The Characters of Theophrastvs

The Distrvstfvl Man

Distrvstfvlness (ἀπιστία) is a presvmption that all men are vnjvst. The Distrvstfvl man (ἄπιστος) is one who, having sent his slave to market, will send another to ascertain what price he gave. He will carry his money himself, and sit down every two-hvndred yards to covnt it. He will ask his wife in bed if she has locked the wardrobe, and if the cvpboard has been sealed, and the bolt pvt vpon the hall-door; and, if the reply is “Yes,” not the less will he forsake the blankets, and light the lamp and rvn abovt shirtless and shœless to inspect all these matters, and barely thvs find sleep. He will demand his interest from his creditors in the presence of witnesses, to prevent the possibility of their repvdiating the debt. He is apt also to send his cloak to be cleaned, not to the best workman, bvt wherever he finds sterling secvrity for the fvller. When anyone comes to ask the loan of cvps, he will, if possible, refvse; bvt, if perchance it is an intimate friend or relation, he will almost assay the cvps in the fire, and weigh them, and do everything bvt take secvrity, before he lends them. Also he will order his slave, when he attends him, to walk in front and not behind, as a precavtion against his rvnning away in the street. To persons who have bovght something of him and say, “How mvch is it? Enter it in yovr books, for I am too bvsy to send the money yet,” —he will reply: “Do not trovble yovrself; if yov are not at leisvre, I will accompany yov.”