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Stranger
Str. First it binds the eternal part of their souls with a divine bond, to which that part is akin, and after the divine it binds the animal part of them with human bonds.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Again I ask What do you mean?
Stranger
Str. I mean that really true and assured opinion about honor, justice, goodness and their opposites is divine, and when it arises in men’s souls, it arises in a godlike race.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. That would be fitting, at any rate.
10
Stranger
Str. Do we not know, then, that the statesman and good lawgiver is the only one to whom the power properly belongs, by the inspiration of the kingly art, to implant this true opinion in those who have rightly received education, those of whom we were just now speaking?
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Well, probably.
Stranger
Str. And let us never, Socrates, call him who has not such power by the names we are now examining.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Quite right.
Stranger
Str. Now is not a courageous soul, when it lays hold upon such truth, made gentle, and would it not then be most ready to partake of justice? And without it, does it not incline more towards brutality?
15
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Yes, of course.
Stranger
Str. And again if the decorous nature partakes of these opinions, does it not become truly self-restrained and wise, so far as the state is concerned, and if it lacks participation in such qualities, does it not very justly receive the shameful epithet of simpleton?
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Certainly.
