"Yes, certainly," said Socrates, "if you can persuade them besides that
their honour and safety depend on that obedience." "And how shall I be
able to make them sensible of this?" "With less trouble," answered
Socrates, "than it would be to prove that it is better to be virtuous
than vicious." "Then a general," added the other, "ought to study the
art of speaking well?" "Do you imagine," said Socrates, "that he will be
able to execute his office without speaking a word? It is by speech that
we know what the laws command us to learn for the conduct of our lives.
No excellent knowledge can be attained without the use of speech; the
best method to instruct is by discourse, and they who are thoroughly
versed in the sciences speak with the applause of all the world. But
have you observed," continued he, "that in all sorts of occasions the
Athenians distinguish themselves above all the Greeks, and that no
Republic can show such youths as that of Athens? For example: when we
send from hence a choir of musicians to the Temple of Apollo in the Isle
of Delos, it is certain that none comparable to them are sent from other
cities; not that the Athenians have better voices than the others, nor
that their bodies are more robust and better made, but the reason is
because they are more fond of honour, and this desire of honour is what
excites men to excellent actions. Do not you think, therefore, that if
good care were taken of our cavalry, it would excel that of other
nations, in the beauty of arms and horses, in order of good discipline,
and in bravery in fight; provided the Athenians were persuaded that this
would be a means to acquire them glory and renown?" "I am of your
opinion." "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."