The latter (he replied), if justice (5) be synonymous with that high type of virtue.
(5) i.e. "social uprightness."
Of course it is (rejoined Antisthenes) the most indisputable specimen. Since, look you, courage and wisdom may at times be found calamitous to friends or country, (6) but justice has no single point in common with injustice, right and wrong cannot commingle. (7)
(6) See "Mem." IV. ii. 33.
(7) i.e. "the one excludes the other."
Well then (proceeded Callias), as soon (8) as every one has stated his peculiar merit, (9) I will make no bones of letting you into my secret. You shall learn the art by which I consummate my noble end. (10) So now, Niceratus, suppose you tell us on what knowledge you most pride yourself.
(8) Reading {emon}. Al. {umon}, "when you others."
(9) Lit. "what he has for which to claim utility."
(10) Or, "give the work completeness." Cf. Plat. "Charm." 173 A;
"Gorg." 454 A.
He answered: My father, (11) in his pains to make me a good man, compelled me to learn the whole of Homer's poems, and it so happens that even now I can repeat the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey" by heart. (12)
(11) Nicias.
(12) Of, "off-hand." See "Mem." III. vi. 9; Plat. "Theaet." 142 D.
You have not forgotten (interposed Antisthenes), perhaps, that besides yourself there is not a rhapsodist who does not know these epics?
Forgotten! is it likely (he replied), considering I had to listen to them almost daily?