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Section 124

Socrates. And I think that even Lampido, the daughter of Leotychides, wife of Archidamus, and mother of Agis, who all became kings, would also marvel, looking at the things belonging to them, if you intend to contend with her son having been brought up so poorly. And yet does it not seem to be a shameful thing, if the wives of our enemies consider better concerning us what sort of men we must be to attempt against them, than we do concerning ourselves? But, my blessed friend, persuaded by me and by the inscription at Delphi, know yourself, that these are our adversaries, and not the ones you think; against whom we could not prevail over a single one in any other way, except by care and skill. If you are left behind in these, you will also be left behind in becoming renowned among both the Greeks and the barbarians, which I think you love as no one else loves anything else.

Alcibiades. What sort of care must I take, Socrates? Can you explain? For you most certainly seem to have spoken the truth.

Socrates. Yes; but indeed it is a matter of common deliberation in what way we would become the best possible. For I tell you I do not say that you must be educated, while I do not; for there is nothing in which I differ from you except in one thing.

Alcibiades. In what?

Socrates. My guardian is better and wiser than Pericles, your guardian.

Alcibiades. Who is this, Socrates?

Socrates. A god, Alcibiades, who did not allow me to converse with you before this day; trusting in whom I say that eminence will come to you through no one else but me.

Alcibiades. You are joking, Socrates.

Socrates. Perhaps; however, I speak the truth, that we need care, all men more or less, but we two very much indeed.

Alcibiades. That I do, you do not lie.

Socrates. Nor indeed that I do.

Alcibiades. What then should we do?

Socrates. We must not give up nor be soft, my comrade.

Alcibiades. No indeed, that is not fitting, Socrates.

Socrates. No, it is not, but we must consider together. Tell me then; for we say that we wish to become the best men. Is it not so?

Alcibiades. Yes.

Socrates. Best in what virtue?

Alcibiades. Clearly the one that good men possess.

Socrates. Good at what?

Alcibiades. Clearly at managing affairs.

Socrates. What kind of affairs? Horsemanship?

Alcibiades. Certainly not.

Socrates. For we would go to horsemen for that?

Alcibiades. Yes.

Socrates. But do you mean naval affairs?

Alcibiades. No.

Socrates. For we would go to sailors for that?

Alcibiades. Yes.

Socrates. But what kind of affairs? Those which who manage?

Alcibiades. Those which the noble and good among the Athenians manage.