28–30
Momos
What you say in praise of plain-speaking, Apollo, is very just, though you do not practice it very much yourself in your oracles. They are ambiguous and enigmatical, and in a non-commital way throw most things on disputed ground, so that the hearers need another Apollo to tell them what you mean. But what is your advice in this case? How is Timokles's weakness in argument to be cured?
Apollo
By furnishing him, if we can manage it, with counsel: one of those clever men who would deliver worthily whatever Timokles devised and suggested to him.
Momos
This is certainly a beardless utterance, and still in want of a school-master! To set up an advocate in an assemblage of philosophers to expound Timokles's views to the company! Damis to be present in person, and speak in his own character, but Timokles to use a mime and pour whatever he thinks into his ear, and the actor to deliver it, perhaps himself not understanding what he hears! Of course it would be ridiculous to the crowd. But let us consider this rather different idea.
You say, my admirable friend, that you are a seer, and you ask a good price for your services, and once even received bricks of gold. Why did you not give us an exhibition of your skill in the nick of time by telling us which of the Sophists is going to prevail in argument? For, of course, you know what the issue will be, since you are a seer.
Apollo
How can I, Momos, when I have no tripod with me, and no incense and no prophetic fountain like Kastalia?
