Requiem For Athens

by David Alkek

  “Indeed it is, Master. I believe that is what distinguishes us from the other animals. Aristotle said that since we have the distinctive power to think, we are obliged to use it to improve ourselves and our world.”

  “How wise Aristotle is. He has been my best student, and will most likely succeed me as master of the Academy. What is it that you wish to discuss?”

  “I’ve been at the Academy for seven years and have helped tutor the younger students. Now I wish to be a full-fledged teacher like Aristotle and the others.”

  “What is it that you would teach, Phidias?”

  “I am interested in the interactions of men and of cities and of countries. I’ve studied the societies and the governments of Greece, and Egypt, and Persia, as well as Syracuse and other Greek cities outside of Greece. I have read the histories of Herodotus and Thucydides. I can teach the history of the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, of the struggles between the Greek classes, and of course the history of our city since the time of Solon, the great lawgiver.”

  Plato nodded and placed his hand on Phidias’ shoulder. "I have watched you teach the younger students, and I heard some of your lectures on history and governments. Aristotle has told me how you helped him. I'm glad that you want to continue to investigate these matters. The study of men and how they act and think is, in my mind, one of the most important of all things. Of course, the history of Greece and other countries enlightens us about the character and motives of men.

  "The Academy has need of a person who is interested in such a subject. We could use a teacher for it. Do you think you could do it?"

  "Yes, Master Plato, I know that I can."

  "I believe that you can, also. I would be glad to have you as a teacher at my Academy. I welcome you as a colleague." With that, the old man reached out and embraced younger one and kissed him on the cheek.

  Chapter 7

  Not long after Phidias assumed his teaching duties, he was invited by Plato to accompany him to a symposium hosted by Mynilas, a rich merchant. He was known to have read the classics and attended some lectures at the Academy. During the dinner, there were the usual auletrid flute-players but there was also a hetaira who ate with Mynilas on his couch.

  Phidias noticed that Plato added extra water to his wine, which he sipped sparingly, during dinner and declined the undiluted wine served afterward during the symposium. Phidias imitated his master, guessing correctly that he wanted to keep his mind clear for the discussion.

  After the dishes were cleared and the floor swept, the auletrides were told to leave the room. Mynilas raised his cup. “Here is to our beloved Athens. May the democrats who rule the Assembly become aware of their weaknesses and elect a strong Archon. Then, perhaps prosperity will return and there will be an end to this accursed class warfare.” All the guests agreed, lifted their cups in the air, and drank. “All of you are familiar with Aspasia,” Mynilas said motioning to the woman on his couch. “I have invited her to our symposium to enliven the conversation with our illustrious philosopher, Plato, the pupil of Socrates and the founder of the Academy. Here’s a salute to Plato.” Again they raised their cups and drank. “My dear, Aspasia, would you like to ask Plato a question?”

  “Thank you, my lord,” she said. “I would like to ask the master, why have men not created a perfect society? What is the best form of government?”

  “Those are good questions, Aspasia,” Plato replied. “Let us look at the first. Men have not developed a simple paradise on earth because of greed and luxury. They are not content with a simple life, but are ambitious, competitive, jealous of others and greedy for more. The results are one man competing and vying with another, one society encroaching on another, one city/state struggling for more land or wealth, and then war. There are inevitably the rich and poor classes in every society. The interests and needs of these classes will always bring them into conflict with one another. Any ordinary city is in fact two cities, one the city of the poor, the other of the rich, each at war with the other. We see this in Athens today.”

  “I understand what you mean, Master,” said Phidias. “But can a perfect society, or one that is governed perfectly, not educate and train its citizens to live in harmony without class conflicts?”

  “Behind these political problems lies the nature of man,” Plato explained. “States and their governments vary as the characters of the men who make them up. Therefore, we shouldn’t expect to have better states unless we have better men.”

  “But who should rule the state, Plato?” asked Aspasia.

  “Now there are classes or types of men,” said Plato. “Those who like to trade and produce and are absorbed in accumulating wealth; those who do not care about material goods but whose pride is in power, conquest and the joy of the battlefield; and those whose delight is in learning and meditation. These last yearn not for goods, nor for victory, but for knowledge.

  “Therefore in the perfect state, the commercial classes would produce but not rule; the military classes would protect but not rule; but the classes of scientists and philosophers would be nourished and protected and they would rule.”

  “But how will these philosophers become rulers?” Phidias asked.

  “Statesmanship is a science and an art. Those who are to govern should spend years in perfecting their craft in special schools designed to train the philosopher-kings. Until philosophers are kings, or the rulers of this world having the spirit and knowledge of philosophy, and therefore wisdom and political leadership are joined in one person, then and only then will strife ease between cities and states.”

  A general discussion followed, with several questions aimed at Plato. Phidias also fed leading questions to him.

  After the discussion, wine was passed around for a final toast. This time Plato and Phidias filled their cups, for they felt relieved and assured that their discussion went well. Plato raised his, “I would like to toast to our generous host, Mynilas, for his delicious food and wine, and to his most beautiful guest, Aspasia, whose wit and intelligence match her beauty.”

  All raised their cups and said, “To Mynilas and Aspasia.”

  The guests rose and began milling around, engaging one another in conversation. Aspasia eased her way to Phidias, acknowledging compliments on her way.

  “Hello, young master Phidias. I was impressed with your comments during our discussion. Plato must be proud of his young teacher.”

  “Thank you, Lady Aspasia. I was indeed flattered that Master Plato asked me to accompany him. It has been an honor to listen to your disputation with him. Thank you for your compliment, but I have much to learn from Master Plato and Aristotle.”

  “I would like to inquire of you a personal matter,” she smiled. “Do not think it forward of me or be embarrassed, for it is my calling as hetaira to seek after men’s needs. Do you have a regular partner, Phidias, one for sexual and emotional intercourse as well as the intellectual kind? I have heard that you do not lean toward relations with your own sex,”

  “That is true, Aspasia. I have had much experience with pornai and auletrides as is expected of one of my age, but I have no steady partner, if that is what you are asking.”

  “Then I would like to introduce you to a hetaira friend of mine. I would like to invite you to a dinner at my house one week from today and introduce you to her. She is a lovely woman a few years younger than you. She is well-read in Greek literature and philosophy. She also plays the harp and sings. Will you come?”

  “I would be delighted and honored to come to your house and meet your friend. I also thank you for complimenting my addition to our discussion. I’m afraid I have much to learn from my masters, Plato and Aristotle.”

  “Then I’ll see you a week from tonight. Be happy and healthy, young Phidias. You have much to look forward to.” With a flick of her robe and a wink she turned and joined the other guests.

  Phidias was not sure exactly how to take her last remark. Had she meant it in reference to his career as tea
cher and philosopher, or did she imply an enlightening sexual experience? He would have to see.

  * * *

  The hetairai, literally companions, were at the top of the class of courtesans in ancient Greece. Unlike the pornai, who were mostly of Asian birth, the hetairai were usually from the citizen class. They had either fallen from respectability or fled from the stifling seclusion of Athenian women. They lived independently and entertained in their own homes, luring lovers there who supported them. They dyed their hair blond, because Athenians seemed to prefer it, and wore flowery robes that were required by law. Some of them were well-read or attended lectures and entertained their guests with educated discussion. No man was ashamed to be seen in their company; even philosophers contended for their favors.

  When the day of the dinner at Aspasia’s house arrived, Phidias was filled with agitated anticipation, his active imagination creating scenes of sensual pleasure with a heavenly body with the face of a goddess. His lectures to the students that day tended toward the sexual mores and practices among the various cities of Greece and the world around them.

  That night Phidias wore his best robe and put scented oil in his hair. A slave with a torch came to escort Phidias to Aspasia’s house. A large wooden door in a thick wall with family gods on each side invited the visitor to knock with a bronze ring in a lion’s mouth. The slave did so, and the door was opened by another large male slave. The house was spacious and furnished with obvious wealth and good taste. Phidias was motioned to go through the courtyard to the dining room at the rear. The entry and courtyard were adorned with bronze and stone statues of gods and heroes. Plants surrounded the courtyard where water splashed musically from a central fountain. Torches were placed tastefully around it and lit the way to the dining room.

  Phidias entered with self-conscious anticipation. He was immediately recognized by Aspasia who came over to greet him. “Welcome Phidias. I hope your week went well. Come in and meet my guests.”

  “Thank you, Lady Aspasia,” said Phidias as he took a cup of wine from a slave serving them on a brass tray.

  Aspasia introduced Phidias to the most famous sculptor and architect in Athens, a foremost orator and politician, and a philosopher from Miletus. At last she came to the person that Phidias admitted to be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. “And this is Thais. Phidias barely heard her. He drank in the vision before him. Blond hair with a reddish hint crowned a cream-colored face and fell in tight ringlets down her shoulders and across the mounds in her robe made by full breasts. Her light blue, almost transparent, robe was crisscrossed over the chest by a gold cord that wrapped around the waist and then hung down from her flat belly.

  After Aspasia introduced him, Phidias was transfixed by the beauty standing before him. Her long lashes flirted over dark eyes that spoke of intelligence and seemed to search his very soul. It was an embarrassing moment before Aspasia woke him from his trance. “Phidias are you all right?”

  “Yes, Lady Aspasia. I’m sorry. I was so taken by the beautiful apparition in front of me. I thought it might be a goddess who would soon vanish. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Thais.”

  “Likewise, Phidias,” she replied. A sound like music emanated through scarlet-painted full lips that pouted in a face that could be a model for a sculptor. “I have heard great things about you from Lady Aspasia. She says that you are one of Master Plato’s most brilliant students and teacher. What do you teach?”

  “Lady Aspasia flatters me, I’m afraid. There are teachers and students far more talented and learned than I. Aristotle is by far the most brilliant and may one day equal the Master himself. I teach a subject that is rather new at the Academy. It is the comparison of politics and government in the various cities and countries of the world and at various times.”

  “How interesting. And do you think that Athens government is the best?”

  “It has been superior at times and at others has been deplorable, depending on who or what group was in power. This seems to be true in all countries.”

  The polite discussion continued until Aspasia announced that they should all take their places for dinner. Thais, of course, was placed with Phidias as he expected. The dinner was an orchestrated masterpiece, with one course after another of rare and delectable foods, served by beautiful slave girls all dressed in matching costumes. Auletrides danced elaborate choreography accompanied by flute, harp and tambourine.

  After dinner, Aspasia effortlessly led the discussion and made sure that everyone was brought into it, including Thais, who proved to have a mind as beautiful as her face. Phidias was enchanted. He had never been with a woman who had possessed both attributes. After all, in Athens women were not formally educated like men.

  During the discussion, Phidias heard himself offering intelligent discourse, as if he were in a different world. He didn’t know if the pink haze that enveloped him was from the wine or emanated from the enchantress next to him. He didn’t care which, but found intoxicated pleasure in it. He was dimly aware that the more formal discussion was over and guests were rising to relieve themselves or engage in smaller conversations.

  Thais excused herself and Phidias talked with another guest. Aspasia intercepted Thais outside the dining room. “Well, how do you like our young philosopher?”

  “He not only has a handsome face and body but possesses brilliant conversation. Did you notice how well he parried the questions thrown at him and retaliated with unassailable argument? He really interests me. I thank you, Aspasia, for introducing him to me.”

  “What would you like to do?”

  “I intend to ask him if he wants to spend the rest of the night at my house. If he does and the evening passes in mutual enjoyment, I may ask him if he wishes a more permanent relationship.”

  “He is not rich like some of the merchants, Thais, but only a poor teacher.”

  “Wealth isn’t everything Aspasia. I have enough invested from my last lover to live comfortably. It might be fun to have a young and virile man as a partner.”

  Aspasia laughed, “I know what you mean. Well good fortune to you and young Phidias.”

  Later that night at Thais’ very comfortable house, she led him to the bedroom and, after undressing him, told him to lie down on her bed. In stimulated anticipation, Phidias watched her light several candles around the room. Stepping out of her dress, she brought a bottle of scented oil to the bed and began to massage Phidias with it. Beginning with his toes and feet she expertly massaged and stroked his legs and thighs, and moved upward. She then advanced to his abdomen and chest, kneading the firm muscles developed in the gymnasium. He sucked in a deep breath and raised his buttocks as she tickled and twisted his nipples. Then she progressed to his arms and hands and fingers, alternating with firm pressure and gentle stroking on the sensitive palms.

  Proceeding to his neck and face, she lightly massaged and kneaded his strong features, ending up combing her fingers through his dark curls. Although his eyes were closed, his body tingled with sensual excitement. His hot skin twitched around his erect nipples, as Thais’ fingers made every nerve of his skin stand at attention.

  Then Thais gently stroked his private parts, expertly kneading them. He groaned and thrust his pelvis upward. Just as Phidias thought he could not withhold his climax any longer, she stopped. She then mounted him, and began her rhythmic motion. He sighed and reached up, cupping her firm breasts and rigid nipples. Her experienced orchestrations produced mutual climax for both. She reached down and squeezed his pectoral muscles until they hurt, accentuating his orgasm.

  In echoing shudders, she collapsed on his chest, burrowing her face into his neck, her hair splayed across his chest. Phidias panting and exhausted, put his arms gently around her and stroked her long tresses.

  After recovering, and gently kissing his face, Thais rose and from a water basin cleaned herself and Phidias. Then, pouring each of them a cup of wine they exchanged small talk until, spent by emotion, sex and wine, they fell
asleep in one another’s arms.

  The next day, and for several days thereafter, Phidias sent notes of affection to Thais. She responded by inviting them to her house. They had light dinners followed by fervent lovemaking. Phidias was intoxicated, a slave to a feeling he had never known before. He felt that he couldn't get enough of her. He felt that he could be without her touch, her smell, the sound of her voice.

  After one particularly pleasing evening of a fine meal and wine, followed by tender sex, Thais asked Phidias, “Would you like to live with me in my house? You spend most of your time here anyway, when you are not at the Academy or attending lectures and symposia.”

  “I would very much like to live with you, Thais,” admitted Phidias. “But I have nothing to pay you for my upkeep. My only income is from what my students’ families pay.

  “You don’t have to worry about money, Phidias. I have income from investments from past lovers. We have a wonderful relationship and make a beautiful couple. As you have seen, we have many invitations to dinners. I have plenty of room in this house. You can have your own bedroom and a room for your scrolls and desk where you can write.”

  “It would be like living with the gods to live with you, for I love you.”

  “Let’s not speak of love or the gods; let’s just enjoy the time we have together. Then it is settled. I will send a slave to your house tomorrow to move your belongings.”

  Phidias could hardly sleep that night. He was captured with emotion, as his mind swept through the implications of Thais' invitation to move into her house. He knew that her hetaira tradition forbade her from emotional entanglements that may harm her.

  Although she had never said the words, Phidias felt in his heart that Thais shared his feelings. He was sure that what he felt was love. It was obvious to him that Thais enjoy the relationship as well, for why else would she invite him to live with her. He knew she wasn't doing it for his money, for he had none. Call it love or infatuation; he felt that they were immersed in each other, body and soul. Was he sure of this? It didn't matter.

  Phidias' relationship with Thais was becoming the subject of comments among his acquaintances. The two of them were invited to dinners and symposia. Although some of Phidias' closest friends chided him for not getting married, they were jealous underneath, that he was living in the house of a beautiful hetaira, that he didn't even have to s