Would you deny the debt on that
account?
Aristophanes
STREPSIADES. I call you to witness, that he has named two days. What do
you want of me?
PASIAS. I claim of you the twelve minae, which you borrowed from me to
buy the dapple-grey horse.
STREPSIADES. A horse! do you hear him? I, who detest horses, as is well
known.
PASIAS. I call Zeus to witness, that you swore by the gods to return them
to me.
STREPSIADES. Because at that time, by Zeus! Phidippides did not yet know
the irrefutable argument.
PASIAS.
Would you deny the debt on that account?
STREPSIADES. If not, what use is his science to me?
PASIAS. Will you dare to swear by the gods that you owe me nothing?
STREPSIADES. By which gods?
PASIAS. By Zeus, Hermes and Posidon!
STREPSIADES. Why, I would give three obols for the pleasure of swearing
by them.
PASIAS. Woe upon you, impudent knave!
STREPSIADES. Oh! what a fine wine-skin you would make if flayed!
