“Yes, of course; otherwise they would have thought me a blockhead. You know that he has depicted me as a rogue and fool. Since I am neither, it was not serious; therefore it was in jest.” “Do you think so? I think it was serious.” “And you laugh at the serious? Do you weep, then, at jesting? Then you would be mad.” “Do you think I am mad?” “Yes, if you think me a rogue.” “You know that Cleon is with the army.” “I was astonished to hear it.” “Astonished! You think, then, that he is not fit to command.” “No, I know nothing about his fitness as commander, for I have never seen him in the field. But I am astonished at his election, as he himself was, because it was unexpected.” “You therefore expect him to be defeated.” “No, I wait for the result, in order to see whether he wins or loses.” “You would be glad if he lost?” “I do not love Cleon, but as an Athenian I would mourn if he were defeated; therefore I would not rejoice at his overthrow.” “You hate Cleon, but you do not wish his overthrow.” “On account of Athens--no.” “But except for that?” “Except for that, Cleon’s overthrow would be a blessing for the State, for he has been unjust to Pericles, to Phidias, to all who have done anything great.” “Here comes a visitor.” “It is Alcibiades.” “The wretch! Are you not ashamed to be on intimate terms with him?” “He is a man; he has great faults and great merits, and he is my friend. I do not wish to be on intimate terms with my enemies.” Alcibiades knocked at the door, and rushed in. “Papaia! The pair are philosophising together, and talking of yesterday’s comedy! This Aristophanes is an ass! If one wishes to kill an enemy, one must hit him; but Aristophanes aims at the clouds. Hit, yes! Do you know that Cleon is defeated?” “What a pity!” exclaimed Socrates. “Is it a pity that the dog is unmasked?” “I think Alcibiades is misinformed,” broke in Xantippe. “No, by Zeus, but I wish I was!” “Hush! here is Anytos coming,” said Socrates. “The second tanner! It is strange that the destiny of Athens is guided by tanners.” “The destiny of Athens! Who knows it?” “I, Alcibiades, am the destiny of Athens.” “[Greek: _Hubris_]! Beware of the gods!” “I come after Cleon; Cleon is no more; therefore it is my turn.” “Here is Anytos!” Anytos entered: “I seek Alcibiades.” “Here I am.” “Must I prepare you....’ “No, I know.” “Prepare you for the honour....” “Have I waited long enough.” “To go at the head....” “That is what I was born for.” “To take the lead....” “That is my place.” “And conduct the triumphal procession?” “What procession?” “Ah! you did not know. Cleon’s triumphal procession from the harbour.” Alcibiades passed his hand downwards over his face, as though he wished to changed his mask, and it was done in a moment. “Yes, certainly, certainly, certainly. I have in fact just come here to--announce his victory.” “He lies,” broke in Xantippe.