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The Economist by Xenophon
page 22 of 152 (14%)

Yes (Critobulus answered), to be sure; perhaps[6] the former spends
both toil and money not simply on what he needs, but on things which
cause an injury to house alike and owner.

[6] Or, "like enough in the one case the money and pains are spent,"
etc.

Soc. That is a possible case, no doubt, but it is not the one that I
refer to; I mean people pretending they are farmers, and yet they have
not a penny to expend on the real needs of their business.

Crit. And pray, what may be the reason of that, Socrates?

Soc. You shall come with me, and see these people also; and as you
contemplate the scene, I presume you will lay to heart the lesson.

Crit. I will, if possibly I can, I promise you.

Soc. Yes, and while you contemplate, you must make trial of yourself
and see if you have wit to understand. At present, I will bear you
witness that if it is to go and see a party of players performing in a
comedy, you will get up at cock-crow, and come trudging a long way,
and ply me volubly with reasons why I should accompany you to see the
play. But you have never once invited me to come and witness such an
incident as those we were speaking of just now.

Crit. And so I seem to you ridiculous?[7]

[7] Or, "a comic character in the performance." Soc. "Not so comic as
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