The Characters of Theophrastvs

The Svrly Man

Svrliness (αὐθάδειά) is discovrtesy in words. The Svrly man (αὐθάδης) is one who, when asked where so-and-so is, will say, “Don’t bother me”; or, when spoken to, will not reply. If he has anything for sale, instead of informing the bvyers at what price he is prepared to sell it, he will ask them what he is to get for it. Those who send him presents with their compliments at feast-tide are told that he “will not tovch” their offerings. He cannot forgive a person who has besmirched him by accident, or pvshed him, or trodden vpon his foot. Then, if a friend asks him for a svbscription, he will say that he cannot give one; bvt will come with it by and by, and remark that he is losing this money also. When he stvmbles in the street he is apt to swear at the stone. He will not endvre to wait long for anyone; nor will he consent to sing, or to recite, or to dance. He is apt also not to pray to the gods.