Nay! if you take of her, she is increased thereby.
And then I have another similitude to propose, as regards this tasting of philosophy.

Don't think I blaspheme her if I say that it may be with her as with some deadly poison, [166] hemlock or aconite.

These too, though they cause death, yet kill not if one tastes but a minute portion.

You would suppose that the tiniest particle must be sufficient.
-- Be it as you will, Lucian! One must live a hundred years: one must sustain all this labour; otherwise philosophy is unattainable.
-- Not so! Though there were nothing strange in that, if it be true, as you said at first, that Life is short and art is long.

But now you take it hard that we are not to see you this very day, before the sun goes down, a Chrysippus, a Pythagoras, a Plato.
-- You overtake me, Lucian! and drive me into a corner; in jealousy of heart, I believe, because I have made some progress in doctrine whereas you have neglected yourself.
-- Well! Don't attend to me! Treat me as a Corybant, a fanatic: and do you go forward on this road of yours.