Men. Have you so much leisure, Chremes, from your own affairs, that you can attend to those of others—those which don’t concern you?
Chrem. I am a man,[23] and nothing that concerns a man do I deem a matter of indifference to me. Suppose that I wish either to advise you in this matter, or to be informed myself: if what you do is right, that I may do the same; if it is not, then that I may dissuade you.
Men. It’s requisite for me to do so; do you as it is necessary for you to do.
Chrem. Is it requisite for any person to torment himself?
Men. It is for me.
Chrem. If you have any affliction, I could wish it otherwise. But prithee, what sorrow is this of yours? How have you deserved so ill of yourself?
Men. Alas! alas! (He begins to weep.)
Chrem. Do not weep, but make me acquainted with it, whatever it is. Do not be reserved; fear nothing; trust me, I tell you. Either by consolation, or by counsel, or by any means, I will aid you.
Men. Do you wish to know this matter?
Chrem. Yes, and for the reason I mentioned to you.