to lose his Life? or if he would receive it though he was sure he should make an ill Use of it? To both which Questions
Alcibiades
answers in the Negative. Socrates then shews him, from the Examples of others, how these might very probably be the Effects of such a Blessing. He then adds, That other reputed Pieces of Good-fortune, as that of having a Son, or procuring the highest Post in a Government, are subject to the like fatal Consequences; which nevertheless, says he, Men ardently desire, and would not fail to pray for, if they thought their Prayers might be effectual for the obtaining of them. Having established this great Point, That all the most apparent Blessings in this Life are obnoxious to such dreadful Consequences, and that no Man knows what in its Events would prove to him a Blessing or a Curse, he teaches
Alcibiades
after what manner he ought to pray.
In the first Place, he recommends to him, as the Model of his Devotions, a short Prayer, which a
Greek
Poet composed for the Use of his Friends, in the following Words;
O
Jupiter,