Zeus the Tragedian (27-29)

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.