14
No, those can stand over; we must work off the arrears first.
14
Well, these cases are of just the same kind. They are not old ones, it is true, but they are very like those you have taken, and might fairly be heard with them.
14
That looks rather like favouritism, Hermes, However, as you like; only these must be the last; we have got quite enough. What are they?
14
Rhetoric v. a Syrian i.e, Lucian. See Introduction, § 1, Life., for neglect; Dialogue v, the same, for assault.
14
And who is this Syrian? There is no name given.
14
That is all: the Syrian rhetorician; he can have a jury without having a name.
14
So! here on Areopagus I am to give juries to outsiders, who ought to be tried on the other side of the Euphrates? Well, give him eleven, and they can hear both cases.
14
That’s right; it will save a lot of expense.
15
First case: the Academy versus Drink. Let the jury take their seats. Mark the time, Hermes, Drink, open the case.... Not a word? can you do nothing but nod?— Hermes, go and see what is the matter with her.
15
She says she cannot plead, she would only be laughed at; wine has tied her tongues As you see, she can hardly stand.
15
Well, there are plenty of able counsel present, ready to shout themselves hoarse for sixpence; let her employ one of them.
15
No one will have anything to do with such a client in open court. But she makes a very reasonable proposal.
15
Yes?
15
The Academy is always ready to take both sides; she makes a point of contradicting herself plausibly. ‘Let her speak first on my behalf,’ says Drink, ‘and then on her own.’
15
A novel form of procedure. However, goon, Academy; speak on both sides, if you find it so easy.
16
First, gentlemen of the jury, let me state the case for Drink, as her time is now being taken.
