“I own I have not, but I will read them.”
“What! in the face of Zeno?”
“Aye, and of the whole Portico.”
“We need not doubt the young Corinthian’s courage,” said Metrodorus, “after his noble confidence yesterday.”
“I see the Master has not been silent,” returned Theon, “and that he has given me more praise than is my due.”
“Metrodorus can tell you that is not my custom,” said the Gargettian. “By Pollux! if you continue your visits to the Garden, you must look to be handled very roughly. I aim the blow at every fault I see; and I have a very acute pair of eyes. I find out the most secret sins,—turn the souls of my scholars inside out; so be warned in time!”
“I do not fear you,” returned the Corinthian.
“Not fear me, you rogue?”
“No, I love you too well. But,” continued Theon, “let me now make my acknowledgments to the Master for his coming forward so seasonably yesterday, and giving me the victory. How you astonished me! I almost took you a second time for a divinity.”
“I will tell you how it happened,” returned Epicurus: “Chancing to be called into the street yesterday, just after you left the house, I saw your meeting with Cleanthes; and guessing from his first address, that you would have to stand a siege, I followed you to the Portico, and took my place, unnoticed, among the crowd, ready, if occasion should require, to offer my succor.”