thenes, let him come on the sixtieth day (from this) or even before that time to Sicyon, for Clisthenes will have the nuptials of his daughter celebrated on the completion of a year from that time.’ So then the suitors assembled, as many Greeks (lit. out of Greece) as thought highly of themselves, either from their own excellence or that of their country; and for these Clisthenes had ready both a race course and a wrestling school, in which they might contend with each other.
Trial of the applicants.
133.So a very great number of suitors assembled, and among them Megacles, son of the Alcmaeon who had been at the court of Croesus, and Hippoclides, distinguished among the Athenians for his riches and the beauty of his person. And when they had assembled by the appointed day, Clisthenes first inquired their countries, and each man’s descent, and then, detaining them for the space of a year, made a thorough trial of their endurance and courage of mind, and cultivation of intellect, and character; at one time associating with them one by one, at another with all together. Also taking to the gymnastic schools those who were the juniors of the party: moreover he made special trial of them at feasts. Now those who had come from Athens pleased him in general more than the others; and of these Hippoclides was the most approved of by him.
An unfortunate dance.
134.On the appointed day, Clisthenes, having slain a hundred oxen, entertained both the suitors themselves and all the men of Sicyon at a splendid banquet. When supper was over, the suitors began to contend with other, both in singing and orations (on subjects) given out in the midst. But as the drinking bout went on, Hippoclides requested a flute player to play airs suited to the dance; then he began to dance. But this thing was displeasing to CHsthenes (who was) looking on. Then, after a short delay, Hippoclides ordered a table to be brought in for him; and when it was brought, ascending the table he first danced some Laconian measures, then others from Attica; at last, resting his head on the table, he acted in pantomime with his legs. And Clisthenes, after containing
