- Strepsiades and Socrates chat about just what Socrates is doing up in the air (apparently is part of his efforts to make "celestial discoveries").
- Strepsiades gets right to the point and tells Socrates he wants to learn oratory from him and thereby shake off his creditors.
- So, Socrates gives him a wreath and starts a ceremony to "initiate" him into the Thinkery. Apparently, this involves sprinkling him with flour.