DICAEOPOLIS
The time has come for me to manifest my courage, so I will go
and seek Euripides. Ho! slave, slave!
SLAVE
Who's there?
DICAEOPOLIS
Is Euripides at home?
SLAVE
He is and he isn't; understand that, if you have wit for't.
DICAEOPOLIS
How? He is and he isn't!1
SLAVE
Certainly, old man; busy gathering subtle fancies here and
there, his mind is not in the house, but he himself is; perched aloft,
he is composing a tragedy.
DICAEOPOLIS
Oh, Euripides, you are indeed happy to have a slave so quick at
repartee! Now, fellow, call your master.
SLAVE
Impossible!
DICAEOPOLIS
So much the worse. But I will not go. Come, let us knock at the door.
Euripides, my little Euripides, my darling Euripides, listen;
never had man greater right to your pity. It is Dicaeopolis of the
Chollidan Deme who calls you. Do you hear?