Book 4
718
Ath. I thought the address we have made might prove of some help in making them listen to its monitions with souls not utterly savage, but in a more civil and less hostile mood. So that we may be well content if as I say, it renders the hearer even but a little more docile, because a little less hostile. For there is no great plenty or abundance of persons anxious to become with all speed as good as possible; the majority, indeed, serve to show how wise Hesiod was when he said, smooth is the way that leadeth unto wickedness, and that no sweat is needed to traverse it, since it is passing short,Hes. WD 287ff. but (he says)—In front of goodness the immortal godsHave set the sweat of toil, and thereuntoLong is the road and steep, and rough withal The first ascent; but when the crest is won,’Tis easy travelling, albeit ’twas hard.Hes. WD 287 ff.
719
Clin. The poet speaks nobly, I should say.
719
Ath. He certainly does. Now I wish to put before you what I take to be the result of the foregoing argument.
719
Clin. Do so.
719
Ath. Let us address the lawgiver and say: Tell us, O lawgiver: if you knew what we ought to do and say, is it not obvious that you would state it?
719
Clin. Inevitably.
719
Ath. Now did not we hear you saying a little while agoPlat. Laws 656. that the lawgiver should not permit the poets to compose just as they please? For they would not be likely to know what saying of theirs might be contrary to the laws and injurious to the State.
719
Clin. That is quite true.
719
Ath. Would our address be reasonable, if we were to address him on behalf of the poetsCp. Plat. Laws 719d. in these terms?—
719
Clin. What terms?
