Again I may cite, as known to myself,229 the following discussion; the arguments were addressed to Diodorus, one of his companions. The master said:

Tell me, Diodorus, if one of your slaves runs away, are you at pains to recover him?

More than that (Diodorus answered), I summon others to my aid and I have a reward cried for his recovery.

Soc. Well, if one of your domestics is sick, do you tend him and call in the doctors to save his life?

Diod. Decidedly I do.

Soc. And if an intimate acquaintance who is far more precious to you than any of your household slaves is about to perish of want, you would think it incumbent on you to take pains to save his life? Well! now you know without my telling you that Hermogenes230 is not made of wood or stone. If you helped him he would be ashamed not to pay you in kind. And yet — the opportunity of possessing a willing, kindly, and trusty assistant well fitted to do your bidding, and not merely that, but capable o............