chains and running away. On the other side the slaves are loosed, and
free to move, but for all that, they choose to work, it seems; they are
constant to their masters. I think you will admit that I here point out
another function of economy [4] worth noting.

[4] Or, "economical result."

Crit. I do indeed--a feature most noteworthy.

Soc. Or take, again, the instance of two farmers engaged in cultivating
farms [5] as like as possible. The one had never done asserting that
agriculture has been his ruin, and is in the depth of despair; the other
has all he needs in abundance and of the best, and how acquired?--by
this same agriculture.

[5] {georgias}. See Hartman, "An. Xen." p. 193. Hold. cf. Plat.
"Laws," 806 E. Isocr. "Areop." 32.

Yes (Critobulus answered), to be sure; perhaps [6] the former spends
both toil and money not simply on what he needs, but on things which
cause an injury to house alike and owner.

[6] Or, "like enough in the one case the money and pains are spent,"
etc.

Soc. That is a possible case, no doubt, but it is not the one that I
refer to; I mean people pretending they are farmers, and yet they have
not a penny to expend on the real needs of their business.

Crit. And pray, what may be the reason of that, Socrates?

Soc. You shall come with me, and see these people also; and as you
contemplate the scene, I presume you will lay to heart the lesson.

Crit. I will, if possibly I can, I promise you.

Soc. Yes, and while you contemplate, you must make trial of yourself and
see if you have wit to understand. At present, I will bear you witness
that if it is to go and see a party of players performing in a comedy,
you will get up at cock-crow, and come trudging a long way, and ply me
volubly with reasons why I should accompany you to see the play. But you
have never once invited me to come and witness such an incident as those
we were speaking of just now.

Crit. And so I seem to you ridiculous? [7]

[7] Or, "a comic character in the performance." Soc. "Not so comic as
you must appear to yourself (i.e. with your keen sense of the
ludicrous)."

Soc. Far more ridiculous to yourself, I warrant. But now let me point
out to you another contrast: between certain people whose dealing with
horses has brought them to the brink of poverty, and certain others who
have found in the same pursuit the road to affluence, [8] and have a
right besides to plume themselves upon their ga