I thought I might perhaps succeed better if I dealt mildly with my barber.  “In the name of God,” said I, “leave off talking, and shave me directly:  business of the last importance calls me, as I have already told you.”  At these words he fell a laughing:  “It would be fortunate,” said he, “if our minds were always in the same state; if we were always wise and prudent.  I am willing, however, to believe, that if you are angry with me, it is your disorder that has caused the change in your temper, for which reason you stand in need of some instructions, and you cannot do better than follow the example of your father and grandfather.  They came and consulted me upon all occasions, and I can say, without vanity, that they always highly prized my advice.  Pray observe, sir, men never succeed in their undertakings without the counsel of persons of understanding.  A man cannot, says the proverb, be wise without receiving advice from the wise.  I am entirely at service, and you have only to command me.”

“What! cannot I prevail with you then,” I demanded,, interrupting him, “to leave off these long speeches, that tend to nothing but to distract my head, and detain me from my business?  Shave me, I say, or begone:”  with that I started up in anger, stamping my foot against the ground.

When he saw I was in earnest, he said, “Sir, do not be angry, we are going to begin.”  He lathered my head, and began to shave me; but had not given four strokes with his razor before he stopped, and addressed me, “Sir, you are hasty, you should avoid these transports that only come from the devil.  I am entitled to some consideration on account of my age, my knowledge, and my great virtues.”

“Go on and shave me,” said I, interrupting him again, “and talk no more.”  “That is to say,” replied he, “you have some urgent business to go about; I will lay you a wager I guess right.”  “Why I told you two hours ago,” I returned, “you ought to have shaved me before.”  “Moderate your passion,” replied he; “perhaps you have not maturely weighed what you are going about; when things are done precipitately, they are generally repented of.  I wish you would tell me what mighty business this is you are so earnest upon.  I would tell you my opinion of it; besides, you have time enough, since your appointment is not till noon, and it wants three hours of that yet.”  “I do not mind that,” said I; “persons of honour and of their word are rather before their time than after.  But I forget that by reasoning with you, I give into the faults of you prattling barbers; have done, have done; shave me.”

The more haste I was in, the less speed he made.  He laid down the razor, and took up his astrolabe; then laid down his astrolabe, and took up his razor again.