Lys. I very much approve of the words of Socrates, my friends; but you, Nicias
and Laches, must determine whether you will be questioned, and give an
explanation about matters of this sort. Assuredly, I and Melesias would be
greatly pleased to hear you answer the questions which Socrates asks, if you
will: for I began by saying that we took you into our counsels because we
thought that you would have attended to the subject, especially as you have
children who, like our own, are nearly of an age to be educated. Well, then,
if you have no objection, suppose that you take Socrates into partnership; and
do you and he ask and answer one another's questions: for, as he has well
said, we are deliberating about the most important of our concerns. I hope
that you will see fit to comply with our request.
Nic. I see very clearly, Lysimachus, that you have only known Socrates'
father, and have no acquaintance with Socrates himself: at least, you can only
have known him when he was a child, and may have met him among his fellow
wardsmen, in company with his father, at a sacrifice, or at some other
gathering. You clearly show that you have never known him since he arrived at
manhood.
Lys. Why do you say that, Nicias?
Nic. Because you seem not to be aware that any one who has an intellectual
affinity to Socrates and enters into conversation with him is liable to be
drawn into an argument; and whatever subject he may start, he will be
continually carried round and round by him, until at last he finds that he has
to give an account both of his present and past life; and when he is once
entangled, Socrates will not let him go until he has completely and thoroughly
sifted him. Now I am used to his ways; and I know that he will certainly do as
I say, and also that I myself shall be the sufferer; for I am fond of his
conversation, Lysimachus. And I think that there is no harm in being reminded
of any wrong thing which we are, or have been, doing: he who does not fly from
reproof will be sure to take more heed of his after-life; as Solon says, he
will wish and desire to be learning so long as he lives, and will not think
that old age of itself brings wisdom. To me, to be cross examined by Socrates
is neither unusual nor unpleasant; indeed, I knew all along that where
Socrates was, the argument would soon pass from our sons to ourselves; and
therefore, I say that for my part, I am quite willing to discourse with
Socrates in his own manner; but you had better ask our friend Laches what his
feeling may be.
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