The Sale of Lives (24-25)

And must we say the same of the fees you take for imparting your wisdom to young men? Is it clear that the good man alone will make money out of his virtue?

You grasp the idea. It is not on my own account that I take fees, but for the good of the giver himself. For since one party in a transaction must give and the other receive, I train myself to receive and my pupil to give.

It ought to be the other way about. The young man ought to receive, and you, who alone are rich, to give out.

You are chaffing, fellow; but be careful lest I let fly at you with the apodeiktic syllogism.

What are the frightful effects of the weapon?

Embarrassment, silence, confusion of mind.

If you like, I will give you an extreme example, and prove in a twinkling that you are a stone.

How a stone? You do not look to me like Perseus with the Gorgon's head, my friend.

This is the way. Is the stone a body?

Yes.

Well, is not a living creature a body?

Yes.

But you are a living creature?

Certainly, I have that appearance.

Then you are a stone, for you are a body.

Heaven forbid! In Zeus' name, release me and make me a man again!

That is easy; be a man once more. For, tell me, is every body a living creature?

No.

Well, is a stone a living creature?

No.

But you are a body?

Yes.

And being a body you are a living creature?

Yes.

Then you are not a stone, because you are a living creature.

Thank you. My legs were getting lifeless already and stiff, like Niobe's. But I am certainly going to buy you. What is his price?

Two hundred and forty dollars.

Here it is.

Are you the sole purchaser?

Dear me, no. All these people are with me.

There are plenty of them, and strong in the shoulder. They are fit for "the Mower."