"Cyrop." I. iv. 3.

Isch. Does it not strike you rather, Socrates, that I am engaged in
one long practice of this very skill,[20] now pleading as defendant
that, as far as I am able, I do good to many and hurt nobody? And
then, again, you must admit, I play the part of prosecutor when
accusing people whom I recognise to be offenders, as a rule in private
life, or possibly against the state, the good-for-nothing fellows?

[20] "The arts of the defendant, the apologist; and of the plaintiff,
the prosecutor."

But please explain one other thing, Ischomachus (I answered). Do you
put defence and accusation into formal language?[21]

[21] "Does your practice include the art of translating into words
your sentiments?" Cf. "Mem." I. ii. 52.

Isch. "Formal language," say you, Socrates? The fact is, I never cease
to practise speaking; and on this wise: Some member of my household
has some charge to bring, or some defence to make,[22] against some
other. I have to listen and examine. I must try to sift the truth. Or
there is some one whom I have to blame or praise before my friends, or
I must arbitrate between some close connections and endeavour to
enforce the lesson that it is to their own interests to be friends not
foes.[23] . . . We are present to assist a general in court;[24] we
are called upon to censure some one; or defend some other charged
unjustly; or to prosecute a third who has received an honour which he
ill deserves. It frequently occurs in our debates[25] that there is
some course which we strongly favour: naturally we sound its praises;