Book 4
704
Ath. Come now, what is this State going to be, shall we suppose I am not asking for its present name or the name it will have to go by in the future; for this might be derived from the conditions of its settlement, or from some locality, or a river or spring or some local deity might bestow its sacred title on the new State. The point of my question about it is rather this,—is it to be an inland State, or situated on the sea-coast?
704
Clin. The State which I mentioned just now, Stranger, lies about eighty stades, roughly speaking, from the sea.
704
Ath. Well, has it harbors on the sea-board side, or is it quite without harbors?
704
Clin. It has excellent harbors on that side, Stranger, none better.
704
Ath. Dear me! how unfortunate!This remark is explained by what is said below, Plat. Laws 705a. But what of the surrounding country? Is it productive in all respects, or deficient in some products?
704
Clin. There is practically nothing that it is deficient in.
704
Ath. Will there be any State bordering close on it?
704
Clin. None at all, and that is the reason for settling it. Owing to emigration from this district long ago, the country has lain desolate for ever so long.
704
Ath. How about plains, mountains and forests? What extent of each of these does it contain?
704
Clin. As a whole, it resembles in character the rest of Crete.
704
Ath. You would call it hilly rather than level?
704
Clin. Certainly.
