Syr. That’s the thing.
Dem. That is considered blamable——
Syr. Extremely good.
Dem. And then, moreover——
Syr. Upon my honor, I have not the leisure to listen to you just at present: I have got some fish just to my taste, and must take care they are not spoiled; for that would be as much a crime in me, as for you, Demea, not to observe those maxims which you have just been mentioning; and so far as I can, I lay down precepts for my fellow-servants on the very same plan; “this is too salt, that is quite burned up, this is not washed enough, that is very well done; remember and do so another time.” I carefully instruct them so far as I can to the best of my capacity. In short, Demea, I bid them look into their sauce-pans as though into a mirror,[51] and suggest to them what they ought to do. I am sensible these things are trifling which we do; but what is one to do? According as the man is, so must you humor him. Do you wish any thing else?
Dem. That more wisdom may be granted you.
Syr. You will be going off into the country, I suppose?
Dem. Directly.
Syr. For what should you do here, where, if you do give any good precepts, no one will regard them?
Goes into Micio’s house.