YOUNG SOCRATES: Why?

STRANGER: Because the law does not perfectly comprehend what is noblest

and most just for all and therefore cannot enforce what is best. The

differences of men and actions, and the endless irregular movements of

human things, do not admit of any universal and simple rule. And no art

whatsoever can lay down a rule which will last for all time.

YOUNG SOCRATES: Of course not.

STRANGER: But the law is always striving to make one;--like an obstinate

and ignorant tyrant, who will not allow anything to be done contrary to

his appointment, or any question to be asked--not even in sudden changes

of circumstances, when something happens to be better than what he

commanded for some one.

YOUNG SOCRATES: Certainly; the law treats us all precisely in the manner

which you describe.

STRANGER: A perfectly simple principle can never be applied to a state

of things which is the reverse of simple.

YOUNG SOCRATES: True.

STRANGER: Then if the law is not the perfection of right, why are

Statesman