2–1
Proteus
I suppose you have never seen such a thing as a polypus, nor observed the proceedings of that fish?
Menelaus
I have seen them; as to their proceedings, I shall be glad of your information.
Proteus
The polypus, having selected his rock, and attached himself by means of his suckers, assimilates himself to it, changing his colour to match that of the rock. By this means he hopes to escape the observation of fishermen: there is no contrast of colour to betray his presence; he looks just like stone.
Menelaus
So I have heard. But yours is quite another matter, Proteus.
Proteus
I don’t know what evidence would satisfy you, if you reject that of your own eyes.
Menelaus
I have seen it done, but it is an extraordinary business; fire and water, one and the same person!
Panope
Galene, did you see what Eris did yesterday at the Thessalian banquet, because she had not had an invitation?
Galene
No, I was not with you; Posidon had told me to keep the sea quiet for the occasion. What did Eris do, then, if she was not there?
Panope
Thetis and Peleus had just gone off to the bridal chamber, conducted by Amphitrite and Posidon, when Eris came in unnoticed—which was easy enough; some were drinking, some dancing, or attending to Apollo’s lyre or the Muses’ songs—well, she threw down a lovely apple, solid gold, my dear; and there was written on it, FOR THE FAIR. It rolled along as if it knew what it was about, till it came in front of Hera, Aphrodite, and Athene.
