XVI Hermogenes
Turd. Yes, concerning Hermogenes, who in all our contests always bore away the chief prizes. By an astounding change from being a man of the highest ability and learning (as his time of life brought about) suddenly he has become most sluggish and boorish.
Nugo. Such a change I have often seen happen with certain keen-witted men.
Bamb. They say that this happens when the sharpness of the wit is not really genuine, like a lancet whose edge is easily blunted, especially if it is used to cut anything a little too hard.
Grac. What, is there an edge in wits, even as there is in steel?
Bamb. I don’t know. I have often seen steel, but never have I seen a man’s wits.