not help observing: how while he danced no portion of his body
remained idle; neck and legs and hands together, one and all were
exercised.[28] That is how a man should dance, who wants to keep his
body light and healthy.[29] (Then turning to the Syracusan, he added):
I cannot say how much obliged I should be to you, O man of Syracuse,
for lessons in deportment. Pray teach me my steps.[30]

[28] Cf. "Pol. Lac." v. 9.

[29] Cf. Aristot. "H. A." vi. 21. 4.

[30] "Gestures," "postures," "figures." See Eur. "Cycl." 221;
Aristoph. "Peace," 323; Isocr. "Antid." 183.

And what use will you make of them? (the other asked).

God bless me! I shall dance, of course (he answered).

The remark was greeted with a peal of merriment.

Then Socrates, with a most serious expression of countenance:[31] You
are pleased to laugh at me. Pray, do you find it so ridiculous my
wishing to improve my health by exercise? or to enjoy my victuals
better? to sleep better? or is it the sort of exercise I set my heart
on? Not like those runners of the long race,[32] to have my legs grow
muscular and my shoulders leaner in proportion; nor like a boxer,
thickening chest and shoulders at expense of legs; but by distribution
of the toil throughout my limbs[33] I seek to give an even balance to
my body. Or are you laughing to think that I shall not in future have
to seek a partner in the training school,[34] whereby it will not be