I saw this same man (continued Ischomachus) examining at leisure[26]
everything which could possibly[27] be needful for the service of the
ship. His inspection caused me such surprise, I asked him what he was
doing, whereupon he answered, "I am inspecting, stranger,"[28] "just
considering," says he, "the way the things are lying aboard the ship;
in case of accidents, you know, to see if anything is missing, or not
lying snug and shipshape.[29] There is no time left, you know," he
added, "when God mkes a tempest in the great deep, to set about
searching for what you want, or to be giving out anything which is not
snug and shipshape in its place. God threatens and chastises
sluggards.[30] If only He destroy not innocent with guilty, a man may
be content;[31] or if He turn and save all hands aboard that render
right good service,[32] thanks be to Heaven."[33]

[26] "Apparently when he had nothing better to do"; "by way of
amusement."

[27] {ara}, "as if he were asking himself, 'Would this or this
possibly be wanted for the ship's service?'"

[28] "Sir."

[29] Or, "things not lying handy in their places."

[30] Or, "them that are slack." Cf. "Anab." V. viii. 15; "Mem." IV.
ii. 40; Plat. "Gorg." 488 A: "The dolt and good-for-nothing."

[31] "One must not grumble."