[13] Lit. "more spotles"; "like a diamond of purest water." Cf.
Shakesp. "Lucr." 394, "whose perfect white Showed like an April
daisy in the grass."

[14] Or, "is wondrous wooing, and all the more with this addition,
hers are acts of grace, theirs services enforced."

And, Socrates, I would have you know that still to-day, my wife is
living in a style as simple as that I taught her then, and now recount
to you.



XI

The conversation was resumed as follows: Thanking Ischomachus for what
he had told me about the occupations of his wife; on that side I have
heard enough (I said) perhaps for a beginning; the facts you mention
reflect the greatest credit on both wife and husband; but would you
now in turn describe to me your work and business? In doing so you
will have the pleasure of narrating the reason of your fame. And I,
for my part, when I have heard from end to end the story of a
beautiful and good man's works, if only my wits suffice and I have
understood it, shall be much indebted.

Indeed (replied Ischomachus), it will give me the greatest pleasure to
recount to you my daily occupations, and in return I beg you to reform
me, where you find some flaw or other in my conduct.[1]