f fair and noble type, have many times ere now
proved benefactors to those they have enslaved. By dint of chastening,
they have forced the vanquished to become better men and to lead more
tranquil lives in future. [22] But these despotic queens never cease to
plague and torment their victims in body and soul and substance until
their sway is ended.

[21] "To use others as their slaves."

[22] Lit. "Enemies for the matter of that, when, being beautiful and
good, they chance to have enslaved some other, have ere now in
many an instance chastened and compelled the vanquished to be
better and to live more easily for the rest of time."

II

The conversation was resumed by Critobulus, and on this wise. He said: I
think I take your meaning fully, Socrates, about these matters; and for
myself, examining my heart, I am further satisfied, I have sufficient
continence and self-command in those respects. So that if you will only
advise me on what I am to do to improve my estate, I flatter myself I
shall not be hindered by those despotic dames, as you call them. Come,
do not hesitate; only tender me what good advice you can, and trust me I
will follow it. But perhaps, Socrates, you have already passed sentence
on us--we are rich enough already, and not in need of any further
wealth?

Soc. It is to myself rather, if I may be included in your plural "we,"
that I should apply the remark. I am not in need of any further wealth,
if you like. I am rich enough already, to be sure. But you, Critobulus,
I look upon as singularly poor, and at times, upon my soul, I feel a
downright compassion for you.

At this view of the case, Critobulus fell to laughing outright,
retorting: And pray, Socrates, what in the name of fortune do you
suppose our respective properties would fetch in the market, yours and
mine?

If I could find a good purchaser (he answered), I suppose the whole
of my effects, including the house in which I live, might very fairly
realise five minae [1] (say twenty guineas). Yours, I am positively
certain, would fetch at the lowest more than a hundred times that sum.

[1] 5 x L4:1:3. See Boeckh, "P. E. A." [Bk. i. ch. xx.], p. 109 f.
(Eng. ed.)

Crit. And with this estimate of our respective fortunes, can you still
maintain that you have no need of further wealth, but it is I who am to
be pitied for my poverty?

Soc. Yes, for my property is amply sufficient to meet my wants,
whereas you, consid