against Lept." 496. 26. Each tribe nominated such of its
members as were qualified to undertake the burden.

Nic. Do you really mean, Socrates, that it is the function of the same
man to provide efficient choruses and to act as commander-in-chief?

Soc. I mean this, that, given a man knows what he needs to provide,
and has the skill to do so, no matter what the department of things may
be--house or city or army--you will find him a good chief and director
(6) of the same.

(6) Or, "representative."

Then Nicomachides: Upon my word, Socrates, I should never have expected
to hear you say that a good housekeeper (7) and steward of an estate
would make a good general.

(7) Or, "economist"; cf. "Cyrop." I. vi. 12.

Soc. Come then, suppose we examine their respective duties, and so
determine (8) whether they are the same or different.

(8) Lit. "get to know."

Nic. Let us do so.

Soc. Well then, is it not a common duty of both to procure the ready
obedience of those under them to their orders?

Nic. Certainly.

Soc. And also to assign to those best qualified to perform them their
distinctive tasks?

That, too, belongs to both alike (he answered).

Soc. Again, to chastise the bad and reward the good belongs to both
alike, methinks?

Nic. Decidedly.

Soc. And to win the kindly feeling of their subordinates must surely be
the noble ambition of both?

That too (he answered).

Soc. And do you consider it to the interest of both alike to win the
adherence of supporters and allies? (9)

(9) In reference to the necessity of building up a family connection
or political alliances cf. Arist. "Pol." iii. 9, 13.

Nic. Without a doubt.

Soc. And does it not closely concern them both to be good guardians of
their respective charges?

Nic. Very much so.

Soc. Then it equally concerns them both to be painstaking and prodigal
of toil in all their doings?

Nic. Yes, all these duties belong to both alike, but the parallel ends
when you come to actual fighting.

Soc. Yet they are both sure to meet with enemies?

Nic. There is no doubt about that.

Soc. Then is it not to the interest of both to get the upper hand of
these?

Nic. Certainly; but you omit to tell us what service organisation and
the art of management will render when it comes to actual fighting.

Soc. Why, it is just then, I presume, it will be of most service, for
the good economist knows that nothing is so advantageous or so lucrat