Among these was Lysis: he stood among the boys
207a
and youths with a garland on his head, a distinguished figure, deserving not merely the name of well-favored, but also of well-made and well-bred. As for us, we went and sat apart on the opposite side—for it was quiet there—and started some talk amongst ourselves. The result was that Lysis ever and anon turned round to observe us, and was obviously eager to join us. For a while, however, he hesitated, being too shy to approach us alone;
207b
till Menexenus stepped in for a moment from his game in the court and, on seeing me and Ctesippus, came to take a seat beside us. When Lysis saw him, he came along too and sat down with Menexenus. Then all the others came to us also; and I must add that Hippothales, when he saw a good many of them standing there, stood so as to be screened by them, in a position where he thought Lysis would not catch sight of him, as he feared that he might irritate him; in this way he stood by and listened.
Then I, looking at Menexenus, asked him: Son of Demophon, which is the elder of you two?
It is a point in dispute between us, he replied. 207c
Then you must also be at variance, I said, as to which is the nobler.
Yes, to be sure, he said.
And moreover, which is the more beautiful, likewise.
This made them both laugh.
But of course I shall not ask, I said, which of you is the wealthier; for you are friends, are you not?
Certainly we are, they replied.
And, you know, friends are said to have everything in common, so that here at least there will be no difference between you, if what you say of your friendship is true.
They agreed. 207d
After that I was proceeding to ask them which was the juster and wiser of the two, when I was interrupted by somebody who came and fetched away Menexenus, saying that the wrestling-master was calling him: I understood that he was taking some part in the rites. So he went off; and then I asked Lysis: I suppose, Lysis, your father and mother are exceedingly fond of you? Yes, to be sure, he replied. Then they would like you to be as happy as possible? 207e Yes, of course. Do you consider that a man is happy when enslaved and restricted from doing everything he desires? Not I, on my word, he said. Then if your father and mother are fond of you, and desire to see you happy, it is perfectly plain that they are anxious to secure your happiness. They must be, of course, he said. Hence they allow you to do what you like, and never scold you, or hinder you from doing what you desire? Yes, they do, Socrates, I assure you: they stop me from doing a great many things.
Then I, looking at Menexenus, asked him: Son of Demophon, which is the elder of you two?
It is a point in dispute between us, he replied. 207c
Then you must also be at variance, I said, as to which is the nobler.
Yes, to be sure, he said.
And moreover, which is the more beautiful, likewise.
This made them both laugh.
But of course I shall not ask, I said, which of you is the wealthier; for you are friends, are you not?
Certainly we are, they replied.
And, you know, friends are said to have everything in common, so that here at least there will be no difference between you, if what you say of your friendship is true.
They agreed. 207d
After that I was proceeding to ask them which was the juster and wiser of the two, when I was interrupted by somebody who came and fetched away Menexenus, saying that the wrestling-master was calling him: I understood that he was taking some part in the rites. So he went off; and then I asked Lysis: I suppose, Lysis, your father and mother are exceedingly fond of you? Yes, to be sure, he replied. Then they would like you to be as happy as possible? 207e Yes, of course. Do you consider that a man is happy when enslaved and restricted from doing everything he desires? Not I, on my word, he said. Then if your father and mother are fond of you, and desire to see you happy, it is perfectly plain that they are anxious to secure your happiness. They must be, of course, he said. Hence they allow you to do what you like, and never scold you, or hinder you from doing what you desire? Yes, they do, Socrates, I assure you: they stop me from doing a great many things.
Lysis. Plato. Walter Rangeley Maitland Lamb (Translator). Cambridge, MA. 1925.
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