[135]
Soc.
For if a man, my dear Alcibiades, is at liberty to do what he pleases, but is lacking in mind, what is the probable result to him personally, or to the state as well? For instance, if he is sick and at liberty to do what he pleases—without a medical mind, 135a but with a despot’s power which prevents anyone from even reproving him—what will be the result? Will not his health, in all likelihood, be shattered?Alc.
That is true.Soc.
Again, in a ship, if a man were at liberty to do what he chose, but were devoid of mind and excellence in navigation, do you perceive what must happen to him and his fellow-sailors?Alc.
I do: they must all perish.Soc.
And in just the same way, if a state, or any office or authority, is lacking in excellence or virtue, 135b it will be overtaken by failure?Alc.
It must.Soc.
Then it is not despotic power, my admirable Alcibiades, that you ought to secure either to yourself or to the state, if you would be happy, but virtue.Alc.
That is true.Soc.
And before getting virtue, to be governed by a superior is better than to govern, for a man as well as a child.Alc.
Apparently.Soc.
And the better is also nobler?Alc.
Yes.Soc.
And the nobler more becoming?Alc.
Of course.Soc.
Then it becomes a bad man to be a slave, since it is better.Alc.
Yes.Soc.
So vice is a thing that becomes a slave.Alc.
Apparently.Soc.
And virtue becomes a free man.Alc.
Yes.Soc.
And we should shun, my good friend, all slavishness?Alc.
Most certainly, Socrates.Soc.
And do you now perceive how you stand? Are you on the side of the free, or not?Alc.
I think I perceive only too clearly.Soc.
Then do you know how you may escape from the condition in which you now find yourself? Let us not give it a name, where a handsome person is concerned!Alc.
I do.Soc.
How?Alc.
If it be your wish, Socrates.Soc.
That is not well said, Alcibiades.Alc.
Well, what should I say?Soc.
If it be God’s will.Alc.
Then I say it. And yet I say this besides, that we are like to make a change in our parts, Socrates, so that I shall have yours and you mine. For from this day onward it must be the case that I am your attendant, and you have me always in attendance on you. 1Soc.
Ah, generous friend! So my love will be just like a stork; for after hatching a winged love in you it is to be cherished in return by its nestling. 2Alc.
Well, that is the position, and I shall begin here and now to take pains over justice.Soc.
I should like to think you will continue to do so; yet I am apprehensive, not from any distrust of your nature, but in view of the might of the state, lest it overcome both me and you.Alcibiades 1. Plato. Walter Rangeley Maitland Lamb (Translator). Cambridge, MA. 1927.
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