We read a notice at the schools that there would be no lecture.

Stay therefore, and talk awhile with us.
-- With pleasure, Lucian .-- Yes! I was ruminating yesterday's conference.

One must not lose a moment.

Life is short and art is long! And it was of the art of medicine, that was first said--a thing so much easier than divine philosophy, to which one can hardly attain in a lifetime, unless one be ever wakeful, ever on the watch.

And here the hazard is no little one:--By the attainment of a true philosophy to attain happiness; or, having missed both, to perish, as one of the vulgar herd.
-- The prize is a great one, Hermotimus! and you must needs be near it, after these months of toil, and with that scholarly pallor of yours.
Unless, indeed, you have already laid hold upon it, and kept us in the dark.
-- How could that be, Lucian?
Happiness, as Hesiod says, abides very far hence; and the way to it is long and steep and rough.