henever we two happen to meet you would think his
sole design were to fall out with me." Socrates replied, "Does not this
proceed from what I am going to say? When any man would make use of a
horse, and knows not how to govern him, he can expect nothing from him
but trouble. Thus, if we know not in what manner to behave ourselves
toward our brother, do you think we can expect anything from him but
uneasiness?" "Why do you imagine," said Chaerecrates, "that I am
ignorant in what manner I ought to carry myself to a brother, since I can
show him as much love and respect, both in my words and actions, as he
can show me in his? But when I see a man endeavour to disoblige me all
manner of ways, shall I express any goodwill for that man? No; this is
what I cannot do, and will not so much as endeavour it." "I am
astonished to hear you talk after this manner," said Socrates; "pray tell
me, if you had a dog that were good to keep your flocks, who should fawn
on your shepherds, and grin his teeth and snarl whenever you come in his
way, whether, instead of being angry with him, you would not make much of
him to bring him to know you? Now, you say that a good brother is a
great happiness; you confess that you know how to oblige, and yet you put
it not in practice to reconcile yourself with Chaerephon." "I fear I
have not skill enough to compass it." "I think," said Socrates, "there
will be no need of any extraordinary skill in the matter; and am certain
that you have enough to engage him to wish you well, and to have a great
value for you." "Pray," cried Chaerecrates, "if you know any art I have
to make myself beloved, let me know it immediately, for hitherto I never
perceived any such thing." "Answer me," said Socrates. "If you desired
that one of your friends should invite you to his feast when he offered a
sacrifice, what course would you take?" "I would begin first to invite
him to mine." "And if you would engage him to take care of your affairs
in your absence on a journey, what would you do?" "I would first, during
his absence, take care of his." "And if you would have a foreigner
entertain you in his family when you come into his country, what method
would you take?" "I would make him welcome at my house when he came to
this town, and would endeavour to further the dispatch of his business,
that he might do me the like favour when I should be in the city where he
lives." "Strange," said Socrates, "that you, wh