KNEMON. … and not one of you could change my views on that, make up your minds to it. One mistake I did perhaps make, in thinking that I could be completely self-sufficient, and would never need anyone’s assistance. Now that I’ve seen how sudden and unexpected death can be, I realize I was stupid to take that line. You always need to have – and to have handy – someone to help you. When I saw how people lived, calculating everything for profit, I swear I grew cynical, and I never even imagined that any man would ever do a disinterested kindness to another.

I was wrong. By his noble efforts Gorgias, all by himself, has managed to demonstrate that. I never let him come near my door, never did him the slightest service, never said ‘good morning’ or gave him a kind word. And yet he’s saved my life. Another man might (with some justification) have said ‘You don’t let me come near you; I’m keeping well away. You’ve never done anything for my family: I’m doing nothing for you now.’ [To GORGIAS, who is looking embarrassed] What’s the matter, boy? Whether I die now (which seems only too likely, I’m not at all well), or whether I live, I’m adopting you as my son, and anything I have, consider it all your own. My daughter here I entrust to your care. Find her a husband. Even if I make a complete recovery, I won’t be able to do that, for I’ll never find anyone I approve of. If I live, leave me to live my own life, but take over and manage everything else.

You’ve got some sense, thank God, and you’re your sister’s natural protector. Divide my property, give half for her dowry, and use the other half to provide for her mother and myself. [To his daughter] Lay me down again, my dear. I don’t think a man should ever say more than is strictly necessary, so I’ll add only this, my child: I want to tell you a little about myself and my ways. If everyone was like me, there’d be no law-suits or dragging one another off to gaol, and no wars: everyone would be satisfied with a moderate competence. But you may like things better as they are. Then live that way. The cantankerous and bad-tempered old man won’t stop you.

GORGIAS. I accept all that. But, with your assistance, we must find a husband for the girl without delay, if you agree.

KNEMON. Look, I’ve told you my intentions. Leave me alone, for goodness’ sake.

GORGIAS. Someone wants a word with you –

KNEMON. For God’s sake, NO!

GORGIAS. … to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.

KNEMON. I’ve no further concern with that.

GORGIAS. But it’s the man who helped to rescue you.

KNEMON. Who?