Book 2
17.126
It would appear that Menedemus was somewhat pompous. Hence Crates burlesques him thusFr. 2 D.: Asclepiades the sage of Phlius and the Eretrian bull; and Timon as followsFr. 29 D.: A puffing, supercilious purveyor of humbug.
17.127
He was a man of such dignity that, when Eurylochus of Casandrea was invited by Antigonus to court along with Cleïppides, a youth of Cyzicus, he declined the invitation, being afraid that Menedemus would hear of it, so caustic and outspoken was he. When a young gallant would have taken liberties with him, he said not a word but picked up a twig and drew an insulting picture on the ground, until all eyes were attracted and the young man, perceiving the insult, made off. When Hierocles, who was in command of the Piraeus, walked up and down along with him in the shrine of Amphiaraus, and talked much of the capture of Eretria, he made no other reply beyond asking him what Antigonus’s object was in treating him as he did.
17.128
To an adulterer who was giving himself airs he said, Do you not know that, if cabbage has a good flavour, so for that matter has radish? Hearing a youth who was very noisy, he said, See what there is behind you. When Antigonus consulted him as to whether he should go to a rout, he sent a message to say no more than this, that he was the son of a king. When a stupid fellow related something to him with no apparent object, he inquired if he had a farm. And hearing that he had, and that there was a large stock of cattle on it, he said, Then go and look after them, lest it should happen that they are ruined and a clever farmer thrown away. To one who inquired if the good man ever married, he replied, Do you think me good or not? The reply being in the affirmative, he said, Well, I am married.
