But I reply that the old men are children twice
over and that it is far more fitting to chastise them than the young, for
there is less excuse for their faults.
over and that it is far more fitting to chastise them than the young, for
there is less excuse for their faults.
Aristophanes
STREPSIADES. Why, assuredly, for your good and in your own best interest.
PHIDIPPIDES. Tell me, is it not right, that in turn I should beat you for
your good? since it is for a man's own best interest to be beaten. What!
must your body be free of blows, and not mine? am I not free-born too?
the children are to weep and the fathers go free?
STREPSIADES. But. . .
PHIDIPPIDES. You will tell me, that according to the law, 'tis the lot of
children to be beaten.
But I reply that the old men are children twice
over and that it is far more fitting to chastise them than the young, for
there is less excuse for their faults.
STREPSIADES. But the law nowhere admits that fathers should be treated
thus.
PHIDIPPIDES. Was not the legislator who carried this law a man like you
and me? In those days he got men to believe him; then why should not I
too have the right to establish for the future a new law, allowing
children to beat their fathers in turn? We make you a present of all the
blows which were received before this law, and admit that you thrashed us
with impunity. But look how the cocks and other animals fight with their
fathers; and yet what difference is there betwixt them and ourselves,
unless it be that they do not propose decrees?
STREPSIADES. But if you imitate the cocks in all things, why don't you
scratch up the dunghill, why don't you sleep on a perch?
PHIDIPPIDES. That has no bearing on the case, good sir; Socrates would
find no connection, I assure you.
STREPSIADES. Then do not beat at all, for otherwise you have only
yourself to blame afterwards.
PHIDIPPIDES. What for?
