I at any rate am satisfied. LYCINUS But will you not tell me too, my friend? Or will you leave me rotting among the vulgar rabble? HERMOTIMUS Nothing I say pleases you. LYCINUS Not so, my good sir; you refuse to say anything to please me. So, since you are deliberately keeping me in the dark and you grudge me the chance of becoming as good a philosopher as you are, I shall try as well as I can to find out for myself the true test for these matters and the safest choice to make. Now please listen to me. HERMOTIMUS I am willing, Lycinus. Perhaps you will say something important. LYCINUS Then give me your attention and don’t mock me if my investigation is altogether that of a layman; it can’t be helped when you will not explain more precisely although you know better.