Page:Works of Plato his first fifty-five dialogues (Taylor 1804) (Vol 5 of 5) (IA Vol5worksofplato00plat).pdf/30

22 to the gods, and does it make the gods better ? And do you admit this, that when you perform any thing holy, you render some one of the gods better ?

Not I, by Jupiter.

Nor do I, O Euthyphro, think that you say this: it certainly is far otherwise. And for this reason I asked you what this culture of the gods is, not thinking you would say a thing of this kind.

And you thought rightly, Socrates: for I do not say any such thing.

Be it so.

But what culture of the gods will holiness be ? That culture, Socrates, which slaves pay to their masters.

I understand. It will be a certain subserviency as it seems to the gods.

Entirely so.

Can you then tell me, with respect to the art subservient to physicians, to the accomplishment of what work it is subservient ? Do you not think it is subservient to health ? I do.

But what ? with respect to the art subservient to shipwrights, to the accomplishment of what work is it subservient ?

Evidently, Socrates, to that of a ship.

And is not the art subservient to architects, subservient to the buildings of houses ?

Yes.

Tell me, then, O best of men : with respect to the art subservient to the gods, to the accomplishment of what work will it be subservient ? For it is evident that you know, because you say that you have a knowledge of divine concerns beyond that of other men.

And I say true, Socrates.

Inform me then, by Jupiter, what that all-beautiful work is which the gods effect, employing our subserviency.

They are many and beautiful, Socrates.

The generals of an army too, my friend, accomplish many and beautiful things ; but at the same time you can easily tell what that principal thing is which they effect, viz. victory in battle. Or can you not ?