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Timolaus Oh, but that is a sign of noble birth in Egypt, Lycinus. All gentlemen’s sons wear their hair done up till they reach manhood. It was the other way with our ancestors: the topknot, and the golden grasshopper to keep it together, were the proper thing for old men in their time.

Samippus Very much to the point, Timolaus; you allude to the remarks in Thucydides’s preface, about our old luxurious habits, as preserved in the Asiatic colonies.

Lycinus Of course!

I remember now where it was we lost Adimantus. It was when we were standing all that time looking up at the mast, counting the layers of hides, and watching that marvellous fellow going up the shrouds, and running along

Samippus So it was. Well, now what are we to do? Shall we wait for him here, or do you think I had better go back on board?

Timolaus No, no, let us walk on; he has probably gone tearing off home, not being able to find us. Anyhow, he knows the way; he will never get lost for want of us to take care of him.

Lycinus It is rather a shame, perhaps, to go off and leave one’s friend to shift for himself. However, I agree, if Samippus does.

Samippus Certainly Ido. We may find the gymnasium open still.