" ii. 5. Cf. Hor. "Sat." i. 6. 127:

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.

Isch. "Formal language," say you, Socrates? The fact is, I never cease
to practise speaking; and on this wise: Some member of my household has
some charge to bring, or some defence to make, [22] against some other.
I have to listen and examine. I must try to sift the truth. Or there
is some one whom I have to blame or praise before my friends, or I must
arbitrate between some clos