902
Athenian
Ath. Shall we then assume, my worthy and excellent sir, that you assert that the gods are ignorant, and that it is through ignorance that they are neglectful when they ought to be showing care,—or that they know indeed what is needful, yet act as the worst of men are said to do, who, though they know that other things are better to do than what they are doing, yet do them not, owing to their being somehow defeated by pleasures or pains?
Clinias
Clin. Impossible.
Athenian
Ath. Do not human affairs share in animate nature, and is not man himself, too, the most god-fearing of all living creatures?
5
Clinias
Clin. That is certainly probable.
Athenian
Ath. We affirm that all mortal creatures are possessions of the gods, to whom belongs also the whole heaven.
Athenian
Ath. That being so, it matters not whether a man says that these things are small or great in the eyes of the gods; for in neither case would it behove those who are our owners to be neglectful, seeing that they are most careful and most good. For let us notice this further fact—
Clinias
Clin. What is it?
10
Athenian
Ath. In regard to perception and power,—are not these two naturally opposed in respect of ease and difficulty?
Clinias
Clin. How do you mean?
Athenian
Ath. It is more difficult to see and hear small things than great; but everyone finds it more easy to move, control and care for things small and few than their opposites.