837–838
Megillus
Meg. Your description of the subject, Stranger, is perfectly correct.
Athenian
Ath. It seems that, as I expected, I have gained your assent; so there is no need for me to investigate your law, and its attitude towards such matters, but simply to accept your agreement to my statement. Later on I will try to charm Clinias also into agreeing with me on this subject. So let your joint admission stand at that, and let us by all means proceed with our laws.
Megillus
Meg. Quite right.
Athenian
Ath. I know of a device at present for enacting this law, which is in one way easy, but in another quite the hardest possible.
Megillus
Meg. Explain your meaning.
Athenian
Ath. Even at present, as we are aware, most men, however lawless they are, are effectively and strictly precluded from sexual commerce with beautiful persons,—and that not against their will, but with their own most willing consent.
Megillus
Meg. On what occasions do you mean?
Athenian
Ath. Whenever any man has a brother or sister who is beautiful. So too in the case of a son or daughter, the same unwritten law is most effective in guarding men from sleeping with them, either openly or secretly, or wishing to have any connection with them,—nay, most men never so much as feel any desire for such connection.
5
Megillus
Meg. That is true.
Athenian
Ath. Is it not, then, by a brief sentence that all such pleasures are quenched?
Megillus
Meg. What sentence do you mean?