135
Socrates
Soc. And in just the same way, if a state, or any office or authority, is lacking in excellence or virtue, it will be overtaken by failure?
5
Socrates
Soc. Then it is not despotic power, my admirable Alcibiades, that you ought to secure either to yourself or to the state, if you would be happy, but virtue.
Alcibiades
Alc. That is true.
Socrates
Soc. And before getting virtue, to be governed by a superior is better than to govern, for a man as well as a child.
Alcibiades
Alc. Apparently.
10
Socrates
Soc. And the better is also nobler?
Socrates
Soc. And the nobler more becoming?
Alcibiades
Alc. Of course.
Socrates
Soc. Then it becomes a bad man to be a slave, since it is better.
15
Socrates
Soc. So vice is a thing that becomes a slave.
Alcibiades
Alc. Apparently.
Socrates
Soc. And virtue becomes a free man.
Socrates
Soc. And we should shun, my good friend, all slavishness?
Alcibiades
Alc. Most certainly, Socrates.
Socrates
Soc. And do you now perceive how you stand? Are you on the side of the free, or not?
Alcibiades
Alc. I think I perceive only too clearly.
