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Crit. And so I seem to you ridiculous? (7)

(7) Or, "a comic character in the performance." Soc. "Not so comic as

you must appear to yourself (i.e. with your keen sense of the

ludicrous)."

Soc. Far more ridiculous to yourself, I warrant. But now let me point out to you another contrast: between certain people whose dealing with horses has brought them to the brink of poverty, and certain others who have found in the same pursuit the road to affluence, (8) and have a right besides to plume themselves upon their gains. (9)

(8) Or, "who have not only attained to affluence by the same pursuit,

but can hold their heads high, and may well pride themselves on

their thrift."

(9) Cf. Hom. "Il." xii. 114, {ippoisin kai okhesphin agallomenos}, et

passim; "Hiero," viii. 5; "Anab." II. vi. 26.

Crit. Well, then, I may tell you, I see and know both characters as well as you do; but I do not find myself a whit the more included among those who gain.

Soc. Because you look at them just as you might at the actors in a tragedy or comedy, and with the same intent—your object being to delight the ear and charm the eye, but not, I take it, to become yourself a poet. And there you are right enough, no doubt, since you have no desire to become a playright. But, when circumstances compel you to concern yourself with horsemanship, does it not seem to you a little foolish not to consider how you are to escape being a mere amateur in the matter, especially as the same creatures which are good for use are profitable for sale?