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May I ask, Cephalus, whether your fortune was for the most part

inherited or acquired by you?

Acquired! Socrates; do you want to know how much I acquired? In

the art of making money I have been midway between my father and

grandfather: for my grandfather, whose name I bear, doubled and

trebled the value of his patrimony, that which he inherited being

much what I possess now; but my father Lysanias reduced the

property below what it is at present: and I shall be satisfied if

I leave to these my sons not less but a little more than I

received.