s; so
that, when the moment for advice on that topic arrives, you will have an
excuse ready to hand.

I see you are making fun of me (Glaucon answered).

Soc. Well, but here is a point, I am sure, which you have not neglected.
No, you will have thoroughly gone into it, and you can tell us. For how
long a time could the corn supplies from the country districts support
the city? how much is requisite for a single year, so that the city may
not run short of this prime necessary, before you are well aware; but on
the contrary you with your full knowledge will be in a position to give
advice on so vital a question, to the aid or may be the salvation of
your country?

It is a colossal business this (Glaucon answered), if I am to be obliged
to give attention to all these details.

Soc. On the other hand, a man could not even manage his own house or his
estate well, without, in the first place, knowing what he requires, and,
in the second place, taking pains, item by item, to supply his wants.
But since this city consists of more than ten thousand houses, and it is
not easy to pay minute attention to so many all at once, how is it you
did not practise yourself by trying to augment the resources of one at
any rate of these--I mean your own uncle's? The service would not be
thrown away. Then if your strength suffices in the single case you might
take in hand a larger number; but if you fail to relieve one, how could
you possibly hope to succeed with many? How absurd for a man, if he
cannot carry half a hundredweight, to attempt to carry a whole! (13)

(13) Lit. "a single talent's weight... to carry two."

Glauc. Nay, for my part, I am willing enough to assist my uncle's house,
if my uncle would only be persuaded to listen to my advice.

Soc. Then, when you cannot persuade your uncle, do you imagine you will
be able to make the whole Athenian people, uncle and all, obey you?
Be careful, Glaucon (he added), lest in your thirst for glory and high
repute you come to the opposite. Do you not see how dangerous it is for
a man to speak or act beyond the range (14) of his knowledge? To take
the cases known to you of people whose conversation or conduct clearly
transcends these limits: should you say they gain more praise or more
blame on that account? Are they admired the rather or despised? Or,
again, consider those who do know what they say and what they do; and
you will find, I venture to say, that in every sort of undertaking