ntry, what would you do?

Chaer. No doubt I should begin by offering him the shelter of my own
roof when he came to Athens, in order to enlist his zeal in furthering
the objects of my visit; it is plain I should first show my readiness to
do as much for him in a like case.

Soc. Why, it seems you are an adept after all in all the philtres known
to man, only you chose to conceal your knowledge all the while; or is
it that you shrink from taking the first step because of the scandal you
will cause by kindly advances to your brother? And yet it is commonly
held to redound to a man's praise to have outstripped an enemy in
mischief or a friend in kindness. Now if it seemed to me that Chaerephon
were better fitted to lead the way towards this friendship, (5) I
should have tried to persuade him to take the first step in winning your
affection, but now I am persuaded the first move belongs to you, and to
you the final victory.

(5) Reading {pros ten philian}, or if {phusin}, transl. "natural
disposition."

Chaer. A startling announcement, Socrates, from your lips, and most
unlike you, to bid me the younger take precedence of my elder brother.
Why, it is contrary to the universal custom of mankind, who look to the
elder to take the lead in everything, whether as a speaker or an actor.

Soc. How so? Is it not the custom everywhere for the younger to step
aside when he meets his elder in the street and to give him place? Is he
not expected to get up and offer him his seat, to pay him the honour of
a soft couch, (6) to yield him precedence in argument?

(6) Lit. "with a soft bed," or, as we say, "the best bedroom."

My good fellow, do not stand shilly-shallying, (7) but put out your hand
caressingly, and you will see the worthy soul will respond at once with
alacrity. Do you not note your brother's character, proud and frank and
sensitive to honour? He is not a mean and sorry rascal to be caught by a
bribe--no better way indeed for such riff-raff. No! gentle natures need
a finer treatment. You can best hope to work on them by affection.

(7) Or, "have no fears, essay a soothing treatment."

Chaer. But suppose I do, and suppose that, for all my attempts, he shows
no change for the better?

Soc. At the worst you will have shown yourself to be a good, honest,
brotherly man, and he will appear as a sorry creature on whom kindness
is wasted. But nothing of the sort is going to happen, as I conjecture.
My belief is that