PHA. Meanwhile, he's somewhat acquainted with you, for he's bold to bring your person upon the stage.
COM. SEN. What, me? I can't remember that I was ever brought upon the stage before.
PHA. Yes, you, and you, and myself with all my fantastical tricks and humours: but I trow I have fitted him with fooleries: I trust he'll never trouble me again.
COM. SEN. O times! O manners! when boys dare to traduce men in authority; was ever such an attempt heard?
MEM. I remember there was: for, to say the truth, at my last being at Athens—it is now, let me see, about one thousand eight hundred years ago—I was at a comedy of Aristophanes' making.[228] I shall never forget it; the arch-governor of Athens took me by the hand, and placed me; and there, I say, I saw Socrates abused most grossly, himself being then a present spectator: I remember he sat full against me, and did not so much as show the least countenance of discontent.
COM. SEN. In those days it was lawful; but now the abuse of such liberty is insufferable.
PHA. Think what you will of it, I think 'tis done, and I think it is acting by this time: hark, hark; what drumming's yonder! I'll lay my life they are come to present the show I spake of.
COM. SEN. It may be so; stay, we'll see what 'tis.
SCAENA QUINTA.
LINGUA, MENDACIO, COMMUNIS SENSUS, and the rest.