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And they, wishing to destroy him, and fearing that they might not kill kill in prison, persuaded Nicomachides to bring up a law that the Boule, too, must vote in judicial matters. And this basest of all men evidently joined the plot, and on the day of the trial produced the law. 12.
Ought they not to know how to preserve what belongs to them, and to be diligent and indefatigable in the performance of their duty?" "I own," answered Nicomachides, "that all you have said concerns them equally; but if they were to fight it would not be the same as to both of them." "Why?" said Socrates. "Have not both of them enemies?" "They have."
"Indeed," resumed Nicomachides, "I could never have thought you would have told me, too, that a good economist would make a good general." "Come, then," said Socrates, "let us examine wherein consists the duty of the one and of the other, and see what relation there is between those two conditions. Must not both of them keep those that are under them in submission and obedience?" "I grant it."
Thus you see how economy may be of use to him; and therefore, Nicomachides, despise not those who apply themselves to it; for between the conduct of a family and that of a State the sole difference is that of a greater or lesser number; for as to all besides there is much conformity between them.
"We must then infer," said Nicomachides, "that a man who knows well how to give a comedy knows well how to command an army?"
"There is a wide difference," answered Nicomachides, "between commanding an army and giving orders concerning a comedy." "But," said Socrates, "though Antisthenes understands not music, nor the laws of the stage, yet he found out those who were skilful in both, and by their means succeeded extremely well."
"Go, then, and take care of your troops," said Socrates, "make them serviceable to you, that you may be so to the Republic." "Your advice is good," said he, "and I will immediately follow it." Another time, Socrates meeting Nicomachides, who was coining from the assembly where they had chosen the magistrates, asked him, "of whom they had made choice to command the army?"
"So much the better," said Socrates, "for then the army will be well paid." "A merchant," replied Nicomachides, "knows how to get money as well as he; and does it follow from thence that he is fit to be a general?"
"And when he is at the head of the army," continued Nicomachides, "I suppose you will have him to find out too some to give orders, and some to fight for him?"
"And would it not be the advantage of both to get the better of them?" "I allow it," said Nicomachides; "but what will economy be good for when they are to come to blows?" "It is then it will be most necessary," replied Socrates.
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