Crit. Yes, I think so.

Soc. And as, in the case of the arts just named, we can state the
proper work or function of each, can we (similarly) state the proper
work and function of economy?

Crit. It must, I should think, be the business of the good
economist[5] at any rate to manage his own house or estate well.

[5] Or, "manager of a house or estate."

Soc. And supposing another man's house to be entrusted to him, he
would be able, if he chose, to manage it as skilfully as his own,
would he not? since a man who is skilled in carpentry can work as well
for another as for himself: and this ought to be equally true of the
good economist?

Crit. Yes, I think so, Socrates.

Soc. Then there is no reason why a proficient in this art, even if he
does not happen to possess wealth of his own, should not be paid a
salary for managing a house, just as he might be paid for building
one?

Crit. None at all: and a large salary he would be entitled to earn if,
after paying the necessary expenses of the estate entrusted to him, he
can create a surplus and improve the property.

Soc. Well! and this word "house," what are we to understand by it? the
domicile merely? or are we to include all a man's possessions outside