Dem.————————————I say
Here is a prophecy, which tells the time
And manner of this fellow’s death.
Nic.———————————Out with it.
Dem. (reading.) The words are clear enough, says my oracle,
There shall arise within our state a lint–seller,[93]
And to his hands the state shall be committed.
Nic. One seller note we:—good, proceed, what follows?
Dem. (reading.) Him shall a sheep–seller succeed.[94]
Nic.——————————————————A brace
Of sellers, good.—What shall befall this worthy?
Dem. (reading.) ‘Tis fixed that he bear sway till one arise
More wicked than himself—that moment seals him.
Then comes the Paphlagonian—the hide–seller—
The man of claws, whose voice outroars Cycloborus.[95]
Nic. The man of sheep then falls beneath the lord
Of hides!
Dem. Even so; thus runs the oracle.