wer, not to leave my city
unadorned with anything which riches can bestow.

Nay (I answered), beautiful indeed the works you speak of, and powerful
the man must be who would essay them. How can it be otherwise, seeing so
many human beings need the help of others merely to carry on existence,
and so many are content if they can win enough to satisfy their wants.
What of those therefore who are able, not only to administer their own
estates, but even to create a surplus sufficient to adorn their city and
relieve the burthen of their friends? Well may we regard such people
as men of substance and capacity. But stay (I added), most of us are
competent to sing the praises of such heroes. What I desire is to hear
from you, Ischomachus, in your own order, [7] first how you study to
preserve your health and strength of body; and next, how it is granted
to you [8] to escape from the perils of war with honour untarnished.
And after that (I added), it will much content me to learn from your own
lips about your money-making.

[7] "And from your own starting-point."

[8] As to the construction {themis einai} see Jebb ad "Oed. Col."
1191, Appendix.

Yes (he answered), and the fact is, Socrates, if I mistake not, all
these matters are in close connection, each depending on the other.
Given that a man have a good meal to eat, he has only to work off the
effect by toil [9] directed rightly; and in the process, if I mistake
not, his health will be confirmed, his strength added to. Let him but
practise the arts of war and in the day of battle he will preserve his
life with honour. He needs only to expend his care aright, sealing
his ears to weak and soft seductions, and his house shall surely be
increased. [10]

[9] See "Mem." I. ii. 4; "Cyrop." I. ii. 16. Al. "bring out the effect
of it by toil."

[10] Lit. "it is likely his estate will increase more largely."

I answered: So far I follow you, Ischomachus. You tell me that by
labouring to his full strength, [11] by expending care, by practice and
training, a man may hope more fully to secure life's blessings. So I
take your meaning. But now I fain would learn of you some details. What
particular toil do you impose on yourself in order to secure good health
and strength? After what particular manner do you practise the arts of
war? How do you take pains to create a surplus which will enable you to
benefit your friends and to gratify the state?

[11] Or, "by working