403
Socrates
Socrates. I think people have many false notions about the power of this god, and are unduly afraid of him. They are afraid because when we are once dead we remain in his realm for ever, and they are also terrified because the soul goes to him without the covering of the body. But I think all these facts, and the office and the name of the god, point in the same direction.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. How so?
Socrates
Socrates. I will tell you my own view. Please answer this question: Which is the stronger bond upon any living being to keep him in any one place, desire, or compulsion?
5
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Desire, Socrates, is much stronger.
Socrates
Socrates. Then do you not believe there would be many fugitives from Hades, if he did not bind with the strongest bond those who go to him there?
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Of course there would.
Socrates
Socrates. Apparently, then, if he binds them with the strongest bond, he binds them by some kind of desire, not by compulsion.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Yes, that is plain.
10
Socrates
Socrates. There are many desires, are there not?
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Yes.
Socrates
Socrates. Then he binds with the desire which is the strongest of all, if he is to restrain them with the strongest bond.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Yes.
Socrates
Socrates. And is there any desire stronger than the thought of being made a better man by association with some one?
15
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. No, by Zeus, Socrates, there certainly is not.
