” When Philip pressed him what he wanted, he replied that he sought the release from captivity of the daughters of
Apollophanes, one of the assassins of Philip’s brother Alexander. Those present applauded, understanding that Philip was placed in a bind by the delicacy of the approach. The scholiast on the passage (19.386 Dilts) understands the clause as follows: "with words in which he pretends to be discreet, he urges Philip more forcefully to make a gift." The direct speech was, with the Suda reading, "but I am afraid that you may miss your opportunity." To Philip’s natural response, asking what the easy gift might be that he might fail to give,
Satyrus asked for a very difficult pardon. Philip had little choice but to grant it, and did so.
Satyrus’ indirect wit is also illustrated at
pi 2579, where he uses the comment "that is the Propylaea!" to chide someone for pointing out what did not need to be explained.