Produced by Dagny and Frank J. Morlock
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Translated and adapted by
Frank J. Morlock
CHARACTERS:
SOCRATES
ANITUS, High Priest
MELITUS, Athenian Judge
XANTIPPE, Wife of Socrates
AGLAEA, a young Athenian girl raised by Socrates
SOPHRONINE, a young Athenian boy raised by Socrates
DRIXA, a merchant woman attached to Anitus
TERPANDRE, attached to Anitus
ACROS, attached to Anitus
JUDGES
DISCIPLES OF SOCRATES
NONOTI, a pedant protected by Anitus
BERTIOS, another
CHOMOS, another
ANITUS:My dear confidants, my dear agents, you know how much money I made youduring the last festival of Ceres. I'm getting married and I hope youwill do your duty on this grand occasion.
DRIXA:Yes, without doubt, Milord, since you are going to make us earn yetmore.
ANITUS:Madame Drixa, I must have two beautiful Persian rugs. You, Terpandre,of you I only ask two large silver candelabra. And of you, Acros, ahalf dozen dresses of silk embroidered with gold.
TERPANDRE:That's a bit much; but Milord there's nothing I won't do to deserveyour holy protection.
ANITUS:You will regain all that a hundred fold. It's the best way to deservethe favors of the gods and goddesses. Give much and you will receivemuch; and especially don't fail to arouse the people against all thepeople of quality who do not vow enough, and who do not presentofferings.
ACROS:We will never fail in that; it's too sacred a duty not to be faithfulto it.
ANITUS:Go, my dear friends. May the gods keep you in these sentiments, sopious and just! And count on prospering, yourselves, your children andyour grandchildren.
TERPANDRE:
We are sure of that because you said it.
(Exit Terpandre and Acros)
ANITUS:Well, my dear Madame Drixa, I think you don't find it ill that I amespousing Aglaea; but I don't love you any less. We will live togetheras usual.
DRIXA:Oh! Milord, I am not jealous; and since business is going so well I amvery satisfied. Since I have the honor of being one of yourmistresses, I have enjoyed great consideration in Athens. If you loveAglaea, I love the young Sophronine. And Xantippe, the wife ofSocrates has promised to give him to me in marriage. You will stillhave the same rights over me. I am only annoyed that this young manmay be raised by that villainous Socrates, and that Aglaea may yet bein his clutches. They must be gotten out of them as quickly aspossible. Xantippe will be enchanted to be rid of them. The handsomeSophronine and the beautiful Aglaea ar