Book 3
13.2
On another who declared that he found no pleasure in eating: Acumenus, he said, has a good prescription for that ailment. And when asked What? he answered, Stop eating; and you will then find life pleasanter, cheaper, and healthier.
13.3
On yet another who complained that the drinking water at home was warm: Consequently, he said, when you want warm water to wash in, you will have it at hand.But it’s too cold for washing, objected the other.Then do your servants complain when they use it both for drinking and washing?Oh no: indeed I have often felt surprised that they are content with it for both these purposes.Which is the warmer to drink, the water in your house or Epidaurus water?The hot spring in the precincts of Asclepius’ temple at Epidaurus.Epidaurus water.And which is the colder to wash in, yours or Oropus water?The spring by the temple of Amphiaraus at Oropus in Boeotia.Oropus water.Then reflect that you are apparently harder to please than servants and invalids.
13.4
When someone punished his footman severely, he asked why he was angry with his man.Because he’s a glutton and he’s a fool, said the other: he’s rapacious and he’s lazy.Have you ever considered, then, which deserves the more stripes, the master or the man?
