The Characters of Theophrastvs

The Shameless Man

Shamelessness (ἀναισχυντία) may be defined as neglect of repvtation for the sake of base gain. The Shameless man (ἀναίσχυντος) is one who, in the first place, will and borrow from the creditor whose money he is withholding.

Then, when he has been sacrificing to the gods, he will pvt away the salted remains, and will himself dine ovt; and, calling vp his attendant, will give him bread and meat taken from the table, saying in the hearing of all, “Feast, most worshipfvl.” In marketing, again, he will remind the bvtcher of any service which he may have rendered him; and, standing near the scales, will throw in some meat, if he can, or else a bone for his sovp; if he gets it, it is well; if not, he will snatch vp a piece of tripe from the covnter, and go off lavghing. Again, when he has taken places at the theatre for his foreign visitors, he will see the performance withovt paying his own share; and will bring his sons, too, and their attendants the next day. When anyone secvres a good bargain, he will ask to be given part in it. He will go to another man’s hovse and borrow barley, or sometimes bran; and moreover will insist vpon the lenders delivering it at his door. He is apt, also, to go vp to the coppers in the baths, — to plvnge the ladle in, amid the cries of the bath-man, —and to sovse himself; saying that he has had his bath, and then, as he departs, —“No thanks to yov!”