107
Socrates
Soc. Then what will be the subject of the advice? For I presume it will not be about building.
Alcibiades
Alc. No, indeed.
Socrates
Soc. For a builder will give better advice than you in that matter.
Socrates
Soc. Nor yet will it be about divination?
Socrates
Soc. For there again a diviner will serve better than you.
Socrates
Soc. Whether he be short or tall, handsome or ugly, nay, noble or ignoble.
15
Alcibiades
Alc. Of course.
Socrates
Soc. For on each subject the advice comes from one who knows, not one who has riches.
Alcibiades
Alc. Of course.
Socrates
Soc. And whether their mentor be poor or rich will make no difference to the Athenians when they deliberate for the health of the citizens; all that they require of their counsellor is that he be a physician.
Alcibiades
Alc. Naturally.
20
Socrates
Soc. Then what will they have under consideration if you are to be right in standing up, when you do so, as their counsellor?
Alcibiades
Alc. Their own affairs, Socrates.
Socrates
Soc. Do you mean with regard to shipbuilding, and the question as to what sort of ships they ought to get built?
Alcibiades
Alc. No, I do not, Socrates.
Socrates
Soc. Because, I imagine, you do not understand shipbuilding. Is that, and that alone, the reason?
25
Alcibiades
Alc. That is just the reason.
