t of
kindness rather than a man susceptible of gratitude?"

And now, Hippias, I have done my part; that is my proof and
demonstration that the "lawful" and "law-observant" are synonymous
with the "upright" and the "just"; do you, if you hold a contrary view,
instruct us. (31)

(31) For the style of this enconium (of the {nomimos}) cf. "Ages." i.
36; and for the "Socratic" reverence for law cf. Plat. "Crito."

Then Hippias: Nay, upon my soul, Socrates, I am not aware of holding any
contrary opinion to what you have uttered on the theme of justice. (32)

(32) Lit. "the just and upright," {tou dikaiou}.

Soc. But now, are you aware, Hippias, of certain unwritten laws? (33)

(33) See Soph. "Antig." "Oed. T." 865, and Prof. Jebb ad loc.; Dem.
"de Cor." 317, 23; Aristot. "Rhet." I. xiii.

Yes (he answered), those held in every part of the world, and in the
same sense.

Can you then assert (asked Socrates) of these unwritten laws that men
made them?

Nay, how (he answered) should that be, for how could they all have come
together from the ends of the earth? and even if they had so done, men
are not all of one speech? (34)

(34) Or, "there would be difficulty of understanding each other, and a
babel of tongues."

Soc. Whom then do you believe to have been the makers of these laws.

Hipp. For my part, I think that the gods must have made these laws for
men, and I take it as proof that first and foremost it is a law and
custom everywhere to worship and reverence the gods.

Soc. And, I presume, to honour parents is also customary everywhere?

Yes, that too (he answered).

Soc. And, I presume, also the prohibition of intermarriage between
parents and children?

Hipp. No; at that point I stop, Socrates. That does not seem to me to be
a law of God.

Now, why? (he asked).

Because I perceive it is not infrequently transgressed (he answered).
(35)

(35) Or, "as I perceive, it is not of universal application, some
transgress it."

Soc. Well, but there are a good many other things which people
do contrary to law; only the penalty, I take it, affixed to the
transgression of the divine code is certain; there is no escape for the
offender after the manner in which a man may transgress the laws of man
with impunity, slipping through the fingers of justice by stealth, or
avoiding it by violence.

Hipp. And what is the inevitable penalty paid by those who, being
related as parents and child