[335e]
Socrates.” “If, then,
anyone affirms that it is just to render to each his due and he means by
this, that injury and harm is what is due to his enemies from the just
man1 and benefits to his friends, he
was no truly wise man who said it. For what he meant was not true. For it
has been made clear to us that in no case is it just to harm
anyone.” “I concede it,” he said.
“We will take up arms against him, then,” said I,
“you and I together, if anyone affirms that either Simonides or
Bias2 or Pittacus or any other of
the wise and blessed said such a thing.” “I, for my
part,” he said, “am ready to join in the battle with
you.”
1 Xenophon approves the doctrine (Memorabilia ii. 6. 35, ii. 3. 14) and attributes it to Simonides (Hiero 2. 2). But Plato is not thinking specially of him. See on 332 p.
2 For the legend and the varying lists of the Seven Wise Men see Zeller i. 158, n. 2. No sage or saint could have taught unedifying doctrine. His meaning must have been right. Cf. 331 E, 332 B, Protagoras 345 D, Simplic. on Aristotle Physics 107. 30.
Plato. Plato in Twelve Volumes, Vols. 5 & 6 translated by Paul Shorey. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1969.
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