you must appear to yourself (i.e. with your keen sense of the
ludicrous)."

Soc. Far more ridiculous to yourself, I warrant. But now let me point
out to you another contrast: between certain people whose dealing with
horses has brought them to the brink of poverty, and certain others
who have found in the same pursuit the road to affluence,[8] and have
a right besides to plume themselves upon their gains.[9]

[8] Or, "who have not only attained to affluence by the same pursuit,
but can hold their heads high, and may well pride themselves on
their thrift."

[9] Cf. Hom. "Il." xii. 114, {ippoisin kai okhesphin agallomenos}, et
passim; "Hiero," viii. 5; "Anab." II. vi. 26.

Crit. Well, then, I may tell you, I see and know both characters as
well as you do; but I do not find myself a whit the more included
among those who gain.

Soc. Because you look at them just as you might at the actors in a
tragedy or comedy, and with the same intent--your object being to
delight the ear and charm the eye, but not, I take it, to become
yourself a poet. And there you are right enough, no doubt, since you
have no desire to become a playright. But, when circumstances compel
you to concern yourself with horsemanship, does it not seem to you a
little foolish not to consider how you are to escape being a mere
amateur in the matter, especially as the same creatures which are good
for use are profitable for sale?