disposition."

Chaer. A startling announcement, Socrates, from your lips, and most
unlike you, to bid me the younger take precedence of my elder brother.
Why, it is contrary to the universal custom of mankind, who look to
the elder to take the lead in everything, whether as a speaker or an
actor.

Soc. How so? Is it not the custom everywhere for the younger to step
aside when he meets his elder in the street and to give him place? Is
he not expected to get up and offer him his seat, to pay him the
honour of a soft couch,[6] to yield him precedence in argument?

[6] Lit. "with a soft bed," or, as we say, "the best bedroom."

My good fellow, do not stand shilly-shallying,[7] but put out your
hand caressingly, and you will see the worthy soul will respond at
once with alacrity. Do you not note your brother's character, proud
and frank and sensitive to honour? He is not a mean and sorry rascal
to be caught by a bribe--no better way indeed for such riff-raff. No!
gentle natures need a finer treatment. You can best hope to work on
them by affection.

[7] Or, "have no fears, essay a soothing treatment."

Chaer. But suppose I do, and suppose that, for all my attempts, he
shows no change for the better?

Soc. At the worst you will have shown yourself to be a good, honest,
brotherly man, and he will appear as a sorry creature on whom kindness