al. Again, I feel
sure you are deeply concerned to escape even unconscious ignorance of
anything which will be serviceable to you in so high an office; and
if you detect in yourself any ignorance, you turn to those who have
knowledge in these matters (sparing neither gifts nor gratitude) to
supplement your ignorance by their knowledge and to secure their help.

(30) Cf. "Pol. Lac." xiii. 5.

To which Pericles: I am not so blind, Socrates, as to imagine you say
these words under the idea that I am truly so careful in these matters;
but rather your object is to teach me that the would-be general must
make such things his care. I admit in any case all you say.

Socrates proceeded: Has it ever caught your observation, Pericles, that
a high mountain barrier stretches like a bulwark in front of our country
down towards Boeotia--cleft, moreover, by narrow and precipitous passes,
the only avenues into the heart of Attica, which lies engirdled by a
ring of natural fortresses? (31)

(31) The mountains are Cithaeron and Parnes N., and Cerata N.W.

Per. Certainly I have.

Soc. Well, and have you ever heard tell of the Mysians and Pisidians
living within the territory of the great king, (32) who, inside their
mountain fortresses, lightly armed, are able to rush down and inflict
much injury on the king's territory by their raids, while preserving
their own freedom?

(32) For this illustration see "Anab." III. ii. 23; cf. "Econ." iv.
18, where Socrates ({XS}) refers to Cyrus's expedition and death.

Per. Yes, the circumstance is not new to me.

And do you not think (added Socrates) that a corps of young able-bodied
Athenians, accoutred with lighter arms, (33) and holding our natural
mountain rampart in possession, would prove at once a thorn in the
enemy's side offensively, whilst defensively they would form a splendid
bulwark to protect the country?

(33) Cf. the reforms of Iphicrates.

To which Pericles: I think, Socrates, these would be all useful
measures, decidedly.

If, then (replied Socrates), these suggestions meet your approbation,
try, O best of men, to realise them--if you can carry out a portion
of them, it will be an honour to yourself and a blessing to the state;
while, if you fail in any point, there will be no damage done to the
city nor discredit to yourself.

VI

Glaucon, (1) the son of Ariston, had conceived such an ardour to gain
the headship of the state that nothing could hinder him bu