PHIL. He, a captive?
HEG. Even so.
PHIL. We, then, have not proved the only cowards {1}.
HEG. (to PHILOCRATES, supposing him to be the SERVANT of the other). Step you aside this way, for there are some things that I wish to enquire of you in private, on which subjects I would have you not to be untruthful to me. (They step aside.)
PHIL. I will not be, as to that which I shall know; if I shall not know anything, that which I don't know I'll tell you of.
TYND. (aside). Now is the old fellow in the barber's shop; now, at this very instant, is Philocrates wielding the razor {2}. He hasn't cared, indeed, to put on the barber's cloth {3}, so as not to soil his dress. But whether to say that he's going to share him close, or trim him {4} through the comb {5}, I don't know; but if he's wise, he'll scrape him right well to the very quick.
HEG. (to PHILOCRATES). Which would you? Would you prefer to be a slave, or a free man?—Tell me.
PHIL. That which is the nearest to good, and the furthest off from evil, do I prefer; although my servitude hasn't proved very grievous to me, nor has it been otherwise to me than if I had been a son in the family.
TYND. (aside). Capital! I wouldn't purchase, at a talent's price even, Thales the Milesian {6}; for compared with this man's wisdom, he was a very twaddler. How cleverly has he suited his language to the slave's condition.
HEG. Of what family is this Philocrates born?