Page:The works of Plato, A new and literal version, (vol 6) (Burges, 1854).djvu/440

428 Hellenocrates was a Larisssæan who had likewise been subservient to the king's pleasures.

P. 148. Sacrifices the most numerous.] The Athenians were remarkably sumptuous in their temples and public worship, beyond any other people. Two months in the year were taken up entirely in these solemnities. See Schol. on Aristoph. in Vesp. vs. 655, and Xenoph. Rep. Athen. p. 699.

P. 150. It is he of whose care you are the object.] Socrates may either mean the Divinity here, as in the former dialogue, Alcibiad. I. p. 122, §37; for it was the character of Socrates to assume nothing: to himself, but all to the demon, who directed him, whom he calls his, Ἑπίτροπος, "Guardian:" or Socrates may here mean himself, as I rather think. Some Christian writers indeed would give a very extraordinary turn to this part of the dialogue, as though Plato meant to prove the necessity of a Revelation. But I can see no such mysteries in it. Socrates has proved that we are neither fit to deal with mankind, till we know them by knowing ourselves; nor to address ourselves to the Divine power, till we know enough of his nature to know what we owe him: what that nature is, he defers examining till another opportunity, which is done to raise the curiosity and impatience of the young Alcibiades, and to avoid that prolixity, into which a disquisition so important would have naturally led him.

Demodocus of Anagyrus, an old Athenian who had passed with reputation through the highest offices of the state, and now, after the manner of his ancestors, lived chiefly on his lands in the country, employed in agriculture and rustic amusements, brings with him to Athens his son Theages, a youth impatient to improve himself in the arts then in vogue, and to shine among his companions who studied eloquence, and practised politics, as soon as ever their age would permit them to appear in the popular assemblies.

Socrates, at the father's desire, enters into conversation with the young man, and decoys him by little and little into a confession that he wanted to be a great man, and to govern his fellow citizens.