Icaromenippus

Plutus Why, you do not suppose they see me in my true shape, lame, blind, and so forth?

Hermes How else, unless they are all as blind themselves?

Plutus They are not blind, my dear boy; but the ignorant misconceptions now so prevalent obscure their vision. And then I contribute; not to be an absolute fright when they see me, I put on a charming mask, all gilt and jewels, and dress myself up. They take the mask for my face, fall in love with its beauty, and are dying to possess it. If any one were to strip and show me to them naked, they would doubtless reproach themselves for their blindness in being captivated by such an vely misshapen creature.

Hermes How about fruition, then? When they are rich, and have put the mask on themselves, they are still deluded; if any one tries to take it off, they would sooner part with their heads than with it; and it is not likely they do not know by that time that the beautyis adventitious, now that they have aninside view.

Plutus There too I have powerful allies.

Hermes Namely—?

Plutus When a man makes my acquaintance, and opens the door to let me in, there enter unseen by my side Arrogance, Folly,