1
Lycinus What, our exquisite with his essay?
Lexiphanes Ah, Lycinus, ’tis but a fledgeling of mine; ’tis all incondite.
Lycinus O ho, conduits—that is your subject, is it?
Lexiphanes You mistake me; I said nothing of conduits; you are behind the times; incondite—’tis the word we use now when a thing lacks the finishing touches. But you are the deaf adder that stoppeth her ears.
Lycinus I beg your pardon, my dear fellow; but conduit, incondite, you know. Well now, what is the idea of your piece?
5
Lexiphanes A symposium, a modest challenge to the son of Ariston.
Lycinus There are a good many sons of Aristons; but, from the symposium, I presume you mean Plato.
Lexiphanes You take me; what I said could fit no other.
Lycinus Well, come, read me a little of it; do not send me away thirsty; I see there is nectar in store.
Lexiphanes Ironist, avaunt! And now open your ears to my charming; adder me no adders.
10
Lycinus Go ahead; I am no Adam, nor Eve either.
Lexiphanes Have an eye to my conduct of the discourse, whether it be fair in commencement, fair in speech, fair in diction, fair in omenclature.
Lycinus Oh, we know what to expect from Lexiphanes. But come, begin.
