12.20
I like the answer that is attributed to the Persian. The king, you know, had happened on a good horse, and wanted to fatten him as speedily as possible. So he asked one who was reputed clever with horses what is the quickest way of fattening a horse. The master’s eye, replied the man. I think we may apply the answer generally, Socrates, and say that the master’s eye in the main does the good and worthy work.
13.1
When you have impressed on a man, I resumed, the necessity of careful attention to the duties you assign to him, will he then be competent to act as bailiff, or must he learn something besides, if he is to be efficient?
13.2
Of course, answered Ischomachus, he has still to understand what he has to do, and when and how to do it. Otherwise how could a bailiff be of more use than a doctor who takes care to visit a patient early and late, but has no notion of the right way to treat his illness?
13.3
Well, but suppose he has learned how farm-work is to be done, will he want something more yet, or will your man now be a perfect bailiff? I think he must learn to rule the labourers.
13.4
And do you train your bailiffs to be competent to rule too? Yes, I try, anyhow. And pray tell me how you train them to be rulers of men. By a childishly easy method, Socrates. I daresay you’ll laugh if I tell you.
