deep in farming operations. He is, in fact, at this moment taking care of his prize in Æschinus's apartments in his uncle's house, whither she has been conducted.
Syrus, delighted to have such an opportunity of exercising his wit upon Demea, whose principles of education he altogether dislikes, compliments him highly upon his son Ctesipho's irreproachable conduct. He declares that the good youth has been quite shocked at his elder brother's iniquity, and has reproached him with the discredit he was bringing on the family.
Syrus. Æschinus, quoth he, I am ashamed of you—
You waste not money only, but your life.
Demea. Heaven bless him! he'll be worthy of his forefathers.
Syr. I'm sure he will.
Dem. Syrus, he's had good teaching.
Syr. Ah! he had those at home who understood it.
Dem. I do take pains; I omit no single item:
I train him well; in fact, I bid him study,
As in a mirror, all the characters
He sees around him, and draw from them lessons
For his own guidance: copy this, I say—
Syr. Ah! capital!
Dem. This, again, avoid—
Syr. Just so.
Dem. This act, I say, is praiseworthy—
Syr. Quite right.
Dem. That was a fault—
Syr. I see.
Dem. And then, besides—
Syr. I beg your pardon—I could listen all day—
But I'm so busy: there's some splendid fish—
I must not let them spoil: for this, you see,
In my vocation, sir, would be a sin,
