you say, myself; and with good reason. He who is properly to fill my
place and manage my affairs when I am absent, my "alter ego,"[5] needs
but to have my knowledge; and if I am fit myself to stand at the head
of my own business, I presume I should be able to put another in
possession of my knowledge.[6]

[5] Or, "my other self."

[6] Lit. "to teach another what I know myself."

Soc. Well then, the first thing he who is properly to take your place
when absent must possess is goodwill towards you and yours; for
without goodwill, what advantage will there be in any knowledge
whatsoever which your bailiff may possess?

Isch. None, Socrates; and I may tell you that a kindly disposition
towards me and mine is precisely what I first endeavour to instil.

Soc. And how, in the name of all that is holy, do you pick out whom
you will and teach him to have kindly feeling towards yourself and
yours?

Isch. By kindly treatment of him, to be sure, whenever the gods bestow
abundance of good things upon us.

Soc. If I take your meaning rightly, you would say that those who
enjoy your good things grow well disposed to you and seek to render
you some good?

Isch. Yes, for of all instruments to promote good feeling this I see