Zeus the Tragedian (26-30)

Apollo

If it were permitted by law to a beardless youth like me to address the meeting, I could, perhaps, make a useful contribution to the discussion.

Momos

In the first place, Apollo, the discussion has to do with such great questions that the right of speech does not go by years, but is common to all. For it would be a nice thing if, when we are in the extremest danger, we should quibble about a legal qualification. But, anyhow, you are already decidedly eligible as a speaker in the eye of the law, for you emerged long ago from among the youths; you have been inscribed on the rolls of the twelve, and you were almost a member of the council in Kronos's day. So don't try your youthful airs on us, but speak up boldly and tell us your views. And do not let the fact that you are a beardless orator embarrass you, particularly when you have your son Asklepios here with a beard to his waist. Moreover, it would be peculiarly fitting for you to show your wisdom now of all occasions, unless you have sat philosophizing with the Muses on Helikon to no purpose.

Apollo

It is not your business, however, Momos, to give these permissions, but Zeus's, and if he bids me I might perhaps say something worthy of the Muses and my exercises on Helikon.

Zeus

Speak, my child; I give you leave.

Apollo

This Timokles is a worthy man and pious, and perfectly conversant with the methods of the Stoics, so that he teaches many young men and levies no small fee therefor. For he is very convincing when he discourses with his pupils in private; but he lacks nerve for public speaking, and his utterance is untrained-half Greek and half barbarian. On this account he always raises a laugh in company, for he does not speak connectedly, but stammers and becomes confused, most of all when, in spite of this weakness, he wishes to exhibit elegance of style. His mind is surpassingly sharp and quick-so they say who are best informed in the doctrines of the Stoicsbut by his feebleness in speaking and expounding he spoils his subject-matter and confuses it, and fails to make his points clear, but rather lays down enigmatical propositions; and when it is his turn to answer expresses himself more darkly still. So he is misunderstood and laughed at. Now I think one should speak plainly, and take care above everything that his hearers understand him.

Momos

What you say in praise of plain-speaking, Apollo, is very just, though you do not practice

it very much yourself in your oracles. They are ambiguous and enigmatical, and in a non-commital way throw most things on disputed ground, so that the hearers need another Apollo to tell them what you mean. But what is your advice in this case? How is Timokles's weakness in argument to be cured?

Apollo

By furnishing him, if we can manage it, with counsel: one of those clever men who would deliver worthily whatever Timokles devised and suggested to him.

Momos

This is certainly a beardless utterance, and still in want of a school-master! To set up an advocate in an assemblage of philosophers to expound Timokles's views to the company! Damis to be present in person, and speak in his own character, but Timokles to use a mime and pour whatever he thinks into his ear, and the actor to deliver it, perhaps himself not understanding what he hears! Of course it would be ridiculous to the crowd. But let us consider this rather different idea.

Momos

You say, my admirable friend, that you are a seer, and you ask a good price for your services, and once even received bricks of gold. Why did you not give us an exhibition of your skill in the nick of time by telling us which of the Sophists is going to prevail in argument? For, of course, you know what the issue will be, since you are a seer.

Apollo

How can I, Momos, when I have no tripod with me, and no incense and no prophetic fountain like Kastalia?

Momos

Look, now, when you have got into a tight place you run away from conviction.

Zeus

Never mind, my child. Speak out, and do not give this backbiter pretexts for slander, and for saying, in his sneering way, that your skill is dependent on your tripod and your water and your incense, and that unless you have these your art will be lost.

Apollo

These things, father, are better done in Delphi or in Kolophon, where I have all the accessories to which I am accustomed. Still, bare as I am of these and unequipped, I will try to prophesy which of them will have the mastery. But you will bear with me if my verses should nor be very correct.

Momos

Speak, but only make your remarks clear, Apollo, so that they will not need an advocate themselves or interpretation. This is not a case of sheep's flesh and tortoise being boiled together in Lydia. You know what our inquiry is about.

Zeus

What in the world are you going to tell us, my child? The symptoms that precede the utterance are already alarming. His color is fading, his eyes are rolling, his hair is standing on end, and his gestures are those of a Korybant.

His whole bearing is mystic, frantic, possessed.