had been struck with amazement, I remember, to observe on some
occasion that where a set of people are engaged in identical
operations, half of them are in absolute indigence and the other half
roll in wealth. I bethought me, the history of the matter was worth
investigation. Accordingly I set to work investigating, and I found
that it all happened very naturally. Those who carried on their
affairs in a haphazard manner I saw were punished by their losses;
whilst those who kept their wits upon the stretch and paid attention I
soon perceived to be rewarded by the greater ease and profit of their
undertakings.[15] It is to these I would recommend you to betake
yourself. What say you? Learn of them: and unless the will of God
oppose,[16] I venture to say you will become as clever a man of
business as one might hope to see.

[13] Al. "to show you that there are others."

[14] Or, "who are gifted with the highest knowledge in their
respective concerns." Cf. "Mem." IV. vii. 1.

[15] Lit. "got on quicker, easier, and more profitably."

[16] Or, "short of some divine interposition."



III

Critobulus, on hearing that, exclaimed: Be sure, Socrates, I will not
let you go now until you give the proofs which, in the presence of our
friends, you undertook just now to give me.