III. While we yet stood looking on at this sport, the daughter of Megaphon opened to us.
“My sire is within,” she said; and pointed to the door of the megaron.
The door was open, and we entered. At first we saw no one, but after some moments became aware of Megaphon’s legs, which alone could be seen of all his body. For the rest of his body was hidden by a printed sheet. This sheet, we saw, was the Republic; for the letters were large.
“Hail, O Megaphon!” I cried in a loud voice.
Megaphon lowered the sheet until his face appeared, and then leaped up.
“A thousand pardons, Socrates and Chærephon!” he cried. “I was deep in the paper, and did not notice. Pray seat yourselves.”
We seated ourselves in front of him, and not far off.
Megaphon laid aside the paper, as it seemed, unwillingly.
“What were you reading, O Megaphon?” Chærephon inquired, to start our discussion. For he knew well, without the asking.