discover[13] that some of those who in their outward form were
beautiful were in their inmost selves the veriest knaves. Accordingly
I made up my mind to let go beauty which appeals to the eye, and
address myself to one of those "beautiful and good" people so
entitled. And since I heard of Ischomachus[14] as one who was so
called by all the world, both men and women, strangers and citizens
alike, I set myself to make acquaintance with him.

[12] Or, "and try to understand."

[13] Or, "understand."

[14] See Cobet, "Pros. Xen." s.n.



VII

It chanced, one day I saw him seated in the portico of Zeus
Eleutherios,[1] and as he appeared to be at leisure, I went up to him
and, sitting down by his side, accosted him: How is this, Ischomachus?
you seated here, you who are so little wont to be at leisure? As a
rule, when I see you, you are doing something, or at any rate not
sitting idle in the market-place.

[1] "The god of freedom, or of freed men." See Plat. "Theag." 259 A.
The scholiast on Aristoph. "Plutus" 1176 identifies the god with
Zeus Soter. See Plut. "Dem." 859 (Clough, v. 30).

Nor would you see me now so sitting, Socrates (he answered), but that