127
Soc. Nor are men by women, in so far as they do theirs.
127
Alc. No.
127
Soc. And states, therefore, are not well ordered in so far as each person does his own business? Cf. Plat. Charm. 161e, Plat. Rep. 1.332 ff.
127
Alc. I think they are, Socrates.
127
Soc. How can you say that? Without the presence of friendship, which we say must be there if states are well ordered, as otherwise they are not?
127
Alc. But it seems to me that friendship arises among them just on that account—that each of the two parties does its own business.
127
Soc. It was not so a moment since: but now, what do you mean this time? Does friendship arise where there is no agreement? And is it possible that agreement should arise where some know about the business, but others do not?
127
Alc. Impossible.
127
Soc. And are they doing what is just or unjust, when each man does his own business?
127
Alc. What is just, of course.
127
Soc. And when the citizens do what is just in the city, does not friendship arise among them?
127
Alc. Again I think that must be so, Socrates.
127
Soc. Then whatever do you mean by that friendship or agreement about which we must be wise and well-advised in order that we may be good men? For I am unable to learn either what it is, or in whom; since it appears that the same persons sometimes have it, and sometimes not, by your account.
127
Alc. Well, by Heaven, Socrates, I do not even know what I mean myself, and I fear that for some time past I have lived unawares in a disgraceful condition.
127
Soc. But you must take heart. For had you perceived your plight at fifty, it would be hard for you to take pains with yourself; whereas here you are at the time of life when one ought to perceive it.
127
Alc. Then what should one do on perceiving it, Socrates?
127
Soc. Answer the questions asked, Alcibiades: only do that, and with Heaven’s favor—if we are to put any trust in my divination—you and I shall both be in better case.
127
Alc. That shall be, so far as my answering can avail.
