Book 11
922
Ath. Since he claims to be lord of all he has, he is wont to speak angrily.
922
Clin. What will he say?
922
Ath. Good heavens! he cries, what a monstrous shame it is, if I am not to be allowed at all to give, or not give, my own things to whomsoever I will—and more to one, less to another, according as they have proved themselves good to me or bad, when fully tested in times of sickness, or else in old age and in other happenings of every kind.
922
Clin. And do you not think, Stranger, that what they say is right?
922
Ath. What I think, Clinias, is this—that the old lawgivers were cowardly, and gave laws with a short view and a slight consideration of human affairs.
922
Clin. How do you mean?
923
Ath. It was through fear, my dear sir, of that angry speech that they made the law allowing a man unconditionally to dispose by will of his goods exactly how he pleases. But you and I will make a more suitable answer to those in your State who are at the point of death.
923
Clin. In what way?
