harmonides

Updated: May 14, 2025

But Timotheus's remarks need not be confined to Harmonides, nor to his profession: they seem applicable to all whose ambition prompts them to exhibit their talents and to aim at the approbation of the public.

of Samosata Lucian - Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 02

But the prime object of my musical aspirations seems out of my reach: I mean popular esteem, distinction, and notoriety; I would have all eyes turn in my direction, all tongues repeat my name: "There goes Harmonides, the great flute-player."

of Samosata Lucian - Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 02

'Why, really, says Timotheus, 'it is no such easy matter, Harmonides, to become a public character, or to gain the prestige and distinction to which you aspire; and if you propose to set about it by performing in public, you will find it a long business, and at the best will never achieve a universal reputation.

of Samosata Lucian - Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 02

'Tell me, Timotheus, said Harmonides the flute-player one day to his teacher, 'tell me how I may win distinction in my art. What can I do to make myself known all over Greece? Everything but this you have taught me.

of Samosata Lucian - Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 02

Accordingly, when I, like Harmonides, was debating within myself the speediest means of becoming known, I took Timotheus's advice: 'Who, I asked myself, 'is the foremost man in all this city? Whose credit is highest with his neighbours?

of Samosata Lucian - Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 02

Harmonides had no time to put this policy into practice. The story goes that in his first public competition he worked so energetically at his flute, that he breathed his last into it, and expired then and there, before he could be crowned. His first Dionysiac performance was also his last.

of Samosata Lucian - Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 02