It is not always readily apparent to the principal parties when they are even, hence the need for an oddman as noted. The image of the scales suggests it needn't be all that hard to figure out; the instrument will provide an answer. It is merely a mechanical operation. But what are we to weigh against what? What properly enters into the accounting? What does discharging a debt involve, especially in as much as these debts are as likely to be debts of honor, humiliation, and blood as of sheep and cows and shekels? Do you, for instance, pay back with interest?

Getting Even?

Consider our own use of what it means to get even: if you get even by bringing the pan on the left back up to its neutral position, by one account you are back to where you started, back to zero; but by another account you have been undercompensated, for, if the debt is of honor, the wrongdoer enjoyed a certain amount of time indulging in the pleasures of looking down on you and of gloating at your humiliation; he has not been made to disgorge his pleasure. Or if he withheld or took your ox, he got to enjoy its labor while he had it.

Fair compensation requires this: you had me down, and now it is my turn to have you down, to witness and delight in your humiliation as you delighted in mine.