 They start to attack the Ephesian matron and Portia defends her, which leads her to attacking hypocrites in general and a discussion about the characters of Nero, Xerxes and Alexander the Great.She then describes Oliver's abandoning of Portia for Melantha, and Melantha's loving both Oliver and Ferdinand.The Cry attack Portia by accusing her of vanity, which prompts Portia to discuss the notion of "knowing one's self" and ignorance.