Economics

At this point I said, Ischomachus, I think your account of your wife’s occupations is sufficient for the present—and very creditable it is to both of you. But now tell me of your own: thus you will have the satisfaction of stating the reasons why you are so highly respected, and I shall be much beholden to you for a complete account of a gentleman’s occupations, and if my understanding serves, for a thorough knowledge of them.

Well then, Socrates, answered Ischomachus, it will be a very great pleasure to me to give you an account of my daily occupations, that you may correct me if you think there is anything amiss in my conduct.

As to that, said I, how could I presume to correct a perfect gentleman, I who am supposed to be a mere chatterer with my head in the air,[*](ἀδλεσχεῖν, ἀερομετρεῖν; these are taunts commonly levelled at Socrates; thus, for instance, Aristophanes, Clouds, 225: What are you at, Socrates?I’m walking the air and pondering on the sun; and 1480: Socr., Excuse my silly chatter.) I who am called—the most senseless of all taunts—a poor beggar?

I do assure you, Ischomachus, this last imputation would have driven me to despair, were it not that a day or two ago I came upon the horse of Nicias the foreigner.[*](If the text is right, this person cannot be the well-known Nicias.) I saw a crowd walking behind the creature and staring, and heard some of them talking volubly about him. Well, I went up to the groom and asked him if the horse had many possessions.

The man looked at me as if I must be mad to ask such a question, and asked me how a horse could own property. At that I recovered, for his answer showed that it is possible even for a poor horse to be a good one, if nature has given him a good spirit.