Lamp. Yes, I have: when any one has been kindly treated, and has it in
his power to requite the kindness but neglects to do so, men call him
ungrateful.

Soc. And you admit that people reckon the ungrateful among wrongdoers?

Lamp. I do.

Soc. And has it ever struck you to inquire whether, as regards the
right or wrong of it, ingratitude may not perhaps resemble some such
conduct as the enslavement, say, of prisoners, which is accounted
wrong towards friends but justifiable towards enemies?

Lamp. Yes, I have put that question to myself. In my opinion, no
matter who confers the kindness, friend or foe, the recipient should
endeavour to requite it, failing which he is a wrongdoer.

Soc. Then if that is how the matter stands, ingratitude would be an
instance of pure unadulterate wrongdoing?

Lamprocles assented to the proposition.

Soc. It follows, then, that in proportion to the greatness of the
benefit conferred, the greater his misdoing who fails to requite the
kindness?

Lamprocles again assented.

Socrates continued: And where can we hope to find greater benefits
than those which children derive from their parents--their father and