Chremylus.
But tell me, whence come you to be so squalid?
Plutus.
I have just left Patrocles’ house, who has not had a bath since his birth.[1]
Chremylus.
But your infirmity; how did that happen? Tell me.
Plutus.
Zeus inflicted it on me, because of his jealousy of mankind. When I was young, I threatened him that I would only go to the just, the wise, the men of ordered life; to prevent my distinguishing these, he struck me with blindness! so much does he envy the good!
Chremylus.
And yet, ’tis only the upright and just who honour him.
Plutus.
Quite true.
Chremylus.
Therefore, if ever you recovered your sight, you would shun the wicked?
Plutus.
Undoubtedly.
Chremylus.
You would visit the good?
Plutus.
Assuredly. It is a very long time since I saw them.
- ↑ A rich man, who affected the sordid habits of Lacedæmon, because of his greed. “More sordid than Patrocles” had become a byword at Athens. Even the public baths were too dear for Patrocles, because, in addition to the modest fee that was given to the bath-man, it was necessary to use a little oil for the customary friction after the bath.
