42
Just look! the ascent packed with a pushing crowd, at the very first sound of my £8. More of them along the Pelasgicum, more by the temple of Asclepius, a bigger crowd still over the Areopagus. Why, positively there are a few at the tomb of Talos; and see those putting ladders against the temple of Castor and Pollux; up they climb, buzzing and clustering like a swarm of bees. In Homeric phrase, on this side are exceeding many, and on that Ten thousand, thick as leaves and flowers in spring. Noisily they settle, the Acropolis is covered with them in a trice; everywhere wallet and beard, flattery and effrontery, staves and greed, logic and avarice. The little company which came up at the first proclamation is swamped beyond recovery, swallowed up in these later crowds; it is hopeless to find them, because of the external resemblance. That is the worst of it, Philosophy; you are really open to censure for not marking and labelling them; these impostors are often more convincing than the true philosophers.
42
It shall be done before long; at present let us receive them.
43
Platonists first!
43
No, no; Pythagoreans first; our master is senior.
43
Rubbish! the Porch is the best.
43
Now, now, this is a question of money; Peripatetics first there!
43
Hand over those cakes and fig-squares; as to the money, Epicureans will not mind waiting till the last.
43
Where are the two talents? none can touch the Academy at a wrangle; we will soon show you that.
43
Not if we know it.
