Page:Works of Plato his first fifty-five dialogues (Taylor 1804) (Vol 5 of 5) (IA Vol5worksofplato00plat).pdf/31

Rh How is it possible I should not ?

Husbandmen also, I think, accomplish many and beautiful things ; but at the same time the principal thing which they produce is aliment from the earth.

Entirely so.

Of the many and beautiful things then which the gods accomplish, what is the principal ?

I told you a little before, Socrates, that to learn accurately how all these things subsist is an arduous undertaking ; but I now tell you imply this, that if any one knows how to say and do things acceptable to the gods, praying and sacrificing to them, these things are holy. Things of this kind also preserve both private houses and cities ; but the contraries to things acceptable to the gods are impious, and these subvert and destroy all things.

You might, if you had been willing, Euthyphro, have told me the sum of my inquiries in a much shorter manner. But it is evident that you are not readily disposed to instruct me. For now when you drew near for this purpose you receded ; though if you had answered, I should before this perhaps have learnt from you what holiness is. But now (for it is necessary that he who interrogates should follow him who is interrogated wherever he may lead) what do you again say the holy, and holiness, is ? Do you not say it is a certain science of sacrificing and praying ?

I do.

Is not to sacrifice to offer gifts to the gods ; but to pray to request something of the gods ?

Very much so, Socrates.

From this it follows that holiness will be the science of requesting and giving to the gods.

You have very well understood, Socrates, what I said.

For I am very desirous, my friend, of your wisdom, and I pay attention to it ; so that what you say does not fall to the ground. But tell me what this subserviency to the gods is ? Do you say it is to request of them and to give to them ?

I do.

Will it not follow, therefore, that to request rightly, will be to request of them those things of which we are in want ?