I was able to seize the sacred oracle, which he was
guarding with the
greatest
care, without his seeing me.
Aristophanes
Take it and offer a libation to your Good Genius; taste, taste
the liquor of the genial soil of Pramnium.[17]
DEMOSTHENES. Oh, Good Genius! 'Tis thy will, not mine.
NICIAS. Prithee, tell me, what is it?
DEMOSTHENES. Run indoors quick and steal the oracles of the Paphlagonian,
while he is asleep.[18]
NICIAS. Bless me! I fear this Good Genius will be but a very Bad Genius
for me.
DEMOSTHENES. And set the flagon near me, that I may moisten my wit to
invent some brilliant notion.
NICIAS (_enters the house and returns at once_). How the Paphlagonian
grunts and snores!
I was able to seize the sacred oracle, which he was
guarding with the
greatest
care, without his seeing me.
DEMOSTHENES. Oh! clever fellow! Hand it here, that I may read. Come, pour
me out some drink, bestir yourself! Let me see what there is in it. Oh!
prophecy! Some drink! some drink! Quick!
