Aeacus.
Well, when Euripides came down, he gave
Free exhibitions to our choicest thieves,
Footpads, cut-purses, burglars, father-beaters,
—Of whom we have numbers here; and when they heard
The neat retorts, the fencing, and the twists,
They all went mad and thought him something splendid.
And he, growing proud, laid hands upon the throne
Where Aeschylus sat.
Xanthias.
And wasn't pelted off?
Aeacus.
Not he. The whole folk clamoured for a trial
To see which most was master of his craft.
Xanthias.
The whole jail-folk?
Aeacus.
Exactly;—loud as trumpets.
Xanthias.
And were there none to fight for Aeschylus?
Aeacus.
Goodness is scarce, you know. (Indicating the audience) The same as here!
Xanthias.
And what does Pluto mean to do about it?
Aeacus.
Why, hold a trial and contest on the spot
To test their skill for certain.
