1–3
CHARACTERS. As slaves for sale: JUPITER. MERCURY. PYTHAGORAS. DIOGONES. DEMOKRITOS. HERAKLEITOS. SOKRATES. CHRYSIPPOS. and a PYRRONIST. Various buyers.
Zeus
(to his assistants) Set the benches in order, and get the place ready for visitors; and you, range the lives in order and usher them in, but tidy them up first so that they may make a good appearance and attract a crowd. You, Hermes, make a proclamation, and, by the grace of heaven, summon the buyers to the sale-room forthwith. We are going to announce for sale philosophic lives of every description and varied principles, and if any one is not able to lay down his money on the nail he can pay up next year if he gives security.
Hermes
A crowd is gathering, so we must not waste time nor keep them waiting.
Zeus
Then let us proceed to sell.
Hermes
Which of them shall we put up first?
Zeus
This one with the long hair, the Ionian, for he seems to be a reverend person.
Hermes
Let the Pythagorean there show his points to the company.
Hermes
I offer the noblest life, the most reverend. Who will buy? Who wishes to be more than human, to know the harmony of the all, and rise from the dead?
5
Buyer
He is not bad to look at, but just what does he know?
Hermes
Arithmetic, astronomy, magic, geometry, music, jugglery. A finished fortune-teller is before you.
Buyer
May one question him?
Hermes
With all my heart.
Buyer
What country are you of?
Buyer
Where were you educated?
Pythagoras
In Egypt, among the sages there.
Buyer
Well, then, if I buy you what will you teach me?
5
Pythagoras
I will not teach you anything. I will remind you.
