Censure him not, my father: many things happen to a man which he likes, many, too, which he does not like.PHILTOTroth, you say falsely, son; and you are doing so now not according to your usual wont. For the prudent man, i’ faith, really frames his own fortunes for himself: many things, therefore, do not happen which he does not like, unless he is a bungling workman.LYSITELESMuch labour is requisite for this workmanship in him who seeks to be a clever workman in fashioning his life—but he is still very young.PHILTONot by years but by disposition is wisdom acquired. Age is the relish of wisdom—wisdom is the nutriment of old age. However, come, say what you wish now to give him.LYSITELESNothing at all, father. Do you only not hinder me from accepting it if he should give anything to me.PHILTOAnd will you be relieving his poverty by that, if you shall accept anything of him?LYSITELESBy that very means, my father.PHILTOFaith, I wish that you would instruct me in that method.LYSITELESCertainly. Do you know of what family he is born?PHILTOI know—of an extremely honourable one.LYSITELESHe has a sister—a fine young woman now grown up: I wish, father,to take her without a portion for my wife.PHILTOA wife without a portion?LYSITELESJust so—your riches saved as well. By these means you will be conferring an extreme favour on him, and in no way could you help him to greater advantage.PHILTOAm I to suffer you to take a wife without a portion? LYSITELESYou must suffer it, father; and by these means you will be giving an estimable character to our family.PHILTOI could give utterance to many a learned saying, and very fluently too: this old age of mine retains stories of old and ancient times. But, since I see that you are courting friendship and esteem for our family, although I have been opposed to you, I thus give my decision—I will permit you; ask for the girl, and marry her.LYSITELESMay the Gods preserve you to me. But, to this favour add one thing.PHILTOBut what is this one thing?LYSITELESI will tell you. Do you go to him, do you solicit him, and do you ask for her yourself.PHILTOThink of that now.LYSITELESYou will transact it much more speedily: all will be made sure of that you do. One word of yours in this matter will be of more consequence than a hundred of mine.PHILTOSee, now, how, in my kindness, I have undertaken this matter. My assistance shall be given.LYSITELESYou really are a kind father. This is the house here he dwells. (He points to the house of CHARMIDES.) Lesbonicus is his name. Mind and attend to the business; I will await you at home.(Exit.)

(PHILTO, alone.)PHILTOThese things are not for the best, nor as I think they ought to be; but still, they are better than that which is downright bad. But this one circumstance consoles myself and my thoughts-namely,that he who counsels in respect to a son nothing else but that which pleases himself alone, only plays the fool; he becomes wretched in mind, and yet he is no nearer bringing it about. He is preparing a very inclement winter for his own old age when he arouses that unseasonable storm.(The door of the house of CHARMIDES opens.) But the house is opened to which I was going; most conveniently, Lesbonicus himself is coming out of doors with his servant.