788–789
Athenian
Ath. And I suppose that (to take the simplest point) the most beautiful bodies must grow up from earliest infancy as straight as possible.
5
Clinias
Clin. Most certainly.
Athenian
Ath. Well then, do we not observe that in every living creature the first shoot makes by far the largest and longest growth; so that many people stoutly maintain that in point of height men grow more in the first five years of life than in the next twenty?
Clinias
Clin. That is true.
Athenian
Ath. But we know, don’t we, that when growth occurs rapidly, without plenty of suitable exercise, it produces in the body countless evils?
Athenian
Ath. And when bodies receive most food, then they require most exercise?
Clinias
Clin. What is that, Stranger? Are we to prescribe most exercise for new-born babes and tiny infants?
Athenian
Ath. Nay, even earlier than that,—we shall prescribe it for those nourished inside the bodies of their mothers.
5
Clinias
Clin. What do you mean, my dear sir? Is it unborn babes you are talking of?
Athenian
Ath. It is. Still it is by no means surprising that you know nothing of this pre-natal gymnastic; but, strange though it is, I should like to explain it to you.
Clinias
Clin. By all means do so.