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Laches.
As he says, such persons are too apt to be negligent and careless of their own children and their private concerns. There is much truth in that remark of yours, Lysimachus. Laches recommends that they shall take Socrates into their counsels. But why, instead of consulting us, do you not consult our friend Socrates about the education of the youths? He is of thesame deme with you, and is always passing his time in places where the youth have any noble study or pursuit, such as you are enquiring after.
Lys. Why, Laches, has Socrates ever attended to matters counsels of this sort?
La. Certainly, Lysimachus.
Nic. That I have the means of knowing as well as Laches; for quite lately he supplied me with a teacher of music for my sons,—Damon, the disciple of Agathocles, who is a most accomplished man in every way, as well as a musician, and a companion of inestimable value for young men at their age.
Lysimachus had heard the name of Socrates, and makes the discovery that he is the son of his old friend Sophroniscus. Lys. Those who have reached my time of life, Socrates and Nicias and Laches, fall out of acquaintance with the young, because they are generally detained at home by old age; but you, O son of Sophroniscus, should let your fellow demesman have the benefit of any advice which you are able to give. Moreover I have a claim upon you as an old friend of your father; for I and he were always companions and friends, and to the hour of his death there never was a difference between us; and now it comes back to me, at the mention of your name, that I have heard these lads talking to one another at home, and often speaking of Socrates in terms of the highest praise; but I have never thought to ask them whether the son of Sophroniscus was the person whom they meant. 181 Tell me, my boys, whether this is the Socrates of whom you have often spoken?
Son. Certainly, father, this is he.
Lys. I am delighted to hear, Socrates, that you maintain the name of your father, who was a most excellent man; Laches praises the courage which was shown by Socrates at the battle of Delium. and I further rejoice at the prospect of our family ties being renewed.
La. Indeed, Lysimachus, you ought not to give him up; for I can assure you that I have seen him maintaining, not only his father's, but also his country's name. He was my