18–19
Cock
There was neither common sense nor philosophy in that law. The fact is, I saw that if I did just the same as other people, I should draw very few admirers; my prestige, I considered, would be in proportion to my originality. Hence these innovations, the motive of which I wrapped up in mystery; each man was left to make his own conjecture, that all might be equally impressed by my oracular obscurity. There now! you are laughing at me; it is your turn this time.
Micyllus
I am laughing much more at the folk of Cortona and Metapontum and Tarentum, and the rest of those mute disciples who worshipped the ground you trod on.
And in what form was your spirit next clothed, after it had put off Pythagoras?
Cock
In that of Aspasia, the Milesian courtesan.
Micyllus
Dear, dear! And your versatility has even changed sexes? My gallant cock has positively laid eggs in his time? Pythagoras has carded and spun? Pythagoras the mistress— ' and the mother—of a Pericles? My Pythagoras no better than he should be?
Cock
I do not stand alone. I had the example of Tiresias and of Caeneus; your gibes touch them as well as me.
Micyllus
And did you like being a man best, or receiving the addresses of Pericles?
5
Cock
Ha! the question that Tiresias paid so dearly for answering!
Micyllus
Never mind, then,—Euripides has settled the point; he says he would rather bear the shock of battle thrice Than once the pangs of labour.
Cock
Ah, just a word in your ear: those pangs will shortly be your own; more than once, in the course of a lengthy career, you will be a woman.
