Here in the country we increase our riches by care, patience and frugality, while the city merchant must have farseeing eyes, and know how to act speedily.

Even when a boy, my Alciphron was the wisest of Dionysius's three sons, and, if there was anything sweet to be divided, always knew how to get the largest share.

When his mother was alive, she once told the lad to give her the best of some freshly-baked cakes, that she might take it to the temple for an offering, and what was his answer?
'It will be well for me to taste them all, that I may be certain not to make a mistake;' and when Clytemnestra--" "Is Alciphron younger than our poor master ?" interrupted Dorippe.
"They were sesame cakes with honey," replied the house-keeper, whose hearing was impaired by age, and who therefore frequently misunderstood words uttered in a low tone.

"Is the linen ready for the wash ?" "I didn't ask about the cakes," replied Dorippe, exchanging a mischievous glance with Chloris; "I only wanted to know--" "You girls are deaf; I've noticed it a long time," interrupted the house-keeper.

"You've grown hard of hearing, and I know why.