Simonides of Ceos Volckmar Tries to Make a Mark

In Search of Triumph and a Decent Lunch
Once upon a time, the ever-erudite and eloquent Simonides of Ceos Volckmar, with his customary charm and wit, embarked on an epic quest. The objective? To etch his name into the annals of history and, if possible, secure a delectable luncheon.
Simonides was a man of many talents, a weaver of words, a sprightly poet, and a keen observer of life's intricacies. He could compose odes that made hearts soar and epigrams that stung with a sharpness tempered by wisdom. However, despite his literary prowess, he yearned for something more, something that would leave an indelible mark upon the world.
Donning his best toga, freshly laundered and thoughtfully accessorized with a laurel wreath, Simonides set out into the bustling streets of Athens. As he sauntered through the agora, his mind raced, composing verses that quivered with anticipation and hunger.
He approached the first passerby, a portly fellow with a particularly pompous expression. "Good sir," Simonides inquired with a twinkle in his eye, "would you be so kind as to commit my name to memory? I am Simonides of Ceos Volckmar, a humble scribe with aspirations that reach for the heavens."
The portly fellow regarded Simonides with a mixture of amusement and disdain. "My good man," he huffed, "I have no time for such frivolous pursuits. I am a merchant of great renown, and my memory is reserved for matters of commerce."
Unperturbed, Simonides thanked the portly fellow for his candor and continued his promenade. He approached a comely maiden, her eyes sparkling with intelligence and mischief. "Fair maiden," he said with a courtly bow, "I am Simonides of Ceos Volckmar, a poet of no small renown. Would you grant me the honor of inscribing my name upon your heart?"
The maiden giggled, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes. "Oh, flatterer," she teased, "my heart is already pledged to another. But I will gladly scribble your name upon this parchment, if only to witness the results of your lofty ambition."
Simonides accepted the parchment and, with a flourish of his pen, inscribed his name in elegant script. He handed it back to the maiden with a triumphant smile. "There, my lady," he said, "may my name forever be etched in your memory, alongside the one who holds your affections."
As the day wore on, Simonides approached countless individuals, both highborn and humble. Some politely declined, their minds occupied with more pressing concerns. Others were amused by his request and obliged with a chuckle. A few even praised his verse, promising to spread his name far and wide.
By nightfall, Simonides had collected a sizeable stack of parchment, each bearing his name in various forms. Satisfied with his progress, he made his way to a nearby tavern, his stomach rumbling with anticipation.
As he scanned the menu, a particularly tempting dish caught his eye. "I shall have the roasted lamb," he proclaimed to the server, "with a generous helping of honeyed figs."
The server raised an eyebrow. "That will be quite expensive, sir."
Simonides hesitated for a moment, his gaze resting upon the parchment in his hand. A cunning gleam entered his eyes. "Fear not, good fellow," he said, "for I possess a treasure that shall more than cover the cost of my repast."
He retrieved a quill and inkpot from his satchel and, in a matter of moments, composed a brilliant epigram on the subject of gluttony and the pleasures of indulgence. He handed it to the server with a flourish. "Behold," he said, "a masterpiece that will surely be passed down through generations. Consider it a gift, a small token of my appreciation for your culinary artistry."
The server chuckled and took the epigram to the kitchen. Moments later, a steaming plate of roasted lamb and honeyed figs was placed before Simonides. As he savored the succulent meat and the sweetness of the figs, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
He had triumphed, after all. His name, Simonides of Ceos Volckmar, would be forever preserved on countless scraps of parchment, not to mention the hearts of a few discerning individuals. More importantly, he had enjoyed a most delectable luncheon.
And so, Simonides of Ceos Volckmar returned home, his belly full, his mind at ease, and his name forever etched in the annals of history. Or at least on a few pieces of parchment scattered throughout the city of Athens.