14–15
Philosophy
And did you lose your tempers over abusive words? did you forget how Comedy handled me at the Dionysia, and how I yet counted her a friend? Did I ever sue her, or go and remonstrate? or did I let her enjoy her holidays in the harmless old-fashioned way? I know very well that a jest spoils no real beauty, but rather improves it; so gold is polished by hard rubs, and shines all the brighter for it. But you seem to have grown passionate and censorious. Come, why are you strangling him like that?
Platonists
We have got this one day’s leave, and come after him to give him his deserts. Rumours had reached us of the things he used to say about us in his lectures.
Philosophy
And are you going to kill him without a trial or a hearing? I can see he wishes to say something.
Platonists
No; we decided to refer it all to you. If you will accept the task, the decision shall be yours,
Philosophy
Sir, what is your wish?
Lucian
The same, dear Mistress; for none but you can find the truth. It cost me much entreaty to get the case reserved for you.
Platonists
You call her Mistress now, scoundrel; the other day you were making out Philosophy the meanest of things, when before that great audience you let her several doctrines go for a pitiful threepence apiece.
5
Philosophy
It may be that it was not Ourself he then reviled, but some impostors who practised vile arts in our name.
Platonists
The truth will soon come to light, if you will hear his defence.
Philosophy
Come we to the Areopagus—or better, to the Acropolis, where the panorama of Athens will be before us.
