Euthyphro. They accomplish many fine results, Socrates.
Socrates. Yes, and so do generals, my friend; but nevertheless, you could easily tell the chief of them, namely, that they bring about victory in war. Is that not the case?
Euthyphro. Of course.
Socrates. And farmers also, I think, accomplish many fine results; but still the chief result of their work is food from the land?
Euthyphro. Certainly.
Socrates. But how about the many fine results the gods accomplish? What is the chief result of their work?
Euthyphro. I told you a while ago, Socrates, that it is a long task to learn accurately all about these things. However, I say simply that when one knows how to say and do what is gratifying to the gods, in praying and sacrificing, that is holiness, and such things bring salvation to individual families and to states; and the opposite of what is gratifying to the gods is impious, and that overturns and destroys everything.
Socrates. You might, if you wished, Euthyphro, have answered much more briefly the chief part of my question. But it is plain that you do not care to instruct me. For now, when you were close upon it you turned aside; and if you had answered it, I should already have obtained from you all the instruction I need about holiness. But, as things are, the questioner must follow the one questioned wherever he leads. What do you say the holy, or holiness, is? Do you not say that it is a kind of science of sacrificing and praying?
Euthyphro. Yes.
Socrates. And sacrificing is making gifts to the gods and praying is asking from them?
Euthyphro. Exactly, Socrates.
Socrates. Then holiness, according to this definition, would be a science of giving and asking.
Euthyphro. You understand perfectly what I said, Socrates.
Socrates. Yes, my friend, for I am eager for your wisdom, and give my mind to it, so that nothing you say shall fall to the ground. But tell me, what is this service of the gods? Do you say that it consists in asking from them and giving to them?
Euthyphro. Yes.
Socrates. Would not the right way of asking be to ask of them what we need from them?
Euthyphro. What else?
Socrates. And the right way of giving, to present them with what they need from us? For it would not be scientific giving to give anyone what he does not need.
Euthyphro. You are right, Socrates.
Socrates. Then holiness would be an art of barter between gods and men?
Euthyphro. Yes, of barter, if you like to call it so.