Book 4
1
I’m willing to believe you turn into water, Proteus, since you come from the sea, and I can even put up with your becoming a tree, and even your changing into a lion is not quite beyond the bounds of belief—but that you can actually become fire, although you live in the sea, I find quite amazing and incredible.
1
Well you mustn’t, Menelaus, for it’s true enough.
1
I saw it with my own eyes. But I’ll tell you what I think. I think it’s all a trick, and you cheat the eyes of the onlookers, and don’t turn into any of these things.
2
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.
2
That would be dangerous, Proteus.
2
I don’t suppose you’ve ever seen an octopus, Menelaus, or know what happens to that sort of fish?
2
I have seen one, but please tell me what happens to it.
3
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.
3
So people say. But your goings on, Proteus, are much harder to believe.
3
I don’t know what else will convince you, Menelaus, if you won’t believe your own eyes.
3
I admit I saw it. But it’s quite miraculous for one and the same person to be fire and water.
