114–115
Socrates
Soc. And you would best be persuaded if you should say the case is so?
25
Socrates
Soc. Then answer; and if you do not hear your own self say that the just is expedient, put no trust in the words of anyone again.
Alcibiades
Alc. I will not: but I may as well answer; for I do not think I shall come to any harm.
Socrates
Soc. You are quite a prophet! Now tell me, do you consider some just things to be expedient, and others not?
Socrates
Soc. And again, some noble, and some not?
Alcibiades
Alc. What do you mean by that question?
Socrates
Soc. I would ask whether anyone ever seemed to you to be doing what was base and yet just.
5
Socrates
Soc. Well, are all just things noble?
Socrates
Soc. And what of noble things, in their turn? Are they all good, or some only, while others are not?
Alcibiades
Alc. In my opinion, Socrates, some noble things are evil.
10
Socrates
Soc. And some base things are good?
Socrates
Soc. Do you mean as in one of the many cases where men have gone to rescue a comrade or kinsman in battle, and have been either wounded or killed, while those who did not go to the rescue, as duty bade, have got off safe and sound?
Alcibiades
Alc. Precisely.
Socrates
Soc. And such a rescue you call noble, in respect of the endeavor to save those whom it was one’s duty to save; and this is courage, is it not?
15
