Alc. So I should think, for the preservation of his passengers.
Soc. Quite right. And now, for what is the good counsel of which you speak?
Alc. For the better management and preservation of the city.
Soc. And what is it that becomes present or absent when we get this better management and preservation? If, for example, you should ask me, What is it that becomes present or absent when the body is better managed and preserved?
—I should reply, Health becomes present, and disease absent.
Do not you think so too?
Alc. Yes.
Soc. And if, again, you asked me, What becomes present in a better condition of the eyes?
—I should answer in just the same way, Sight becomes present, and blindness absent.
So, in the case of the ears, deafness is caused to be absent, and hearing to be present, when they are improved and getting better treatment.
Alc. Correct.
Soc. Well then, what is it that becomes present or absent when a state is improved and has better treatment and management?
Alc. To my mind, Socrates, friendship with one another will be there, while hatred and faction will be absent.
Soc. Now, by friendship do you mean agreement or disagreement?
Alc. Agreement.
Soc. And what art is it that causes states to agree about numbers?
Alc. Arithmetic.
Soc. And what of individuals? Is it not the same art?
Alc. Yes.
Soc. And it makes each single person agree with himself?
Alc. Yes.
Soc. And what art makes each of us agree with himself as to which is the longer, a span or a cubit? Is it not mensuration?
Alc. Of course.
Soc. And it makes both individuals and states agree with each other?
Alc. Yes.
Soc. And what about the balance? Is it not the same here too?
Alc. It is.
Soc. Then what is that agreement of which you speak, and about what? And what art secures it? And is it the same in an individual as in a state, when one agrees with oneself and with another?
Alc. Most likely.
Soc. Well, what is it? Do not flag in your answers, but do your best to tell me.
Alc. I suppose I mean the friendship and agreement that you find when a father and mother love their son, and between brother and brother, and husband and wife.
Soc. Then do you suppose, Alcibiades, that a husband can possibly agree with his wife about woolwork, when he does not understand it, and she does?
Alc. Oh, no.
Soc. Nor has he any need, since that is a woman’s pursuit.
Alc. Yes.