EURIPIDES. Everything. Mingle secretly with the women by making yourself pass as one of themselves; then do you plead my cause with your own lips, and I am saved. You, and you alone, are capable of speaking of me worthily.
AGATHON. But why not go and defend yourself?
EURIPIDES. 'Tis impossible. First of all, I am known; further, I have white hair and a long beard; whereas you, you are good-looking, charming, and are close-shaven; you are fair, delicate, and have a woman's voice.
AGATHON. Euripides!
EURIPIDES. Well?
AGATHON. Have you not said in one of your pieces, "You love to see the light, and don't you believe your father loves it too?"[561]
EURIPIDES. Yes.
AGATHON. Then never you think I am going to expose myself in your stead; 'twould be madness. 'Tis for you to submit to the fate that overtakes you; one must not try to trick misfortune, but resign oneself to it with good grace.
[561] Fragment of Euripides' well-known play, the 'Alcestis.'
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