Pagina 176 de 1391

And now we are near the spot; let us draw in and surround the

cover and watch with all our eyes, lest justice should slip away

and escape. Tell me, if you see the thicket move first. 'Nay, I

would have you lead.' Well then, offer up a prayer and follow.

The way is dark and difficult; but we must push on. I begin to

see a track. 'Good news.' Why, Glaucon, our dulness of scent is

quite ludicrous! While we are straining our eyes into the

distance, justice is tumbling out at our feet. We are as bad as

people looking for a thing which they have in their hands. Have

you forgotten our old principle of the division of labour, or of

every man doing his own business, concerning which we spoke at

the foundation of the State-what but this was justice? Is there

any other virtue remaining which can compete with wisdom and

temperance and courage in the scale of political virtue?