The Economist | Page 6

to luxury and lechery, intemperance and
the wine-cup along with many a fond and ruinous ambition. These
passions so cruelly belord it over the poor soul whom they have got
under their thrall, that so long as he is in the heyday of health and

strong to labour, they compel him to fetch and carry and lay at their feet
the fruit of his toils, and to spend it on their own heart's lusts; but as
soon as he is seen to be incapable of further labour through old age,
they leave him to his gray hairs and misery, and turn to seize on other
victims.[21] Ah! Critobulus, against these must we wage ceaseless war,
for very freedom's sake, no less than if they were armed warriors
endeavouring to make us their slaves. Nay, foemen in war, it must be
granted, especially when of fair and noble type, have many times ere
now proved benefactors to those they have enslaved. By dint of
chastening, they have forced the vanquished to become better men and
to lead more tranquil lives in future.[22] But these despotic queens
never cease to plague and torment their victims in body and soul and
substance until their sway is ended.
[21] "To use others as their slaves."
[22] Lit. "Enemies for the matter of that, when, being beautiful and
good, they chance to have enslaved some other, have ere now in many
an instance chastened and compelled the vanquished to be better and to
live more easily for the rest of time."

II
The conersation was resumed by Critobulus, and on this wise. He said:
I think I take your meaning fully, Socrates, about these matters; and for
myself, examining my heart, I am further satisfied, I have sufficient
continence and self-command in those respects. So that if you will only
advise me on what I am to do to improve my estate, I flatter myself I
shall not be hindered by those despotic dames, as you call them. Come,
do not hesitate; only tender me what good advice you can, and trust me
I will follow it. But perhaps, Socrates, you have already passed
sentence on us--we are rich enough already, and not in need of any
further wealth?
Soc. It is to myself rather, if I may be included in your plural "we," that
I should apply the remark. I am not in need of any further wealth, if you
like. I am rich enough already, to be sure. But you, Critobulus, I look
upon as singularly poor, and at times, upon my soul, I feel a downright
compassion for you.
At this view of the case, Critobulus fell to laughing outright, retorting:
And pray, Socrates, what in the name of fortune do you suppose our

respective properties would fetch in the market, yours and mine?
If I could find a good purchaser (he answered), I suppose the whole of
my effects, including the house in which I live, might very fairly realise
five minae[1] (say twenty guineas). Yours, I am positively certain,
would fetch at the lowest more than a hundred times that sum.
[1] 5 x L4:1:3. See Boeckh, "P. E. A." [Bk. i. ch. xx.], p. 109 f. (Eng.
ed.)
Crit. And with this estimate of our respective fortunes, can you still
maintain that you have no need of further wealth, but it is I who am to
be pitied for my poverty?
Soc. Yes, for my property is amply sufficient to meet my wants,
whereas you, considering the parade you are fenced about with, and the
reputation you must needs live up to, would be barely well off, I take it,
if what you have already were multiplied by three.
Pray, how may that be? Critobulus asked.
Why, first and foremost (Socrates explained), I see you are called upon
to offer many costly sacrifices, failing which, I take it, neither gods nor
men would tolerate you; and, in the next place, you are bound to
welcome numerous foreigners as guests, and to entertain them
handsomely; thirdly, you must feast your fellow-citizens and ply them
with all sorts of kindness, or else be cut adrift from your supporters.[2]
Furthermore, I perceive that even at present the state enjoins upon you
various large contributions, such as the rearing of studs,[3] the training
of choruses, the superintendence of gymnastic schools, or consular
duties,[4] as patron of resident aliens, and so forth; while in the event
of war you will, I am aware, have further obligations laid upon you in
the shape of pay[5] to carry on the triearchy, ship money, and war
taxes[6] so onerous, you will find difficulty in supporting them.
Remissness in respect of any of these charges will be visited upon you
by the good citizens of Athens no less strictly