Personally, I don't understand the languages and even the English translations vary from the VHS tape to the DVD to the English voice-overs so many people are left only with a general notion of the ideas being presented.
That being said, I've always regarded the appearance of the Greek speaking actors as a fleeting presentation of a more highly elevated spirituality amidst the morally and socially depraved environment of the banquet. I think this notion is supported by the fact that the more refined Eumolpo seems to become more alert at this point to enjoy the recitation.
Your quotation is in stark contrast to Trimalcione's later inquiry "What is a poor man?" It also seems somewhat related to other brief comments by some of the guests, for example, "....we are nothing but bubbles..." or ....here today, gone tomorrow..."
Perhaps contained therein, is a bit of black humour. Presented is the world of a newly rich ship builder, a belching, repulsive, self obsessed grotesque and his sycophants. He, who "...never listened to philosophers..." and doesn't understand what a poor man is.
The lines "We have seas covered by the sun. We have trees covered by leaves..." sounds somewhat like the elevated legacy of the wonders of the natural world that Eumolpo will bequeath to Encolpio in a soon to follow scene.
My understanding of the presentation of these scenarios is that true riches are of the spirit and encompass a harmonious relationship with nature.
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