BLEPS. Why! for reasons enough, heaven knows! For instance, a man might repudiate his debts.
PRAX. In that case, where did the man who lent the money get it from?
Clearly, since everything is in common, he must have stolen it!
BLEPS. So he must! An excellent idea! But now tell me this. When fellows come to blows over their cups, where are the damages to come from?
PRAX. From the rations! A man won't be in such a hurry to make a row when his belly has to pay for it.
BLEPS. One thing more! Will there be no more thieves?
PRAX. Why should any one steal what is his own?
BLEPS. And won't one be robbed of one's cloak at night?
PRAX. Not if you sleep at home!
BLEPS. Nor yet, if one sleeps out, as one used to do?
PRAX. No, for there will be enough and to spare for all. And even if a thief does try to strip a man, he will give up his cloak of his own accord. What would be the good of fighting? He has only to go and get another, and a better, from the public stores.