38–40
Temperance
Yes, Truth, I could not help blushing at it.
Philosophy
What say you, gentlemen?
Resurgents
Why, of course, that he is acquitted of the charge, and stands recorded as our friend and benefactor. Our case is just that of the Trojans, who entertained the tragic actor only to find him reciting their own calamities. Well, recite away, our tragedian, with these pests of ours for dramatis personae.
5
Diogenes
I too, Philosophy, give him my meed of praise; I withdraw my charges, and count him a worthy friend.
Philosophy
congratulate you, Parrhesiades; you are unanimously acquitted, and are henceforth one of us.
Parrhesiades
Your humble servant. Or no, I must find more tragic words to fit the solemnity of the occasion: Victorious might My life’s path light, And ever strew with garlands bright!
Virtue
Well, now we come to our second course; let us have in the other people and try them for their insults. Parrhesiades shall accuse them each in turn.
Parrhesiades
Well said, Virtue. Syllogism, my boy, put your head out over the city and summon the philosophers.
Syllogism
Oyez, oyez! All philosophers to the Acropolis to make their defence before Virtue, Philosophy, and Justice.
Parrhesiades
The proclamation does not bring them in flocks, does it? They have their reasons for keeping clear of Justice. And a good many of them are too busy with their rich friends. If you want them all to come, Syllogism, I will tell you what to say.
Philosophy
No, no; call them yourself, Parrhesiades, in your own way.
