Laches.
Lysimachus, Nicias, Laches.
you have not attended to them, we may remind you that you
ought to have done so, and would invite you to assist us in
the fulfilment of a common duty. I will tell you, Nicias and
Laches, even at the risk of being tedious, how we came to
think of this. Melesias and I live together, and our sons
live with us ; and now, as I was saying at first, we are going
to confess to you. Both of us often talk to the lads about the
many noble deeds which our own fathers did in war and
peace — in the management of the allies, and in the administra-
tion of the city; but neither of us has any deeds of his own
which he can show. The truth is that we are ashamed of this
contrast being seen by them, and we blame our fathers for
letting us be spoiled in the days of our youth, while they
were occupied with the concerns of others ; and we urge all
this upon the lads, pointing out to them that they will not
grow up to honour if they are rebellious and take no pains
about themselves ; but that if they take pains they may,
perhaps, become worthy of the names which they bear.
They, on their part, promise to comply with our wishes ;
and our care is to discover what studies or pursuits are
Should the
art of
fighting in
armour
be taught
them?
likely to be most improving to them. Some one com-
mended to us the art of fighting in armour, which he
thought an excellent accomplishment for a young man to
learn ; and he praised the man whose exhibition you have
seen, and told us to go and see him. And we determined
that we would go, and get you to accompany us ; and we
were intending at the same time, if you did not object, to
take counsel with you about the education of our sons. That
is the matter which we wanted to talk over with you ; and we
hope that you will give us your opinion about this art of i8o
fighting in armour, and about any other studies or pursuits
which may or may not be desirable for a young man to learn.
Please to say whether you agree to our proposal.
Nic. As far as I am concerned, Lysimachus and Melesias, I applaud your purpose, and will gladly assist you ; and I believe that you. Laches, will be equally glad.
La. Certainly, Nicias ; and I quite approve of the remark which Lysimachus made about his own father and the father of Melesias, and which is applicable, not only to them, but to us, and to every one who is occupied with public affairs.
