719
Athenian
Ath. Let us address the lawgiver and say: Tell us, O lawgiver: if you knew what we ought to do and say, is it not obvious that you would state it?
Clinias
Clin. Inevitably.
5
Athenian
Ath. Now did not we hear you saying a little while agoPlat. Laws 656. that the lawgiver should not permit the poets to compose just as they please? For they would not be likely to know what saying of theirs might be contrary to the laws and injurious to the State.
Clinias
Clin. That is quite true.
Athenian
Ath. Would our address be reasonable, if we were to address him on behalf of the poetsCp. Plat. Laws 719d. in these terms?—
Clinias
Clin. What terms?