I like how the ancient Greeks feed their guests first and then probe with questions. "Now's the time, now they've enjoyed their meal, to probe our guests and find out who they are. Strangers--friends, who are you?" (p. 109, l. 77-79)
The term "stranger" is used without any negative connotation.
Also, I noticed the repeated phrase "once they'd put aside desire for food and drink"(109,75). Later as "when they'd poured [i.e. out to the gods], and drunk to their hearts content" (118, 385). Later again "when they'd put aside desire for food and drink" (122, 530).
It is about satisfying the strangers' bodily needs first and asking about gossip second...
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