231
Socrates
Soc. And so too about drink the answer would be on the same lines, that the wet sustenance of the body, whether it be wholesome or pernicious, has this name of drink; and likewise with the rest. Try therefore on your part to imitate my method of answering. When you say that virtuous gain and wicked gain are both gain, what is it that you see to be the same in them, judging it to be the actual element of gain? And if again you are yourself unable to answer, just let me put it for your consideration, whether you describe as gain every acquisition that one has acquired either with no expense, or as a profit over and above one’s expense.
Friend
Fr. I believe that is what I call gain.
Socrates
Soc. Do you include a case where, after enjoying a banquet at which one has had much good cheer without any expense, one acquires an illness?
Friend
Fr. Upon my word, not I.
Socrates
Soc. And if one acquired health from attending a banquet, would one acquire gain or loss?
5
Socrates
Soc. Hence gain is not just acquiring any acquisition.
Socrates
Soc. Do you mean, not if it is evil? Or will one acquire no gain even if one acquires something good?
Friend
Fr. Apparently one will, if it is good.
10
Socrates
Soc. And if it is evil, will not one acquire loss?
Socrates
Soc. You see, then, how you are running round again to the same old point? Gain is found to be good, and loss evil.
Friend
Fr. For my part, I cannot tell what to say.
