[59] "That I can scarce discover any portion of it." Zeune cf. "Econ."
viii. 2.

[60] So "the master" himself. See "Mem." I. ii. 1, vi. 5.

[61] Cf. Aristot. "Pol." ii. 8. 1, of Hippodamus.

And as to sexual desire, my body's need is satisfied by what comes
first to hand. Indeed, there is no lack of warmth in the caress which
greets me, just because it is unsought by others.[62]

[62] Cf. "Mem." I. iii. 14, the germ of cynicism and stoicism, the
Socratic {XS} form of "better to marry than to burn."

Well then, these several pleasures I enjoy so fully that I am much
more apt to pray for less than more of them, so strongly do I feel
that some of them are sweeter than what is good for one or profitable.

But of all the precious things in my possession, I reckon this the
choicest, that were I robbed of my whole present stock, there is no
work so mean, but it would amply serve me to furnish me with
sustenance. Why, look you, whenever I desire to fare delicately, I
have not to purchase precious viands in the market, which becomes
expensive, but I open the storehouse of my soul, and dole them
out.[63] Indeed, as far as pleasure goes, I find it better to await
desire before I suffer meat or drink to pass my lips, than to have
recourse to any of your costly viands, as, for instance, now, when I
have chanced on this fine Thasian wine,[64] and sip it without thirst.
But indeed, the man who makes frugality, not wealth of worldly goods,
his aim, is on the face of it a much more upright person. And why?--