Son of Theodektes or of Theodoros; an Athenian; a comic poet. He produced 24 plays. He belongs to the Old Comedy of the time of Aristophanes. His plays are [...] and many others.[1]
[It is said] that[2] Asclepius was also solicitous of those involved in literary pursuits. At any rate, he cured Theopompos when he was worn down and depressed with a wasting disease,[3] and, having rendered him whole and healthy and safe, [4] persuaded him to produce comedies again. And even now an image of Theopompos in Parian marble is displayed below the stone,[5] the inscription agreeing as to his name and that of his father, for he was the son of Tisamenos.[6] And the representation of what is happening is very clear. [There is] a bed, itself also of marble. The form of the man in question is lying ill upon it [portrayed] with artistic skill; the god stands beside it and stretches out to him his healing hand, and a young child [is there] also smiling kindly. And what, then, is the purpose of the child? I myself understand it to imply that the poet [is] fond of playing. For he laughs and hints symbolically at the nature of comedy. But if another thinks differently, let his own opinion prevail, but let him not bother me [sc. with it].