Sos. My Lord, affectation has little share in anything I do, and, without paying you a compliment, there were things to be seen in this festival which would have attracted me if some other motive had not hindered me.
Ari. And has Clitidas seen it all?
Cli. Yes, Madam, but from the shore.
Ari. And why from the shore?
Cli. Well, Madam, I feared one of those accidents which generally happen in such large crowds. Last night I dreamt of dead fish and broken eggs, and I have learnt from Anaxarchus that broken eggs and dead fish forebode ill luck.
Ana. I observe one thing, that Clitidas would have nothing to say if he did not speak of me.
Cli. It is because there are so many things that can be said of you that one can never say too much.
Ana. You might choose some other subject of conversation, particularly since I have asked you to do so.
Cli. How can I? Do you not say that destiny is stronger than everything? And if it is written in the stars that I shall speak of you, how can I resist my fate?
Ana. With all the respect due to you, Madam, allow me to say that there is one thing in your court which it is sad to find there. It is that everybody takes the liberty of talking, and that the most honourable man is exposed to the scoffing of the first buffoon he meets.