4–5
Lycinus
Well, you will catch me about the time that you are a sucking child again. By the way, a babe laying in his cradle would hardly jar on your notions of grammar, if you have not yet got me.
Purist
Well, I am convinced.
Lycinus
Now, if we cannot detect blunders like these, we are not likely to know much about our own; you see, you have just missed another. Very well now, never again call yourself competent either to detect blunders or to avoid them.
This is my blunt way, you see. Socrates of Mopsus, with whom I was acquainted in Egypt, used to put his corrections more delicately, so as not to humiliate the offender. Here are some specimens: What time do you set out on your travels?—What time? Oh, I see, you thought I started to-day.
The patrimonial income supplies me well enough.—Patrimonial? But your father is not dead?
So-and-so is a tribes-man of mine.—Oh, you are a savage, are you?
The fellow is a boozy.—Oh, Boozy was his mother’s name, was it?
Worser luck I never knew.—Well, you need not make it worserer.
5
I always said he had a good ’eart.—Yes, quite an artist.
So glad to see you, old cock!—Come, allow me humanity.
Contemptuous fellow! I would not go near him.—If he were contemptible, it would not matter, I suppose.
He is the most unique of friends.—Good; one likes degrees in uniqueness.
How aggravating!—Indeed? what does it aggravate?
10
So I ascended up.—Ingenious man, doubling your speed like that.
I had to do it; I was in an engagement.—Like Xenophon’s hoplites.
I got round him.—Comprehensive person.
