39
congratulate you, Parrhesiades; you are unanimously acquitted, and are henceforth one of us.
39
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!
39
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.
39
Well said, Virtue. Syllogism, my boy, put your head out over the city and summon the philosophers.
40
Oyez, oyez! All philosophers to the Acropolis to make their defence before Virtue, Philosophy, and Justice.
40
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.
40
No, no; call them yourself, Parrhesiades, in your own way.
41
Quite a simple matter. Oyez, oyez! All who profess philosophy and hold themselves entitled to the name of philosopher shall appear on the Acropolis for largesse; £8, with a sesame cake, to each. A long beard shall qualify for a square of compressed figs, in addition. Every applicant to have with him, of temperance, justice, and self-control, any __ that he is in possession of, it being clearly understood that these are not indispensable, and, of syllogisms, a complete set of five, these being the condition precedent of wisdom. Two golden talents in the midst are set, His prize who wrangles best amongst his peers.
