11.3
As to that, said I, how could I presume to correct a perfect gentleman, I who am supposed to be a mere chatterer with my head in the air,ἀδλεσχεῖν, ἀερομετρεῖν; these are taunts commonly levelled at Socrates; thus, for instance, Aristophanes, Clouds, 225: What are you at, Socrates? I’m walking the air and pondering on the sun; and 1480: Socr., Excuse my silly chatter. I who am called—the most senseless of all taunts—a poor beggar?
11.4
I do assure you, Ischomachus, this last imputation would have driven me to despair, were it not that a day or two ago I came upon the horse of Nicias the foreigner.If the text is right, this person cannot be the well-known Nicias. I saw a crowd walking behind the creature and staring, and heard some of them talking volubly about him. Well, I went up to the groom and asked him if the horse had many possessions.
11.5
The man looked at me as if I must be mad to ask such a question, and asked me how a horse could own property. At that I recovered, for his answer showed that it is possible even for a poor horse to be a good one, if nature has given him a good spirit.
11.6
Assume, therefore, that it is possible for me to be a good man, and give me a complete account of your occupations, that, so far as my understanding allows me, I may endeavour to follow your example from to-morrow morning; for that’s a good day for entering on a course of virtue.
11.7
You’re joking, Socrates, said Ischomachus; nevertheless I will tell you what principles I try my best to follow consistently in life.
