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Why, I conceive that there is a gymnastic which, like our music,

is simple and good; and especially the military gymnastic.

What do you mean?

My meaning may be learned from Homer; he, you know, feeds his

heroes at their feasts, when they are campaigning, on soldiers'

fare; they have no fish, although they are on the shores of the

Hellespont, and they are not allowed boiled meats but only roast,

which is the food most convenient for soldiers, requiring only

that they should light a fire, and not involving the trouble of

carrying about pots and pans.

True.

And I can hardly be mistaken in saying that sweet sauces are

nowhere mentioned in Homer. In proscribing them, however, he is

not singular; all professional athletes are well aware that a man

who is to be in good condition should take nothing of the kind.

Yes, he said; and knowing this, they are quite right in not

taking them.

Then you would not approve of Syracusan dinners, and the

refinements of Sicilian cookery?

I think not.