"
"You do not believe that Zeus is the supreme ruler of the world?"
"Yes, I do certainly."
"But he was a false swearer and a lecher."
"Yes! But how can that be helped?"
Tissaphernes rose. "Listen, my guest; we cannot share any common
undertaking, for we do not serve the same gods. You call us
barbarians. I, on my part, know no term of reproach strong enough
for people who honour such gods. But the Athenians are as rotten as
you, for they have pardoned you. Outside there stands an envoy from
Athens come to beg you to return. Go to Athens; that is your place."
"To Athens? Never! I do not trust them."
"Nor they, you! That is appropriate. Go to Athens, and tell your
countrymen--the Persian does not want them. The vine tendrils seek
the sound elm, but turn away from the rotten cabbage-top."
Alcibiades had begun to walk up and down the room. That meant that
he was irresolute.
"Is the Athenian really outside?" he asked.
"He kneels outside in order to beg the traitor Alcibiades to be
their lord. But listen, you are a democrat, are you not?"
"Yes, of course."
"Then you must change your point of view, for now an oligarchy
governs Athens."
"Yes, ah! yes, yes--but I am an aristocrat, the most aristocratic in
the State."
"Spinning-top! Seek for a whip!"
Alcibiades stood still.
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