126–127
Socrates
Soc. And it makes both individuals and states agree with each other?
20
Socrates
Soc. And what about the balance? Is it not the same here too?
Socrates
Soc. Then what is that agreement of which you speak, and about what? And what art secures it? And is it the same in an individual as in a state, when one agrees with oneself and with another?
Alcibiades
Alc. Most likely.
25
Socrates
Soc. Well, what is it? Do not flag in your answers, but do your best to tell me.
Alcibiades
Alc. I suppose I mean the friendship and agreement that you find when a father and mother love their son, and between brother and brother, and husband and wife.
Socrates
Soc. Then do you suppose, Alcibiades, that a husband can possibly agree with his wife about woolwork, when he does not understand it, and she does?
Socrates
Soc. Nor has he any need, since that is a woman’s pursuit.
30
Socrates
Soc. Or again, could a woman agree with a man about soldiering, when she has not learnt it?
Socrates
Soc. Because, I expect you will say again, that is a man’s affair.
Socrates
Soc. Then, by your account, there are some pursuits belonging to women, and some to men?
5
Alcibiades
Alc. Of course.
Socrates
Soc. So in these, at any rate, there is no agreement between men and women.