Book 12
960
Ath. That the first of them is Lachesis, the second Clotho, and Atropos the savior-third Cp. Plat. Rep. 620e. Atropos is called the savior-third (cp.τὸ τρίτον τῷ Σωτῆρι) because she completes the work of the other fates by making the thread of life (doom) spun by them irreversible. (ἄ-τροπος=unturnable.)—she that bestows on the dooms ratified by Clotho the quality of irreversibility. She it is that must furnish also to the State and its citizens, not merely health and salvation for their bodies, but also right legality in their souls, or rather the salvation of the laws. And this, as it seems clear to me, is what our laws still lack—namely, a right mode of naturally implanting in them this irreversible quality.
960
Clin. The point you mention is a serious one, if it is really impossible to discover a means whereby everything may acquire some such quality.
960
Ath. Nay, but it is possible, as I now perceive quite clearly.
960
Clin. Then let us by no means desist until we have secured this very quality for the laws we have stated; for it would be ridiculous for us to have wasted all this labor on an object, and then not base it on any firm foundation.
960
Ath. You are right in your exhortation, and you will find me as ready as yourself to proceed.
960
Clin. Very good. Then what is it you say will prove a means of salvation to our polity and its laws, and how will it do so?
