Dis. They are in search of the things below the earth.

Strep. Then they are searching for roots. Do not, then,
trouble yourselves about this; for I know where there
are large and fine ones. Why, what are these doing, who
are bent down so much?

Dis. These are groping about in darkness under Tartarus.

Strep. Why then does their rump look toward heaven?

Dis. It is getting taught astronomy alone by itself.

[Turning to the pupils.]

But go in, lest he meet with us.

Strep. Not yet, not yet; but let them remain, that I may
communicate to them a little matter of my own.

Dis. It is not permitted to them to remain without in
the open air for a very long time.

[The pupils retire.]

Strep. (discovering a variety of mathematical
instruments) Why, what is this, in the name of heaven?
Tell me.

Dis. This is Astronomy.