Sale of Creeds (18-19)

Unparalleled generosity!—And now, what are the main features of your philosophy?

Ideas and types of things. All things that you see, the earth and all that is upon it, the sea, the sky,—each has its counterpart in the invisible world.

And where are they?

Nowhere. Were they anywhere, they were not what they are.

I see no signs of these ‘types’ of yours.

Of course not; because you are spiritually blind. I see the counterparts of all things; an invisible you, an invisible me; everything is in duplicate.

Come, such a shrewd and lynx-eyed creed is worth a bid. Let me see. What do you want for him?

Five hundred.

Done with you. Only I must settle the bill another day.

What name?

Dion; of Syracuse.

Take him, and much good may he do you. Now I want Epicureanism. Who offers for Epicureanism? He isa disciple of the laughing creed and the drunken creed, whom we were offering just now. But he has one extra accomplishment— impiety. For the rest, a dainty, lickerish creed.

What price?

Eight pounds.

Here you are. By the way, you might let me know what he likes to eat.

Anything sweet. Anything with honey in it. Dried figs are his favourite dish.

That is all right. We will get in a supply of Carian fig-cakes,