23
Hera Rather than meddle with them, I would give the Augean stables a second clean-out. However, let us be starting, Philosophy.
23
Philosophy If I must, I must.
24
Hera Yes, come along, and we will polish off a few to-day.— Which way, Philosophy? You know where they are to be found. Somewhere in Greece, of course?
24
Philosophy Oh no; the few that there are in Greece are genuine philosophers. Attic poverty is not at all to the liking of the impostors; we must look for them in places where gold and silver mines abound.
24
Hera Straight to Thrace, then?
24
Hera Yes, Thrace, and I will show you the way. I know every inch of Thrace; I have been there so often. Look here, this is our route.
24
Hera Yes?
25
Hera You see those two magnificent mountains (the big one is Haemus, and the other Rhodope), and the fertile plain that spreads between them, running to the very foot of either? Those three grand, rugged crests that stand out so proudly yonder form as it were a triple citadel to the city that lies beneath; you can see it now, look.
25
Hera Superb! A queen among cities; her splendours reach us even here. And what is the great river that flows so close beneath the walls?
25
Hera The Hebrus, and the city was built by Philip. Well, we have left the clouds behind us now; let us try our fortune on terra firma.
26
Hera Very good; and what comes next? How do we hunt our vermin down?
26
Hera Ah, that is where you come in, Mr. Crier: oblige us by crying them without loss of time.
26
Hera There is only one objection to that: I do not know what they are called. What names am I to say, Philosophy? and how shall I describe them?
26
Philosophy I am not sure of their names, as I have never come into contact with them. To judge from their grasping propensities, however, you can hardly go wrong with Cteso, Ctesippus, Ctesicles, Euctemon, PolyctetusCtesis is Greek for ‘gain.’.
27
Hera To be sure. But who are these men? They seem to be looking for something too. Why, they are coming up to speak to us.
