But why not go and defend
yourself?
Aristophanes
Say on.
EURIPIDES. Agathon, wise is he who can compress many thoughts into few
words. [560] Struck by a most cruel misfortune, I come to you as a
suppliant.
AGATHON. What are you asking?
EURIPIDES. The women purpose killing me to-day during the Thesmophoria,
because I have dared to speak ill of them.
AGATHON. And what can I do for you in the matter?
EURIPIDES. Everything. Mingle secretly with the women by making yourself
pass as one of themselves; then do you plead my cause with your own lips,
and I am saved. You, and you alone, are capable of speaking of me
worthily.
AGATHON.
But why not go and defend yourself?
EURIPIDES. 'Tis impossible. First of all, I am known; further, I have
white hair and a long beard; whereas you, you are good-looking, charming,
and are close-shaven; you are fair, delicate, and have a woman's voice.
AGATHON. Euripides!
EURIPIDES. Well?
AGATHON. Have you not said in one of your pieces, "You love to see the
light, and don't you believe your father loves it too? "[561]
EURIPIDES. Yes.
AGATHON. Then never you think I am going to expose myself in your stead;
'twould be madness. 'Tis for you to submit to the fate that overtakes
you; one must not try to trick misfortune, but resign oneself to it with
good grace.
MNESILOCHUS.
EURIPIDES. Agathon, wise is he who can compress many thoughts into few
words. [560] Struck by a most cruel misfortune, I come to you as a
suppliant.
AGATHON. What are you asking?
EURIPIDES. The women purpose killing me to-day during the Thesmophoria,
because I have dared to speak ill of them.
AGATHON. And what can I do for you in the matter?
EURIPIDES. Everything. Mingle secretly with the women by making yourself
pass as one of themselves; then do you plead my cause with your own lips,
and I am saved. You, and you alone, are capable of speaking of me
worthily.
AGATHON.
But why not go and defend yourself?
EURIPIDES. 'Tis impossible. First of all, I am known; further, I have
white hair and a long beard; whereas you, you are good-looking, charming,
and are close-shaven; you are fair, delicate, and have a woman's voice.
AGATHON. Euripides!
EURIPIDES. Well?
AGATHON. Have you not said in one of your pieces, "You love to see the
light, and don't you believe your father loves it too? "[561]
EURIPIDES. Yes.
AGATHON. Then never you think I am going to expose myself in your stead;
'twould be madness. 'Tis for you to submit to the fate that overtakes
you; one must not try to trick misfortune, but resign oneself to it with
good grace.
MNESILOCHUS.
