Methodius of Olympus' Banquet of the Ten Virgins was influenced by Plato's philosophy, and relies on allegorical explanation of Scripture in a dialogue on virginity. In this dialogue, composed with reference to Plato's Symposium, he depicts a festive meal of ten virgins in the garden of Arete, at which each participant extols Christian virginity and its excellence. It concludes with a hymn on Jesus as the Bridegroom of the Church.