810
Athenian
Ath. You are right in your supposition, Clinias. As you are my partners in this investigation of laws, I am bound to explain to you both what seems easy and what hard.
Clinias
Clin. Well, what is it about them that you are now alluding to, and what has come over you?
Athenian
Ath. I will tell you: it is no easy matter to gainsay tens of thousands of tongues.
5
Clinias
Clin. Come now,—do you believe that the points in which our previous conclusions about laws contradicted ordinary opinion were few and trifling?
Athenian
Ath. Your observation is most just. I take it that you are bidding me, now that the path which is abhorrent to many is attractive to others possibly not less numerous (or if less numerous, certainly not less competent),—you are, I say, bidding me adventure myself with the latter company and proceed boldly along the path of legislation marked out in our present discourse, without flinching.