7–9
BUYER
What use could a man make of him, filthy as he is, and in such a wretched condition? However, he might be made a shoveller or a drawer of water.
HERMES
Not only that, but if you make him doorkeeper, you will find him far more trusty than a dog. In tact, he is even called a dog.The name of the sect in Greek means doggish.
BUYER
Where is he from, and what creed does he profess?
10
HERMES
Ask the man himself; it is better to do so.
BUYER
I am afraid of his sullen, hang-dog look; he may bark at me if I go near him, or even bite me, by Zeus! Don’t you see how he has his cudgel poised and his brows bent, and scowls in a threatening, angry way?
HERMES
Don’t be afraid; he is gentle.
BUYER
First of all, my friend, where are you from?
CYNIC
You see in me a citizen of the world.
BUYER
Whom do you take for your pattern?
5
BUYER
Then why don’t you wear a lion’s skin? For as to the cudgel, you are like him in that.
CYNIC
This short cloak is my lion-skin; and I am a soldier like him, fighting against pleasures, no conscript but a volunteer, purposing to make life clean.
BUYER
A fine purpose! But what do you know best, and what is your business?
CYNIC
I am a liberator of men and a physician to their ills; in short I desire to be an interpreter of truth and free speech.
10
BUVER
Very good, interpreter! But if IT buy you, what course of training will you give me?
