106
Soc. So there was a time when you did not think that you knew what you now actually know.
106
Alc. There must have been.
106
Soc. Well, but I know pretty nearly the things that you have learnt: tell me if anything has escaped me. You learnt, if I recollect, writing and harping and wrestling; as for fluting, you refused to learn it. These are the things that you know, unless perhaps there is something you have been learning unobserved by me; and this you were not, I believe, if you so much as stepped out of doors either by night or by day.
106
Alc. No, I have taken no other lessons than those.
107
Soc. Then tell me, will it be when the Athenians are taking advice how they are to do their writing correctly that you are to stand up and advise them?
107
Alc. Upon my word, not I.
107
Soc. Well, about strokes on the lyre?
107
Alc. Not at all.
107
Soc. Nor in fact are they accustomed to deliberate on throws in wrestling either at the Assembly.
107
Alc. No, to be sure.
107
Soc. Then what will be the subject of the advice? For I presume it will not be about building.
107
Alc. No, indeed.
107
Soc. For a builder will give better advice than you in that matter.
107
Alc. Yes.
107
Soc. Nor yet will it be about divination?
107
Alc. No.
107
Soc. For there again a diviner will serve better than you.
107
Alc. Yes.
107
Soc. Whether he be short or tall, handsome or ugly, nay, noble or ignoble.
107
Alc. Of course.
107
Soc. For on each subject the advice comes from one who knows, not one who has riches.
107
Alc. Of course.
107
Soc. And whether their mentor be poor or rich will make no difference to the Athenians when they deliberate for the health of the citizens; all that they require of their counsellor is that he be a physician.
107
Alc. Naturally.
107
Soc. Then what will they have under consideration if you are to be right in standing up, when you do so, as their counsellor?
107
Alc. Their own affairs, Socrates.
107
Soc. Do you mean with regard to shipbuilding, and the question as to what sort of ships they ought to get built?
107
Alc. No, I do not, Socrates.
