from my debts, and appear to men to be bold, glib of tongue, audacious, impudent, shameless, a fabricator of falsehoods, inventive of words, a practised knave in lawsuits, a law-tablet, a thorough rattle, a fox, a sharper, a slippery knave, a dissembler, a slippery fellow, an impostor, a gallows-bird,[1] a blackguard, a twister, a troublesome fellow, a licker-up of hashes. If they call me this, when they meet me, let them do to me absolutely what they please. And if they like, by Ceres, let them serve up a sausage out of me to the deep thinkers.
Cho. This man has a spirit not void of courage, but prompt Know, that if[2] you learn these matters from me, you will possess amongst mortals a glory as high as heaven.
Strep. What shall I experience?
Cho. You shall pass with me the most enviable of mortal lives the whole time.
Strep. Shall I then ever see this?
Cho. Yea, so that many be always seated at your gates, wishing to communicate with you and come to a conference with you, to consult with you as to actions and affidavits of many talents, as is worthy of your abilities.[3] [To Socrates.] But attempt to teach the old man by degrees whatever you purpose, and scrutinize his intellect, and make trial of his mind.
Soc. Come now, tell me your own turn of mind; in order that, when I know of what sort it is, I may now, after this, apply to you new engines.[4]
Strep. What? By the gods, do you purpose to besiege me?
Soc. No; I wish to briefly learn from you if you are possessed of a good memory.
Strep. In two ways, by Jove. If any thing be owing to
- ↑ "Passow and Pape, a rogue that deserves the cat-o'-nine-tails." Felton.
- ↑ See Krüger's Gr. Gr. § 56, 11, obs.
- ↑ ἄξια = ἀξίως = ut tuo ingenio dignum est. So Ach. vs. 8, ἄξιον τῇ Ἑλλάδι. Cf. ibid. 205. συμβ. μετὰ σοῦ is a mere gloss upon vs. 470." Bothe.
- ↑ "By μηχανὰς Socrates understands new arts and methods, but the old man warlike machines; hence his absurd question in the following verse." Harles.
Nay, flay the very skin off; 'tis their own;
So that I may but fob my creditors." Cumberland.
