EURIPIDES. Come, leave off badgering him; I was just the same at his age, when I began to write.
MNESILOCHUS. At! then, by Zeus! I don't envy you your fine manners.
EURIPIDES (to Agathon). But listen to the cause that brings me here.
AGATHON. 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?