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e is the Old and New. For every one to whom I happen to be indebted, swears, and says he will ruin and destroy me, having made his deposits against me; though I only ask what is moderate and just-"My good sir, one part don't take just now; the other part put off I pray; and the other part remit"; they say that thus they will never get back their money, but abuse me, as I am unjust, and say they will go to law with me. Now therefore let them go to law, for it little concerns me, if Phidippides has learned to speak well. I shall soon know by knocking at the thinking-shop.
[Knocks at the door.]
Boy, I say! Boy, boy!
[Enter Socrates]
Soc. Good morning, Strepsiades.
Strep. The same to you. But first accept this present; for one ought to compliment the teacher with a fee. And tell me about my son, if he has learned that cause, which you just now brought forward.
Soc. He has learned it.
Strep. Well done, O Fraud, all-powerful queen!
Soc. So that you can get clear off from whatever suit you please.
Strep. Even if witnesses were present when I borrowed the money?
Soc. Yea, much more! Even if a thousand be present.
Strep. Then I will shout with a very loud shout: Ho! Weep, you petty-usurers, both you and your principals, and your compound interests! For you can no longer do me any harm, because such a son is being reared for me in this house, shining with a double-edged tongue, for my guardian, the preserver of my house, a mischief to my enemies, ending the sadness of the great woes of his father. Him do thou run and summon from within to me.
[Socrates goes into the house.]
O child! O son! Come forth from the house! Hear your father!
[Re-enter Socrates leading in Phidippides]
Soc. Lo, here is the man!
Strep. O my dear, my dear!
Soc. Take your son and depart.
[Exit Socrates.]
Strep. Oh, oh, my child! Huzza! Huzza! How I am delighted at the first sight of your complexion! Now