speak with the applause of all the world.  But have you observed,” continued he, “that in all sorts of occasions the Athenians distinguish themselves above all the Greeks, and that no Republic can show such youths as that of Athens?  For example:  when we send from hence a choir of musicians to the Temple of Apollo in the Isle of Delos, it is certain that none comparable to them are sent from other cities; not that the Athenians have better voices than the others, nor that their bodies are more robust and better made, but the reason is because they are more fond of honour, and this desire of honour is what excites men to excellent actions.  Do not you think, therefore, that if good care were taken of our cavalry, it would excel that of other nations, in the beauty of arms and horses, in order of good discipline, and in bravery in fight; provided the Athenians were persuaded that this would be a means to acquire them glory and renown?” “I am of your opinion.”  “Go, then, and take care of your troops,” said Socrates, “make them serviceable to you, that you may be so to the Republic.”  “Your advice is good,” said he, “and I will immediately follow it.”

Chapter IV.  A discourse of Socrates with Nicomachides, in which he SHOWETH that A man skilful in his own proper business, and who manages his affairs with prudence and sagacity, may make, when occasion offers, A good general.

Another time, Socrates meeting Nicomachides, who was coining from the assembly where they had chosen the magistrates, asked him, “of whom they had made choice to command the army?” Nicomachides answered:  “Alas! the Athenians would not chose me; me! who have spent all my life in arms, and have gone through all the degrees of a soldier; who have been first a private sentinel, then a captain, next a colonel of horse, and who am covered all over with wounds that I have received in battles” (at these words he bared his breast, and showed the large scars which were remaining in several places of his body); “but they have chosen Antisthenes, who has never served in the infantry, who even in the cavalry never did anything remarkable, and whose only talent consists in knowing how to get money.”  “So much the better,” said Socrates, “for then the army will be well paid.”  “A merchant,” replied Nicomachides, “knows how to get money as well as he; and does it follow from thence that he is fit to be a general?” “You take no notice,” replied Socrates, “that Antisthenes is fond of honour, and desirous to excel all others in whatever he undertakes, which is a very necessary qualification in a general.  Have you not observed, that whenever he gave a comedy to the people, he always gained the prize?” “There is a wide difference,” answered