YOUNG SOCRATES: That, again, is quite likely.

STRANGER: It was of these bonds I said that there would be no difficulty

in creating them, if only both classes originally held the same opinion

about the honourable and good;--indeed, in this single work, the whole

process of royal weaving is comprised--never to allow temperate natures

to be separated from the brave, but to weave them together, like the

warp and the woof, by common sentiments and honours and reputation, and

by the giving of pledges to one another; and out of them forming one

smooth and even web, to entrust to them the offices of State.

YOUNG SOCRATES: How do you mean?

STRANGER: Where one officer only is needed, you must choose a ruler who

has both these qualities--when many, you must mingle some of each, for

the temperate ruler is very careful and just and safe, but is wanting in

thoroughness and go.

YOUNG SOCRATES: Certainly, that is very true.

STRANGER: The character of the courageous, on the other hand, falls

short of the former in justice and caution, but has the power of action

in a remarkable degree, and where either of these two qualities is

wanting, there cities cannot altogether prosper either in their public

or private life.

125

Statesman