“No, I know nothing about his fitness as commander, for I have never seen him in the field. But I am astonished at his election, as he himself was, because it was unexpected.”
“You therefore expect him to be defeated.”
“No, I wait for the result, in order to see whether he wins or loses.”
“You would be glad if he lost?”
“I do not love Cleon, but as an Athenian I would mourn if he were defeated; therefore I would not rejoice at his overthrow.”
“You hate Cleon, but you do not wish his overthrow.”
“On account of Athens—no.”
“But except for that?”
“Except for that, Cleon’s overthrow would be a blessing for the State, for he has been unjust to Pericles, to Phidias, to all who have done anything great.”
“Here comes a visitor.”