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Chapter 4: Xanthus Presents Aesop to His Wife

Xanthus, having made his purchase and brought his new acquisition home, faced a dilemma: how to introduce Aesop to his wife. His wife was a woman of volatile temper, rarely satisfied and quick to anger. Xanthus knew that bringing Aesop into their home would be a challenge, especially considering Aesop's unusual appearance.

"My dear," Xanthus began cautiously, "you have often complained about careless servants. I have bought one that I am confident will suit your needs perfectly. He will do everything as you wish – he will go and come, wait on you, and perform every task to your satisfaction."

"Oh, your servant, sweetheart," she replied with a hint of suspicion, "but what did he cost you?"

"Very reasonable," said Xanthus, trying to ease her concerns. "But he is a little tanned and worn out from his journey, you must understand."

Xanthus then ordered Aesop to be brought in. Sensing trouble, his wife exclaimed, "Some monster! He be hanged else."

"Wife," Xanthus said, trying to calm her, "if you are a good woman, what pleases me must please you too."

As Aesop approached, she gave him a fierce look and immediately vented her anger on her husband. "Is this a man or a beast?" she demanded. "What clearer proof of insufferable hatred and contempt could you give me?"

Aesop remained silent, standing respectfully as the tension in the room grew. Xanthus, feeling the weight of his wife's anger, turned to Aesop and reprimanded him. "Oh villain!" he exclaimed. "You have wit at will on all other occasions, but not one diverting syllable now to pacify your mistress!"

After a short pause, Aesop, with his characteristic wit, quoted an old Greek saying: "From lying at the mercy of fire, water, and a wicked woman, good Lord deliver us."

If the wife was angry before, this remark made her furious. Xanthus was also unsure how to take it. Sensing the need to smooth things over, Aesop quickly added a passage from Euripides: "The raging of a tempestuous sea, the fury of a devouring fire, and the pinching want of necessities for life are dreadful things, but all this is nothing compared to the terrible violence of an impetuous woman. Therefore, make yourself glorious in the rank of good women."

This clever addition had the desired effect. Despite a historical inaccuracy, as Aesop was murdered long before Euripides was born, the wife began to calm down. She listened to Aesop's words and reflected on the message. The combination of humor and wisdom in Aesop's response gradually softened her stance.

With her anger subsiding, the wife took a closer look at Aesop. Though his appearance was unusual, his words had revealed a depth of intelligence and wit that intrigued her. She began to see the potential value in having such a clever servant in their household.

Xanthus, relieved by the change in his wife's demeanor, supported Aesop's case. "You see, my dear, Aesop's mind is sharp and his wit unparalleled. He will serve us faithfully and bring a unique perspective to our household."

Finally, the wife accepted Aesop into her good graces. She realized that despite his physical appearance, Aesop possessed qualities that could greatly benefit them. Aesop, in turn, proved his worth by rendering his master and mistress all the services of a faithful and diligent servant. His intelligence and resourcefulness quickly became evident in his daily tasks, and he earned the respect and trust of both Xanthus and his wife.

Aesop's presence brought a new dynamic to the household. His keen observations and quick thinking proved invaluable in solving problems and mediating conflicts. Whether it was managing the household staff or offering insightful advice, Aesop became an indispensable part of their lives.

Despite initial reservations, Xanthus's wife grew to appreciate Aesop's contributions. She admired his cleverness and the way he approached challenges with a calm and thoughtful demeanor. Over time, Aesop's wit and wisdom won her over completely, and she valued his opinion on various matters.

Aesop's ability to navigate difficult situations with humor and insight not only endeared him to Xanthus and his wife but also earned him a reputation in their community. People began to recognize his unique talents and sought his counsel on various issues. Aesop's journey from a slave to a trusted advisor was a testament to his remarkable intellect and unwavering determination.


Chapter 5: Aesop's Answer to a Gardener

A few days later, Xanthus took Aesop to a garden to purchase herbs. Seeing Xanthus dressed as a philosopher, the gardener expressed his bewilderment that wild plants grew more vigorously than those he cultivated. "You are a philosopher," said the gardener. "Can you explain this phenomenon to me?"

Xanthus, unprepared for the question, offered a vague response about Providence: "Providence wills it so," he said, hoping the response would suffice.

However, Aesop, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh loudly at the vague answer. Xanthus, annoyed by the interruption, turned to Aesop and asked, "Why do you laugh, you slave?"

Aesop, ever insightful, took Xanthus aside. "Sir," he said, "I laugh at your answer because it's too general. What significance does a general answer hold for a specific question? It is no news that Providence orders all things. But if you allow me, I can provide the gardener with a more specific and satisfactory explanation."

Xanthus, feeling that it was beneath him to address such trifles, suggested that the gardener ask Aesop. "If you have a curiosity to be better informed," he said to the gardener, "you should ask my slave here and see what he has to say."

Intrigued, the gardener turned to Aesop and repeated his question. Aesop, ready with a thoughtful response, explained, "The earth is like a mother to what she produces herself, out of her own bowels. However, she acts more like a stepmother to the plants that are cultivated and assisted by human help. It is natural for her to withdraw nourishment from the cultivated plants to support those that grow on their own."

The gardener, satisfied with Aesop's detailed and insightful answer, was so pleased that he refused payment for the herbs. "Take the herbs as a gift," he said, "and feel free to use my garden as if it were your own in the future."

Aesop's explanation not only satisfied the gardener but also demonstrated his keen understanding of nature and his ability to articulate complex ideas in a simple and relatable manner. Xanthus, observing this exchange, recognized the value of having Aesop by his side. Aesop's wisdom and resourcefulness continued to impress those around him, further solidifying his reputation as a remarkable and insightful individual.

Through these interactions, Aesop's unique abilities and quick wit became increasingly evident, earning him admiration and respect. His journey, filled with challenges and opportunities, showcased his resilience and intellect, qualities that would become the hallmark of his enduring legacy.

Aesop's presence in Xanthus's household brought a new level of understanding and harmony. His ability to mediate conflicts, provide wise counsel, and find solutions to everyday problems made him an invaluable asset. The respect and admiration he earned from both Xanthus and his wife were a testament to his character and abilities.

Aesop's story serves as a reminder that true wisdom and value often come from unexpected places. Despite his initial appearance and background, Aesop's intellect and wit proved to be his greatest assets, allowing him to rise above his circumstances and make a lasting impact on those around him.

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