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The usual companions of Socrates were Crito, Chaerephon, Chaerecrates, Simmias, Cebes, Phaedon, and some others; none of whom frequented him that they might learn to speak eloquently, either in the assemblies of the people, or in the courts of justice before the judges; but that they might become better men, and know how to behave themselves towards their domestics, their relations, their friends, and their fellow- citizens.
"I think," said Socrates, "there will be no need of any extraordinary skill in the matter; and am certain that you have enough to engage him to wish you well, and to have a great value for you." "Pray," cried Chaerecrates, "if you know any art I have to make myself beloved, let me know it immediately, for hitherto I never perceived any such thing." "Answer me," said Socrates.
Meeting therefore with Chaerecrates, he accosted him thus: "Are you, too, one of those who prefer the being rich to the having a brother, and who do not consider that riches, being inanimate things, have need of being defended, whereas a brother is himself a good defence, and, after all, that there is more money than brothers?
Socrates replied, "Does your brother give offence to all the world as well as to you? Does nobody speak well of him?" "That," said Chaerecrates, "is one of the chief causes of the hatred I bear him, for he is sly enough to please others; but whenever we two happen to meet you would think his sole design were to fall out with me."
Two brothers, whose names were Chaerephon and Chaerecrates, were at enmity with each other. Socrates was acquainted with them, and had a great mind to make them friends.
Chaerecrates answered him thus: "You are indeed in the right to say that a good brother is a great happiness; and, unless there be a very strong cause of dissension, I think that brothers ought a little to bear with one another, and not part on a slight occasion; but when a brother fails in all things, and is quite the reverse of what he ought to be, would you have a man do what is impossible and continue in good amity with such a person?"
"Why do you imagine," said Chaerecrates, "that I am ignorant in what manner I ought to carry myself to a brother, since I can show him as much love and respect, both in my words and actions, as he can show me in his? But when I see a man endeavour to disoblige me all manner of ways, shall I express any goodwill for that man? No; this is what I cannot do, and will not so much as endeavour it."
Chaerecrates objected: "But when I have done what you say, if my brother should not be better tempered, what then?" "What harm would it be to you?" said Socrates. "It will show your goodness, and that you love him, and make him appear to be ill-natured, and not deserving to be obliged by any man.
Indeed, had I thought that Chaerephon had been more proper than you to propose the reconciliation, I would have endeavoured to have persuaded him to prevent you; but I take you to be more fit to manage this matter, and believe you will bring it to pass rather than he." "What you say is absurd and unworthy of you," replied Chaerecrates.
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