THE CLOUDS. 123

Clouds. “Oh, that’s a very little matter. Hand
your accounts to our attendants, and fear nothing.”

Strep. “1 will trust you to the uttermost. What
with my debts and my extravagant wife, I have no
other choice. Hunger, thirst, cold, torture, anything
that. you please, so long as you make me a real
clever speaker.”

Clouds. “The man has a bold temper. Well, if
you learn all this from me, you will be the most for-
tunate of men. You will have clients always sitting
at your door to get your advice in heavy cases. And
now, Socrates, take him and teach him.” :

Soc. “Well, my friend, have you got a good
memory ?”

Strep. “A very long memory when money is ow-
ing to me; a very short one, when I owe it myself.”

Soc. “ How will you be able to learn?”

Strep. “Well enough; don’t be afraid.”

Soc. “Can you speak?”

Strep. “TI can’t speak, but I can cheat.”

Soc. “Tf I let drop a bit of thé higher wisdom,
you must snatch it up at once.”

Strep. “What? Grab wisdom like a dog?”

Soc. “ This is a very ignorant, barbarous creature.
Old man, I am afraid you'll want a good beating.
Come, take off your coat.”

Strep. “Why, what have I done wrong?”

Soc. “Nothing; but it is our custom to come in
without our coats.”