“They have never lent themselves to carry out human vengeance.”
“Has Alcibiades not betrayed his country?”
“Alcibiades’ country is Hellas, not Athens; Sparta is in Hellas.”
“Have the gods also become Sophists?”
“The gods have become dumb.”
“Then you can shut the temple—the sooner, the better.”
The incorrigible Alcibiades had really fled from Sicily to the enemy at Sparta, and now sat at table with King Aegis; for Sparta had retained the monarchy, while Athens at an early date had abjured it.
“My friend,” said the King, “I do not like your dining at the common public table, after being accustomed to Aspasia’s brilliant feasts in Athens.”
“I! Oh no! My rule was always the simplest food: I went to sleep with the sun, and rose with the sun. You do not know what a severe ascetic I have been.”