Mercury.—You, Pythagoras, step out, and show yourself to the company.
Jupiter.—Put him up.
Mercury.—Gentlemen, we here offer you a professor of the very best and most select description. Who buys? Who wants to be a cut above the rest of the world? Who wants to understand the harmonies of the universe and to live two lives?
Customer (turning the philosopher round and examining him).—He’s not bad to look at. What does he know best?
Mercury.—Arithmetic, astronomy, prognostics, geometry, music, and conjuring. You’ve a first-rate soothsayer before you.
Customer.—May one ask him a few questions?
Mercury.—Certainly—(aside), and much good may the answers do you.
Customer.—What country do you come from?
Pythagoras.—Samos.
Customer.—Where were you educated?