Cratinus

Cratinus (Greek: Κρατῖνος Kratinos; 519 BC – 422 BC) was an Athenian poet and playwright of the Old Comedy. None of his plays has survived intact, but many fragments and quotations from his plays are known.

Quotes

• What a swarm of sophists you lot have swirled up!
  • Archilochoi ("The Archilochuses") (c. 448 BC)

• Even to wise mortals Music carries unceasing feelings...
  • Cheirones ("The Chirons")

• Life in the past was happy for mortals as compared to now. Men led a life, gentle in mind with sweet-speaking wisdom, most beautiful of mortals.
  • Cheirones ("The Chirons")

• Let the person who wins be him who says what is most desirable for the city.
  • Dionysalexandros (i.e. Dionysus in the part of Paris)

• ...Each one of you is a bribe-taking fox.
  • Nomoi ("The Laws")

• You’ll never fashion anything clever by drinking water!
  • Pytine ("The Wineflask")