14–15
HERMES
You are right, Justice, to avoid spending too much in jury-fees.
JUSTICE
Let the first jury sit, in the“case of the Academy v. Intemperance. Fill the water-clock. Plead first, Intemperance . . . Why does she hold her tongue and shake her head? Go to her and find out, Hermes.
HERMES
She says that she cannot plead her case because her tongue is tied with drink and she is afraid of getting laughed at in court. She can hardly stand, as you see.
JUSTICE
Then let her have an advocate appear, one of these public pleaders. There are plenty of them ready to split their lungs for three obols!
HERMES
But not one will care to espouse the cause of Intemperance, not openly, at any rate. However, this request of hers seems reasonable.
HERMES
“The Academy,” she says, “is always ready to argue on both sides and trains herself to be able to speak eloquently both pro and con. Therefore let her plead first for me, and then after that she will plead for herself.”
JUSTICE
That is unprecedented. Nevertheless, make both speeches, Academy, since it is easy for you.
