798–799
Clinias
Clin. Most certainly.
Athenian
Ath. Well, then, do we still put our trust in those former statements of ours,Plat. Laws 654e ff., Plat. Laws 668a. in which we said that matters of rhythm and music generally are imitations of the manners of good or bad men? Or how do we stand?
Clinias
Clin. Our view at least remains unaltered.
Athenian
Ath. We assert, then, that every means must be employed, not only to prevent our children from desiring to copy different models in dancing or singing, but also to prevent anyone from tempting them by the inducement of pleasures of all sorts.
5
Clinias
Clin. Quite right.
Athenian
Ath. To attain this end, can any one of us suggest a better device than that of the Egyptians?Cp. Plat. Laws 656d.
Clinias
Clin. What device is that?