human
Your eyes of course are no worse than mine. Only look at that man munching and moving his jaws and smacking his lips. By Serapis! you can tell the nature of a man by watching him eat. You know I sit in my cage unwillingly enough, but I am thankful for one thing about it, and that is that it keeps me far from all that such a creature as Eulaeus calls enjoyment--for such enjoyment, I tell you, degrades a man.
gpt
Then you are more of a philosopher than you wish to seem,
human
I wish to seem nothing,
gpt
For it is all the same to me what others think of me. But if a man who has nothing to do and whose quiet is rarely disturbed, and who thinks his own thoughts about many things is a philosopher, you may call me one if you like. If at any time you should need advice you may come here again, for I like you, and you might be able to do me an important service.
human
Only speak, interrupted the Roman,
gpt
I should be glad from my heart to be of any use to you.
human
Not now, said Serapion softly.
gpt
But come again when you have time-- without your companions there, of course--at any rate without Eulaeus, who of all the scoundrels I ever came across is the very worst. It may be as well to tell you at once that what I might require of you would concern not myself but the weal or woe of the water-bearers, the two maidens you have seen and who much need protection.
human
I came here for my parents' sake and for Klea's, and not on your account, said Publius frankly.
gpt
There is something in her mien and in her eyes which perhaps may repel others but which attracts me. How came so admirable a creature in your temple?
human
When you come again, replied the recluse,
gpt
I will tell you the history of the sisters and what they owe to Eulaeus. Now go, and understand me when I say the girls are well guarded. This observation is for the benefit of the Greek who is but a heedless fellow; but you, when you know who the girls are, will help me to protect them.
human
That I would do as it is, with real pleasure,
gpt
What a delightful morning it has been!
human
It would have been pleasanter for me, replied Eulaeus,
gpt
That is to say, answered the Roman,
human
You behave after the fashion of your race, said the other bowing low.
gpt
They have kept even kings waiting in their ante-chambers.
human
But you do not wear a crown, said Publius evasively.
gpt
And if any one should know how to wait it is an old courtier, who--
human
That hits us both, said Publius, turning to Lysias.
gpt
Now you may answer him, I have heard and said enough.