Kitap 3
6.7
Well, Socrates, one can make our enemies contribute to the city’s wealth.Yes, of course, provided he is stronger than they; but if he be weaker, he may lose what she has got instead.True.
6.8
Therefore, in order to advise her whom to fight, it is necessary to know the strength of the city and of the enemy, so that, if the city be stronger, one may recommend her to go to war, but if weaker than the enemy, may persuade her to beware.You are right.
6.9
First, then, tell us the naval and military strength of our city, and then that of her enemies.No, of course I can’t tell you out of my head.Well, if you have made notes, fetch them, for I should greatly like to hear this.But, I tell you, I haven’t yet made any notes either.
6.10
Then we will postpone offering advice about war too for the present. You are new to power, and perhaps have not had time to investigate such big problems. But the defence of the country, now, I feel sure you have thought about that, and know how many of the garrisons are well placed and how many are not, and how many of the guards are efficient and how many are not; and you will propose to strengthen the well-placed garrisons and to do away with those that are superfluous.
6.11
No, no; I shall propose to do away with them all, for the only effect of maintaining them is that our crops are stolen.But if you do away with the garrisons, don’t you think that anyone will be at liberty to rob us openly? However, have you been on a tour of inspection, or how do you know that they are badly maintained?By guess-work.Then shall we wait to offer advice on this question too until we really know, instead of merely guessing?Perhaps it would be better.Now for the silver mines.
6.12
I am sure you have not visited them, and so cannot tell why the amount derived from them has fallen.No, indeed, I have not been there.To be sure: the district is considered unhealthy, and so when you have to offer advice on the problem, this excuse will serve.You’re chaffing me.
