294 . DIPHILUS.

“Tm not going to talk to this gallows’-bird of a
slave,” said Labrax, turning to Demones. “TI. tell
you, these girls are my slaves.”

“And I tell you,” cried Trachalio, “that they are
your betters, real Greek girls, none of your colonists.
One of them, I know, was born at Athens.”

“What do you say?” said Doemones, more inter-
ested than ever, when he heard Athens mentioned.

“T say that this one here,’ and-he pointed to
Paleestra, “was born at Athens of free parents.”

Dem. “What? A countrywoman of mine?”

Trach, “Why, I thought you were a Cyrenean.”

Dem. “No, no. I was born and brought up at
Athens.”

Trach. “Well, then you are > bound to 2 ey your
countrywoman.”

Dem. “Yes, yes. How the girl reminds me of
my dear little daughter: she was three when I lost
her, and she would be just of this girl’s age if she
were alive.”

“This is all nonsense,” said the slave-dealer.~ “ 1
bought these girls with my own money, and I don’t
care a brass farthing whether they were born at
Athens or at Thebes.”

A long dispute followed, things being proushe toa
point by Labrax declaring that if he could not drag
the girls from the altar, he should burn them out.
This was more than Trachalio could stand. ‘“ Look
after them,” he said ‘to. Demones, “and I will run
and tell my master.”