Lys. I am delighted to hear, Socrates, that you maintain the name of your
father, who was a most excellent man; and I further rejoice at the prospect of
our family ties being renewed.
La. Indeed, Lysimachus, you ought not to give him up; for I can assure you
that I have seen him maintaining, not only his father's, but also his
country's name. He was my companion in the retreat from Delium, and I can tell
you that if others had only been like him, the honour of our country would
have been upheld, and the great defeat would never have occurred.
Lys. That is very high praise which is accorded to you, Socrates, by faithful
witnesses and for actions like those which they praise. Let me tell you the
pleasure which I feel in hearing of your fame; and I hope that you will regard
me as one of your warmest friends. You ought to have visited us long ago, and
made yourself at home with us; but now, from this day forward, as we have at
last found one another out, do as I say-come and make acquaintance with me,
and with these young men, that I may continue your friend, as I was your
father's. I shall expect you to do so, and shall venture at some future time
to remind you of your duty. But what say you of the matter of which we were
beginning to speak-the art of fighting in armour? Is that a practice in which
the lads may be advantageously instructed?
Soc. I will endeavour to advise you, Lysimachus, as far as I can in this
matter, and also in every way will comply with your wishes; but as I am
younger and not so experienced, I think that I ought certainly to hear first
what my elders have to say, and to learn of them, and if I have anything to
add, then I may venture to give my opinion to them as well as to you. Suppose,
Nicias, that one or other of you begin.