Page:Callimachus (Roswitha, Lambert 1923).djvu/16

6 I have had to endure an almost intolerable burden. I now hope to be able to lighten it by asking your advice.

FRIENDS. We have exchanged sympathies so often before now that we all feel a natural interest in one another's fortune, good and bad alike.

CALL. Ah, how I wish you could feel my trouble and sympathise with me!

FRIENDS. Well then, out with it! Tell us just what your trouble is. If it calls for sympathy, we will give it you; and if not, we will do our best to free your thoughts from their obsession.

CALL. I am in love.

FRIENDS. In love! With what?

CALL. The fairest of the fair.

FRIENDS (bantering him). That is not a logical answer. 'Fair' is neither unique nor universal. We cannot tell what is the particular object of your love.

CALL. Woman.

FRIENDS. Aha, but when you say 'woman', you are including them all!

CALL. No, not all equally, but one especially.

FRIENDS. That will not do either.