1–2
MENIPPUS
It was three thousand furlongs, then, from the earth to the moon, my first stage; and from there up to the sun perhaps five hundred leagues; and from the sun to Heaven itself and the citadel of Zeus would be also a day’s ascent for an eagle travelling light.
FRIEND
In the name of the Liberal Arts, Menippus, why are you playing astronomer and surveyor on the quiet like that? For a long time I have been following you about and listening to your outlandish talk about suns and moons and even those outworn topics, stages and leagues.
MENIPPUS
Don’t be surprised, my friend, if my talk seems to you to be.up in the air and flighty; I am just figuring up the total length of my recent journey.
FRIEND
So you did like the Phoenicians, old chap, and guessed your way by the stars ¢
MENIPPUS
No indeed, I made my journey right among the stars,
5
FRIEND
Great Heracles! That's a long dream you are talking of, if you actually lost yourself and slept for leagues and leagues!
MENIPPUS
Dream, man! Do you think I’m telling you a dream? [am just back from a visit to Zeus.
FRIEND
What’s that you say? Menippus here from Heaven, dropt from the clouds?
MENIPPUS
Here I an, I tell you, just come back to-day from the very presence of your great Zeus himself, and I have seen and heard wonderful things. If you don’t believe me, I am overjoyed precisely because my good luck is beyond belief,
