(5) For the subject matter of this "teleological" chapter, see above,
I. iv.; K. Joel, op. cit. Appendix, p. 547 foll. in ref. to
Dummler's views.
Euth. No indeed, I cannot say that it has ever struck me.
Well (Socrates continued), you do not need to be reminded that, in the first place, we need light, and with light the gods supply us.
Euth. Most true, and if we had not got it we should, as far as our own eyes could help us, be like men born blind.
Soc. And then, again, seeing that we stand in need of rest and relaxation, they bestow upon us "the blessed balm of silent night." (6)
(6) {kalliston anapauterion}. The diction throughout is "poetical."
Yes (he answered), we are much beholden for that boon.
Soc. Then, forasmuch as the sun in his splendour makes manifest to us the hours of the day and bathes all things in brightness, but anon night in her darkness obliterates distinctions, have they not displayed aloft the starry orbs, which inform us of the watches of the night, whereby we can accomplish many of our needs? (7)
(7) e.g. for temple orientation see Dr. Penrose quoted by Norman
Lockyer, "Nature," August 31. 1893.
It is so (he answered).