But to
the master himself all things pertain to use as he thinks best. And so
I pointed the conclusion: he to whom the greater gain attaches in the
preservation of the property or loss in its destruction, is surely he to
whom by right belongs the larger measure of attention. [19]

[19] Or, "he it is on whom devolves as his concern the duty of
surveillance."

When, then (I asked), Ischomachus, how fared it? was your wife disposed
at all to lend a willing ear to what you told her? [20]

[20] Lit. "when she heard did she give ear at all?"

Bless you, [21] Socrates (he answered), what did she do but forthwith
answer me, I formed a wrong opinion if I fancied that, in teaching her
the need of minding our property, I was imposing a painful task upon
her. A painful task it might have been [22] (she added), had I bade her
neglect her personal concerns! But to be obliged to fulfil the duty of
attending to her own domestic happiness, [23] that was easy. After all
it would seem to be but natural (added he); just as any honest [24]
woman finds it easier to care for her own offspring than to neglect
them, so, too, he could well believe, an honest woman might find it
pleasanter to care for than to neglect possessions, the very charm of
which is that they are one's very own.

[21] Lit. "By Hera!" Cf. the old formula "Marry!" or "By'r lakin!"

[22] Lit. "more painful had it been, had I enjoined her to neglect her
own interests than to be obliged..."

[23] {ton oikeion agathon}, cp. "charity begins at home." See Joel,
op. cit. p. 448.

[24] Or, "true and honest"; "any woman worthy of the name." {sophroni}
= with the {sophrosune} of womanhood; possibly transl. "discreet
and sober-minded."

X

So (continued Socrates), when I heard his wife had made this answer, I
exclaimed: By Hera, Ischomachus, a brave and masculine intelligence the
lady has, as you describe her.

(To which Ischomachus) Yes, Socrates, and I would fain narrate some
other instances of like large-mindedness on her part: shown in the
readiness with which she listened to my words and carried out my wishes.

What sort of thing? (I answered). Do, pray, tell me, since I would far
more gladly learn about a living woman's virtues than that Zeuxis [1]
should show me the portrait of the loveliest woman he has painted.

[1] See "Mem." I. iv. 3.

Whereupon Ischomachus proceeded to narrate as follows: I must tell you,
Socrates, I one day