Zenobius 5.95

Tighter-mouthed than a skaphē

Image pending

English

Proverb

Tighter-mouthed than a skaphē

Explanation

proverb of those resident-aliens carrying skaphai, because they had no right of free speech and were not even allowed to gape. Set down for those unable to speak freely; inasmuch as resident-aliens used to carry skaphai (trays) in the processions. Menander mentions it in his Eunuch.

Greek

Proverb

Συστομώτερος σκάφης

Explanation

παροιμία ἐπὶ τῶν τὰς σκάφας φερόντων μετοίκων, διὰ τὸ ἀπαῤῥησίαστον, οἷς οὐδὲ χανεῖν ἐφεῖτο. Τάττεται δὲ ἐπὶ τῶν μὴ δυναμένων παῤῥησιάζεσθαι· ἐπειδὴ οἱ μέτοικοι σκάφας ἔφερον ἐν ταῖς πομπαῖς. Μέμνηται ταύτης Μένανδρος ἐν τῷ Εὐνούχῳ.

urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0098.tlg001.1st1K-grc1:5.95