51–52
Parrhesiades
There it goes. Posidon grant me a quick ca...: There now! they are fighting for the bait, a lot of them together nibbling at the figs, and others with their teeth well in the gold. That is right; one soundly hooked. Now let me see, what do you call yourself? and yet how absurd to try and make a fish speak; they are dumb. Exposure, tell us who is his master.
Parrhesiades
Ah, he must have a master with gold in his name, must he? Chrysippus, tell me seriously, do you know these men? are you responsible for the way they live?
5
Chrysippus
My dear Parrhesiades, I take it ill that you should suggest any connexion between me and such creatures.
Parrhesiades
Quite right, and like you. Over he goes head first like the others; if one tried to eat him, those spines might stick in one’s throat.
Philosophy
You have fished long enough, Parrhesiades; there are so many of them, one might get away with gold, hook and all, and you have the priestess to pay. Let us go for our usual stroll; and for all you it is time to be getting back to your place, if you are not to outstay your leave. Parrhesiades, you and Exposure can go the rounds now, and crown or brand as I told you.
Parrhesiades
Good, Philosophy. Farewell, ye best of men. Come, Exposure, to our commission. Where shall we go first? the Academy, do you think, or the Porch?
Exposure
We will begin with the Lyceum.
Parrhesiades
Well, it makes no difference. I know well enough that wherever we go there will be few crowns wanted, and a good deal of branding.
