PRAXAGORA. The ugly will follow the handsomest into the public places after supper and see to it that the law, which forbids the women to sleep with the big, handsome men before having satisfied the ugly shrimps, is complied with. BLEPYRUS. Thus ugly Lysicrates' nose will be as proud as the handsomest face? PRAXAGORA. Yes, by Apollo! this is a truly popular decree, and what a set-back 'twill be for one of those elegants with their fingers loaded with rings, when a man with heavy shoes says to him, "Give way to me and wait till I have done; you will pass in after me." BLEPYRUS. But if we live in this fashion, how will each one know his children? PRAXAGORA. The youngest will look upon the oldest as their fathers. BLEPYRUS. Ah! how heartily they will strangle all the old men, since even now, when each one knows his father, they make no bones about strangling him! then, my word! won't they just scorn and shit upon the old folks! PRAXAGORA. But those around will prevent it. Hitherto, when anyone saw an old man beaten, he would not meddle, because it did not concern him; but now each will fear the sufferer may be his own father and such violence will be stopped. BLEPYRUS. What you say is not so silly after all; but 'twould be highly unpleasant were Epicurus and Leucolophas to come up and call me father. PRAXAGORA. But 'twould be far worse, were ... BLEPYRUS. Were what? PRAXAGORA. ... Aristyllus to embrace you and style you his father. BLEPYRUS. Ah! let him look to himself if he dares! PRAXAGORA. For you would smell vilely of mint if he kissed you. But he was born before the decree was carried, so that you have not to fear his kiss. BLEPYRUS. 'Twould be awful. But who will do the work? PRAXAGORA. The slaves. Your only cares will be to scent yourself, and to go and dine, when the shadow of the gnomon is ten feet long on the dial. BLEPYRUS. But how shall we obtain clothing? Tell me that! PRAXAGORA. You will first wear out those you have, and then we women will weave you others. BLEPYRUS. Now another point: if the magistrates condemn a citizen to the payment of a fine, how is he going to do it? Out of the public funds? That would not be right surely. PRAXAGORA. But there will be no more lawsuits. BLEPYRUS. What a disaster for many people! PRAXAGORA. I have decreed it. Besides, friend, why should there be lawsuits? BLEPYRUS. Oh! for a thousand reasons, on my faith! Firstly, because a debtor denies his obligation. PRAXAGORA. But where will the lender get the money to lend, if all is in common? unless he steals it out of the treasury? BLEPYRUS. That's true, by Demeter! But then again, tell me this; here are some men who are returning from a feast and are drunk and they strike some passer-by; how are they going to pay the fine? Ah! you are puzzled now! PRAXAGORA. They will have to take it out of their pittance; and being thus punished through their belly, they will not care to begin again.