13
Socrates
Socrates. Then the huntsman’s art is the art of attending to dogs?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Yes.
Socrates
Socrates. And the oxherd’s art is that of attending to oxen?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Certainly.
10
Socrates
Socrates. And holiness and piety is the art of attending to the gods? Is that what you mean, Euthyphro?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Yes.
Socrates
Socrates. Now does attention always aim to accomplish the same end? I mean something like this: It aims at some good or benefit to the one to whom it is given, as you see that horses, when attended to by the horseman’s art are benefited and made better; or don’t you think so?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Yes, I do.
Socrates
Socrates. And dogs are benefited by the huntsman’s art and oxen by the oxherd’s and everything else in the same way? Or do you think care and attention are ever meant for the injury of that which is cared for?
15
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. No, by Zeus, I do not.
Socrates
Socrates. But for its benefit?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. Of course.
Socrates
Socrates. Then holiness, since it is the art of attending to the gods, is a benefit to the gods, and makes them better? And you would agree that when you do a holy or pious act you are making one of the gods better?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. No, by Zeus, not I.
20
Socrates
Socrates. Nor do I, Euthyphro, think that is what you meant. Far from it. But I asked what you meant by attention to the gods just because I did not think you meant anything like that.
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. You are right, Socrates; that is not what I mean.
Socrates
Socrates. Well, what kind of attention to the gods is holiness?
Euthyphro
Euthyphro. The kind, Socrates, that servants pay to their masters.
