from The Clouds,
* Lines 1036-1111, * Translator anonymous, *
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Page 2
JUSΤ. None, in my opinion, surpassed Heracles.
UNJ. Where have you ever seen cold baths called 'Bath of Heracles'?
And yet who was braver than he?
JUSΤ. It is because of such quibbles, that the baths are seen crowded
with young folk, who chatter there the livelong day while the gymnasia
remain empty.
UNJ. Next you condemn the habit of frequenting the market-place, while
I approve this. If it were wrong Homer would never have made Nestor
speak in public as well as all his wise heroes. As for the art of
speaking, he tells you, young men should not practise it; I hold the
contrary. Furthermore he preaches chastity to them. Both precepts are
equally harmful. Have you ever seen chastity of any use to anyone?
Answer and try to confute me.