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Soc. Then what does that mean?
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Alc. That if they were educated, I suppose anyone who undertook to contend against them would have to get some knowledge and practice first, as he would for a match with athletes: but now, seeing that these men have gone in for politics as amateurs, what need is there for me to practise and have the trouble of learning? For I am sure that my natural powers alone will give me an easy victory over them.
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Soc. Ho, ho, my good sir, what a thing to say! How unworthy of your looks and your other advantages!
119
Alc. What is your meaning now, Socrates? What is the connection?
119
Soc. I am grieved for you, and for my love.
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Alc. Why, pray?
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Soc. That you should expect your contest to be with the men we have here.
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Alc. Well, but with whom is it to be?
119
Soc. Is that a worthy question to be asked by a man who considers himself high-spirited?
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Alc. How do you mean? Is not my contest with these men?
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Soc. Well, suppose you were intending to steer a warship into action, would you be content to be the best hand among the crew at steering or, while regarding this skill as a necessary qualification, would you keep your eye on your actual opponents in the fight, and not, as now, on your fellow-fighters? These, I conceive, you ought so far to surpass that they would not feel fit to be your opponents, but only to be your despised fellow-fighters against the enemy, if you mean really to make your mark with some noble action that will be worthy both of yourself and of the city.
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Alc. Why, I do mean to.
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Soc. So you think it quite fitting for you to be satisfied if you are better than the soldiers, but neglect to keep your eye on the enemy’s leaders with a view to showing yourself better than they are, or to plan and practise against them!
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Alc. Of whom are you speaking now, Socrates?
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Soc. Do you not know that our city makes war occasionally on the Spartans and on the Great King?
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Alc. That is true.
