Book 4
2.7
Yet surely these arts are much the harder to learn; for many more are interested in them and far fewer succeed. Clearly then these arts demand a longer and more intense application than the others.
2.8
For a time, then, Socrates continued to talk in this strain, while Euthydemus listened. But on finding him more tolerant of his conversation and more attentive, Socrates went alone to the saddler’s; and when Euthydemus had taken a seat beside him, he said: Tell me, Euthydemus, am I rightly informed that you have a large collection of books written by the wise men of the past, as they are called?By Zeus, yes, Socrates, answered he, and I am still adding to it, to make it as complete as possible.
2.9
By Hera, retorted Socrates,νὴ τὴν Ἥραν, a favourite oath of Socrates, is not rendered literally elsewhere; but here it seems to be intended to cap νὴ τὸν Δία I do admire you for valuing the treasures of wisdom above gold and silver. For you are evidently of opinion that, while gold and silver cannot make men better, the thoughts of the wise enrich their possessors with virtue.Now Euthydemus was glad to hear this, for he guessed that in the opinion of Socrates he was on the road to wisdom.
