t equal intervals, the long straight
rows of waving branches, the perfect regularity, the rectangular [18]
symmetry of the whole, and the many sweet scents which hung about them
as they paced the park. In admiration he exclaimed to Cyrus: "All this
beauty is marvellous enough, but what astonishes me still more is the
talent of the artificer who mapped out and arranged for you the several
parts of this fair scene." [19] Cyrus was pleased by the remark, and
said: "Know then, Lysander, it is I who measured and arranged it all.
Some of the trees," he added, "I planted with my own hands." Then
Lysander, regarding earnestly the speaker, when he saw the beauty of
his apparel and perceived its fragrance, the splendour [20] also of the
necklaces and armlets, and other ornaments which he wore, exclaimed:
"What say you, Cyrus? did you with your own hands plant some of these
trees?" whereat the other: "Does that surprise you, Lysander? I swear
to you by Mithres, [21] when in ordinary health I never dream of
sitting down to supper without first practising some exercise of war or
husbandry in the sweat of my brow, or venturing some strife of honour,
as suits my mood." "On hearing this," said Lysander to his friend, "I
could not help seizing him by the hand and exclaiming, 'Cyrus, you have
indeed good right to be a happy man, [22] since you are happy in being a
good man.'" [23]

[16] See "Hell." I. v. 1.

[17] Reading {oi' isou pephuteumena}, or if {ta pephuteumena}, transl.
"the various plants ranged."

[18] Cf. Dion. Hal. "de Comp." p. 170; Cic. "de Senect." S. 59.

[19] Lit. "of these" {deiktikos}, i.e. pointing to the various
beauties of the scenery.

[20] Reading {to kallos}.

[21] The Persian "Sun-God." See "Cyrop." VII. v. 53; Strab. xv. 3. 13.

[22] Or, "fortunate."

[23] Or, "you are a good man, and thereby fortunate."

V

All this I relate to you (continued Socrates) to show you that quite
high and mighty [1] people find it hard to hold aloof from agriculture,
devotion to which art would seem to be thrice blest, combining as it
does a certain sense of luxury with the satisfaction of an improved
estate, and such a training of physical energies as shall fit a man to
play a free man's part. [2] Earth, in the first place, freely offers to
those that labour all things necessary to the life of man; and, as if
that were not enough, makes further contribution of a thousand luxuries.
[3] It is she who