5–7
Pythagoras
Now you are he, but formerly you appeared in another body and with another name; and in time you will change again into another.
Buyer
You mean this: that I shall be immortal, changing into one form after another? But that is enough on this subject.
What are your habits of life?
Pythagoras
I touch no sort of animal food, but anything else except beans.
Buyer
What is the reason of that? Perhaps you dislike beans?
Pythagoras
Not at all, but they are sacred and of a marvellous nature. But, what is more important, it is the custom of the Athenians to vote for officers with beans.
Buyer
All your remarks are lofty and priestlike. But take off your clothes and let me see you stripped. Good heavens, his thigh is golden! He seems to be a god, not a mortal. I will buy him, by all means. How much do you ask for him?
5
Hermes
Two hundred dollars.
Buyer
I will take him at the price.
Zeus
Make a note of the buyer's name and country.
Hermes
He is an Italian, I should think, from Croton or Tarentum, or somewhere in Magna Graecia. But he is not the sole purchaser; almost three hundred clubbed together with him.
Zeus
Let them take him off. Put up another.
10
Hermes
What do you say to that dirty one from Pontos?
Hermes
Come here, you with the wallet slung from your shoulder, and the bare arms. Walk round the room. I offer a manly life, a noble and generous life, a free life! Who buys?
Buyer
What do you say, salesman? You offer a free man for sale?
Buyer
Then are you not afraid he will sue you for kidnapping, and bring you before the criminal court?
