120 THE GREEKS
An observer of the scene would at once have reflected that beauty has something
naturally regal about it, especially if it is combined with modesty and self control
inits possessor, as was the case in Autolycus. In the first place his beauty drew
everyone’s attention to him, as surely as a light draws all eyes to it in the dark; and
secondly there was not a man there whose feelings were not moved at the sight
of him. Some became more silent; others underwent a transformation. Possession
by a god always seems to have a remarkable effect. Those who are influenced by
other gods tend to become more intimidating in their appearance, more truculent
in their speech, and more aggressive in their conduct; but those who are inspired
by a pure love wear a kindlier expression and speak in a gentler tone and behave
in a more civil manner. Such was the effect of Callias’ love had upon him on this
occasion, as was duly noted by those who were initiates of this god.
(Xenophon, Symposium, 1)What is striking in Xenophon here, and in Plato throughout, is the unfussy and open
appreciation of male beauty. The entertainment is more varied than in the case of
FIGURE 32 Symposium with hetairaifrom Campanian bell-krater: Naples Museo
Nationale
Source:©J. Etherington