6–7
First Dealer
And why no beans? Do you dislike them?
Pythagoras
No. But they are sacred things. Their nature is a mystery. Consider them first in their generative aspect; take a green one and peel it, and you will see what I mean. Again, boil one and expose it to moonlight for a proper number of nights, and you have—blood. What is more, the Athenians use beans to vote with.
First Dealer
Admirable! A very feast of reason. Now just strip, and let me see what you are like. Bless me, here is a creed with a golden thigh! He is no mortal, he is a God. I must have him at any price. What do you start him at?
5
First Dealer
He is mine for forty pounds,
Zeus
Take the gentleman’s name and address.
Heraclitus
He must come from Italy, I should think; Croton or Tarentum, or one of the Greek towns in those parts. But he is not the only buyer. Some three hundred of them have clubbed together.
Zeus
They are welcome to him. Now up with the next.
10
Heraclitus
What about yonder grubby PontianSee Diogenes in Notes.?
Heraclitus
You there with the wallet and cloak; come along, walk round the room. Lot No.2, A most sturdy and valiant creed, free-born. What offers?
Second Dealer
Hullo, Mr. Auctioneer, are you going to sell a free man?
Heraclitus
That was the idea
5
Second Dealer
Take care, he may have you up for kidnapping. This might be matter for the Areopagus.
Heraclitus
Oh, he would as soon be sold as not. He feels just as free as ever.
Second Dealer
But what is one to do with such a dirty fellow? He is a pitiable sight. One might put him to dig perhaps, or to carry water.
