Complete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3 · Plutarch
SOSSIUS SENECIO, PLUTARCH, THEO.
The women stand before the doors to see and hear. (Iliad, xviii. 495.) And therefore when everybody knows it, the persons are ashamed to omit the formality of an invitation, and therefore entertain their friends and kindred, and every one that they are anyway acquainted with. This being generally approved, Well, said Theo, speaking next, let it be so, for it looks like truth; but let this be added, if you please, that such entertainments are not only friendly, but also kindredly, the persons beginning to have a new relation to another family. But there is something more considerable, and that is this; since by this marriage two families join in one, the man thinks it his duty to be civil and obliging to the woman's friends, and the woman's friends think themselves obliged to return the same to him and his; and upon this account the company is doubled. And besides, since most of the little ceremonies belonging to the wedding are performed by women, it is necessary that, where they are entertained, their husbands should be likewise present. QUESTION IV. WHETHER THE SEA OR LAND AFFORDS BETTER FOOD.
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