805
Athenian
Ath. I believe the old tales I have heard, and I know now of my own observation, that there are practically countless myriads of women called Sauromatides, in the district of Pontus, upon whom equally with men is imposed the duty of handling bows and other weapons, as well as horses, and who practice it equally. In addition to this I allege the following argument. Since this state of things can exist, I affirm that the practice which at present prevails in our districts is a most irrational one—namely, that men and women should not all follow the same pursuits with one accord and with all their might. For thus from the same taxation and trouble there arises and exists half a State only instead of a whole one, in nearly every instance; yet surely this would be a surprising blunder for a lawgiver to commit.
Clinias
Clin. So it would seem; yet truly a vast number of the things now mentioned, Stranger, are in conflict with our ordinary polities.
Athenian
Ath. Well, but I saidCp. Plat. Laws 746c, Plat. Laws 799e. that we should allow the argument to run its full course, and when this is done we should adopt the conclusion we approve.
Clinias
Clin. In this you spoke most reasonably; and you have made me now chide myself for what I said. So say on now what seems good to you.