Nay (I answered), beautiful indeed the works you speak of, and
powerful the man must be who would essay them. How can it be
otherwise, seeing so many human beings need the help of others merely
to carry on existence, and so many are content if they can win enough
to satisfy their wants. What of those therefore who are able, not only
to administer their own estates, but even to create a surplus
sufficient to adorn their city and relieve the burthen of their
friends? Well may we regard such people as men of substance and
capacity. But stay (I added), most of us are competent to sing the
praises of such heroes. What I desire is to hear from you,
Ischomachus, in your own order,[7] first how you study to preserve
your health and strength of body; and next, how it is granted to
you[8] to escape from the perils of war with honour untarnished. And
after that (I added), it will much content me to learn from your own
lips about your money-making.

[7] "And from your own starting-point."

[8] As to the construction {themis einai} see Jebb ad "Oed. Col."
1191, Appendix.

Yes (he answered), and the fact is, Socrates, if I mistake not, all
these matters are in close connection, each depending on the other.
Given that a man have a good meal to eat, he has only to work off the
effect by toil[9] directed rightly; and in the process, if I mistake
not, his health will be confirmed, his strength added to. Let him but
practise the arts of war and in the day of battle he will preserve his
life with honour. He needs only to expend his care aright, sealing his
ears to weak and soft seductions, and his house shall surely be