pransus non avide, quantum interpellet inani ventre diem durare.
Then eat a temperate luncheon, just to stay A sinking stomach till the close of day (Conington).
By Hera (I replied), Ischomachus, I cannot say how much your doings take my fancy. How you have contrived, to pack up portably for use—together at the same time—appliances for health and recipes for strength, exercises for war, and pains to promote your wealth! My admiration is raised at every point. That you do study each of these pursuits in the right way, you are yourself a standing proof. Your look of heaven-sent health and general robustness we note with our eyes, while our ears have heard your reputation as a first-rate horseman and the wealthiest of men.
Isch. Yes, Socrates, such is my conduct, in return for which I am rewarded with—the calumnies of half the world. You thought, I daresay, I was going to end my sentence different, and say that a host of people have given me the enviable title "beautiful and good."
I was indeed myself about to ask, Ischomachus (I answered), whether you take pains also to acquire skill in argumentative debate, the cut and thrust and parry of discussion, (19) should occasion call?
(19) Lit. "to give a reason and to get a reason from others." Cf.
"Cyrop." I. iv. 3.
Isch. Does it not strike you rather, Socrates, that I am engaged in one long practice of this very skill, (20) now pleading as defendant that, as far as I am able, I do good to many and hurt nobody? And then, again, you must admit, I play the part of prosecutor when accusing people whom I recognise to be offenders, as a rule in private life, or possibly against the state, the good-for-nothing fellows?
(20) "The arts of the defendant, the apologist; and of the plaintiff,
the prosecutor."
But please explain one other thing, Ischomachus (I answered). Do you put defence and accusation into formal language? (21)
(21) "Does your practice include the art of translating into words
your sentiments?" Cf. "Mem." I. ii. 52.