do,-- devote their
attention to some particular pursuit, either to training horses or
dogs for hunting, or to the philosophers;[30] in not one of these did
he engage in particular beyond the rest, and yet in all of them in a
moderate degree. I was pleased.

SOS. Not without reason; for this I deem in life to be especially
advantageous; that {one do} nothing to excess.[31]

SIM. Such was his mode of life; readily to bear and to comply with
all; with whomsoever he was in company, to them to resign himself; to
devote himself to their pursuits; at variance with no one; never
preferring himself to them. Thus most readily you may acquire praise
without envy, and gain friends.

SOS. He has wisely laid down his rule of life; for in these days
obsequiousness begets friends; sincerity, dislike.

SIM. Meanwhile, three years ago,[32] a certain woman from Andros
removed hither into this neighborhood, driven by poverty and the
neglect of her relations, of surpassing beauty and in the bloom of
youth.

SOS. Ah! I'm afraid that this Andrian will bring some mischief.

SIM. At first, in a modest way, she passed her life with thriftiness
and in hardship, seeking a livelihood with her wool and loom. But
after an admirer made advances, promising her a recompense, {first}
one and then another; as the disposition of all mankind has a downward
tendency from industry toward pleasure, she accepted their proposals,
{and} then began to trade {upon her beauty}. Those who then were her
admirers, by chance, as it {often} happens, took my son thither that
he might be in their company. Forthwith I {said} to myself, "He is
surely caught; he is smitten."[33] In the morning I used to observe
their servant-boys coming or going away; I used to make inquiry,
"Here, my lad, tell me, will you, who had Chrysis yesterday?" for that
was the name of the Andrian (_touching SOSIA on the arm_).

SOS. I understand.

SIM. Phaedrus, or Clinias, or Niceratus, they used to say; for these
three then loved her at the same time. "Well now, what {did} Pamphilus
{do}?" "What? He gave his contribution;[34] he took part in the
dinner." Just so on another day I made inquiry, but I discovered
nothing whatever that affected Pamphilus. In fact, I thought him
sufficiently proved, and a great pattern of continence; for he who is
brought into contact with dispositions of that sort, and his feelings
are not aroused even under such circumstances, you may be sure that he
is alre