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Buyer
Why can't you do that?
Philosopher
Because, good sir, I never appresee. hend.
Buyer
Of course. You do seem to be a slow, dull person. But what is the aim of your science?
Philosopher
Ignorance; neither to hear nor to apprehend.
Buyer
You mean, then, to be blind and deaf?
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Philosopher
Yes, and incapable of judgment and sensation, and, in a word, the double of an earthworm.
Buyer
I must buy you for that. How much do you say he is worth?
Buyer
Here it is. What have you to say, fellow? Have I bought you?
Buyer
Not at all. I have purchased you and paid the money.
Philosopher
I suspend my judgment about it and consider.
Buyer
You will follow me, as my slave should.
Philosopher
Who knows whether you are telling the truth?
Buyer
The salesman and the eighteen dollars and the by-standers.
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Philosopher
Are there, then, any standing by?
Buyer
I will clap you into the mill in a moment, and persuade you by a vicious argument that I am your master.
Philosopher
Suspend your judgment about that.
Buyer
No, by Heaven, I have formed my opinion already!
Hermes
Here, stop your resistance and follow your purchaser. We will summon you again to-morrow, for we are going to put up the lives of the private citizens and artisans and tradesfolk.
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