Cleinias:  Certainly.

Athenian:  And our third law, if I am not mistaken, will be to the effect that our poets, understanding prayers to be requests which we make to the Gods, will take especial heed that they do not by mistake ask for evil instead of good.  To make such a prayer would surely be too ridiculous.

Cleinias:  Very true.

Athenian:  Were we not a little while ago quite convinced that no silver or golden Plutus should dwell in our state?

Cleinias:  To be sure.

Athenian:  And what has it been the object of our argument to show?  Did we not imply that the poets are not always quite capable of knowing what is good or evil?  And if one of them utters a mistaken prayer in song or words, he will make our citizens pray for the opposite of what is good in matters of the highest import; than which, as I was saying, there can be few greater mistakes.  Shall we then propose as one of our laws and models relating to the Muses—­

Cleinias:  What? will you explain the law more precisely?

Athenian:  Shall we make a law that the poet shall compose nothing contrary to the ideas of the lawful, or just, or beautiful, or good, which are allowed in the state? nor shall he be permitted to communicate his compositions to any private individuals, until he shall have shown them to the appointed judges and the guardians of the law, and they are satisfied with them.  As to the persons whom we appoint to be our legislators about music and as to the director of education, these have been already indicated.  Once more then, as I have asked more than once, shall this be our third law, and type, and model—­What do you say?

Cleinias:  Let it be so, by all means.

Athenian:  Then it will be proper to have hymns and praises of the Gods, intermingled with prayers; and after the Gods prayers and praises should be offered in like manner to demigods and heroes, suitable to their several characters.

Cleinias:  Certainly.

Athenian:  In the next place there will be no objection to a law, that citizens who are departed and have done good and energetic deeds, either with their souls or with their bodies, and have been obedient to the laws, should receive eulogies; this will be very fitting.

Cleinias:  Quite true.

Athenian:  But to honour with hymns and panegyrics those who are still alive is not safe; a man should run his course, and make a fair ending, and then we will praise him; and let praise be given equally to women as well as men who have been distinguished in virtue.  The order of songs and dances shall be as follows:  There are many ancient musical compositions and dances which are excellent, and from these the newly-founded city may freely select what is proper and suitable; and they shall choose judges of not less than fifty years of age, who shall make the selection,