Socrates: And would you like to hire the Pythagoreans to run your household, Meno?
Meno: Surely I would, Socrates, if they were only for hire, but, as you well know, they are a secret lot, and hire to no one.
Socrates: Well, if I could get you one, perhaps one of the best of them, in fact the leader of the group that solved the square root of two, would you not hire him, and at high wages?
Meno: Certainly, Socrates. I'd be a fool not to.
Socrates: And you would put him in charge of your house.
Meno: And all my lands, too, Socrates.
Socrates: Possibly. Then I would like to propose, that if this boy should solve the proof of the square root of two being irrational, in the next few hours of our discussion, that he be given wages equal to those due to your most highly placed servant for ten years of service, as he shall perform ten years service for you in the next few hours, should he succeed.
Meno: That sounds quite fair, Socrates, I like your logic.
Socrates: (the boy tugs his tunic, to complain that he wants his freedom, not a mere bucket of gold) Hush, boy, did you not promise to hold your tongue?
Boy: Yes, Socrates, but….