CHREMYLUS. Is the country served by vile intrigue?
INFORMER. It is served by watching that the established law is observed—by allowing no one to violate it.
CHREMYLUS. That's the duty of the tribunals; they are established to that end.
INFORMER. And who is the prosecutor before the dicasts?
CHREMYLUS. Whoever wishes to be.[794]
INFORMER. Well then, 'tis I who choose to be prosecutor; and thus all public affairs fall within my province.
CHREMYLUS. I pity Athens for being in such vile clutches. But would you not prefer to live quietly and free from all care and anxiety?
INFORMER. To do nothing is to live an animal's life.
CHREMYLUS. Thus you will not change your mode of life?
INFORMER. No, though they gave me Plutus himself and the silphium of
Battus.[795]