SOCLARUS. Contain yourself, my dearest Autobulus,
and forbear these accusations; for here are several gentlemen coming, all great huntsmen, whom it will be very difficult to bring over to your opinion; neither is it convenient
to offend them.
AUTOBULUS. You give me good advice. However, I
[p. 171]
know Eubiotus very well, and my kinsman Ariston; nor
am I less acquainted with Aeacides and Aristotimus, the
sons of Dionysius the Delphian, as also with Nicander the
son of Euthydamus, all expert in the chase by land, as
Homer expresses it; and therefore likely to take part with
Aristotimus. On the other side, yonder comes Phaedimus
too, bringing along with him the islanders and neighbors
to the sea, Heracleon of Megara, and Philostratus of
Euboea,
Whose whole delight is all the day
The toilsome pastime of the sea.
1
But as for Optatus, our equal in years (like Tydides),—
Which of the sides to range him well,
So versed in both, we cannot tell.
2
For he is one that offers as well the first-fruits of his
fishery to Dictynna, as of his forest spoils to Diana; so
that it is apparent he comes among us as one that intends
not to be partial to one side more than the other; or else
our conjecture is amiss, dear Optatus, that your design is
only to be an impartial umpire between these young
gentlemen.
OPTATUS. You conjecture very truly, Autobulus. For
the ancient law of Solon is out of date, that punished
those who stood neuters and refused to adhere to either
side.
AUTOBULUS. Seat yourself then here by us, that if there
should be any occasion for a testimony, we may not be
troubled to run to Aristotle's writings, but acquiescing in
your experience, may give our suffrages according to what
you aver for truth.
OPTATUS. Go to then, young gentlemen: are ye agreed
upon the method and order of the dispute?
PHAEDIMUS. Truly, worthy Soclarus, that very thing
[p. 172]
occasioned a great debate among us; but at length, according to that of Euripides,
The child of Fortune, Chance, the point agreed,
And fixed the method how we should proceed,
by giving the precedence to the land animals to plead their
cause before marine creatures.
SOCLARUS. Then, Aristotimus, it is high time for you to
speak and for us to hear.
