Dialogi mortuorum
Lucian of Samosata
The Works of Lucian of Samosata, complete, with exceptions specified in thepreface, Vol. 1. Fowler, H. W. and Fowlere, F.G., translators. Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1905.
Socrates Do you want me, Menippus?
Menippus The very man I am looking for.
Socrates How goes it in Athens?
Menippus There are a great many young men there professing philosophy; and to judge from their dress and their walk, they should be perfect in it.
Socrates I have seen many such.
Menippus For that matter, I suppose you saw Aristippus arrive, reeking with scent; and Plato, the polished flatterer from Sicilian courts?
Socrates And what do they think about me in Athens?
Menippus Ah, you are fortunate in that respect. You pass for a most remarkable man, omniscient in fact. And all the time— if the truth must out—you know absolutely nothing.
Socrates I told them that myself: but they would have it that that was my irony.
Menippus And who are your friends?
Socrates Charmides; Phaedrus; the son of Clinias.
Menippus Ha, ha! still at your old trade; still an admirer of beauty.
Socrates How could I be better occupied? Will you join us?
Menippus No, thank you; I am off, to take up my quarters by Croesus and Sardanapalus. I expect huge entertainment from their outcries.
Aeacus I must be off, too; or some one may escape. You shall see the rest another day, Menippus.
Menippus I need not detain you. I have seen enough.