2–5
PROTEUS
How could there be any deception when everything’s so clearly visible? Weren’t your eyes open when you saw all my changes? If you don’t believe it, and think it’s all a fraud and an optical illusion, just try touching me with your hand, my fine fellow, when I turn myself into fire. That will teach you whether I’m only to be seen with the eyes or can burn as well.
MENELAUS
That would be dangerous, Proteus.
PROTEUS
I don’t suppose you’ve ever seen an octopus, Menelaus, or know what happens to that sort of fish?
MENELAUS
I have seen one, but please tell me what happens to it.
PROTEUS
Whenever it goes to a rock and puts its suckers on it, clinging tight with the full length of its arms, it makes itself just like that rock, changing its colour to match it; thus it escapes the notice of fishermen, by blending with its surroundings, thereby remaining inconspicuous and looking just like the stone.
MENELAUS
So people say. But your goings on, Proteus, are much harder to believe.
PROTEUS
I don’t know what else will convince you, Menelaus, if you won’t believe your own eyes.
MENELAUS
I admit I saw it. But it’s quite miraculous for one and the same person to be fire and water.
