第30章 BOOK III(10)

Ath.They are true,Megillus;and to you,who have inherited the virtues of your ancestors,I may properly speak of the actions of that day.And I would wish you and Cleinias to consider whether my words have not also a bearing on legislation;for I am not discoursing only for the pleasure of talking,but for the argument's sake.

Please to remark that the experience both of ourselves and the Persians was,in a certain sense,the same;for as they led their people into utter servitude,so we too led ours into all freedom.

And now,how shall we proceed?for I would like you to observe that our previous arguments have good deal to say for themselves.

Meg.True;but I wish that you would give us a fuller explanation.

Ath.I will.Under the ancient laws,my friends,the people was not as now the master,but rather the willing servant of the laws.

Meg.What laws do you mean?