l these cases look very like
(would seem to point to) the gods."

Soc. And in your opinion, Hippias, is the legislation of the gods just
and righteous, or the reverse of what is just and righteous?

Hipp. Not the reverse of what is just and righteous, Socrates, God
forbid! for scarcely could any other legislate aright, of not God
himself.

Soc. It would seem then, Hippias, the gods themselves are well pleased
that "the lawful" and "the just" should be synonymous? (39)

(39) Or, "it is well pleasing also to the gods that what is lawful is
just and what is just is lawful."

By such language and by such conduct, through example and precept alike,
he helped to make those who approached him more upright and more just.

V

And now I propose to show in what way he made those who were with him
more vigorous in action. (1) In the first place, as befitted one whose
creed was that a basis of self-command is indispensable to any noble
performance, he manifested himself to his companions as one who
had pre-eminently disciplined himself; (2) and in the next place by
conversation and discussion he encouraged them to a like self-restraint
beyond all others. (3) Thus it was that he continued ever mindful
himself, and was continually reminding all whom he encountered,
of matters conducive to virtue; as the following discussion with
Euthydemus, which has come to my knowledge, (4) will serve to
illustrate--the topic of the discussion being self-command.

(1) Lit. "more practical," i.e. more energetic and effective.

(2) "If any one might claim to be a prince of ascetics, it was
Socrates; such was the ineffaceable impression left on the minds
of his associates."

(3) Or, "he stimulated in these same companions a spirit of self-
restraint beyond all else."

(4) Or, "which I can vouch for."

Tell me, Euthydemus (he began), do you believe freedom to be a noble and
magnificent acquisition, whether for a man or for a state?

I cannot conceive a nobler or more magnificent (he answered).

Soc. Then do you believe him to be a free man who is ruled by the
pleasures of the body, and thereby cannot perform what is best?

Certainly not (he answered).

Soc. No! for possibly to perform what is best appears to you to savour
of freedom? And, again, to have some one over you who will prevent you
doing the like seems a loss of freedom?

Most decidedly (he answered).

Soc. It would seem you are decidedly of op