But Cleon continued to protest, “I do not know the difference between a hoplite and a peltast; [Footnote: a heavy-armed and a light-armed soldier.] I can neither carry a lance nor sit upon a horse.” But Alcibiades shouted him down. “He can do everything; guide the State and criticise art; carry on law-suits and watch Sophists; he can discuss the highest subjects with Socrates; in a word, he possesses all the public virtues and all the private vices.” Now the people laughed, but Cleon did not budge. “Athenians!” said Alcibiades in conclusion, “the people have spoken, and there is no appeal. Cleon is elected, and Sparta is done for!” The assembly broke up. Only Cleon remained behind with his friend Anytos. “Anytos!” he said. “I am lost!” “Very probable!” answered Anytos. But Alcibiades went off with Nicias: “Now Cleon is as dead as a dog. Then comes my turn,” he said. * * * * * Socrates walked, deep in thought, up and down the courtyard of his house, which was very simple and had no colonnades. His wife was carding wool, and did it as if she were pulling someone’s hair. The wise man kept silence, but the woman spoke--that was her nature. “What are you doing?” she asked. “For the sake of old acquaintance, I will answer you, though I am not obliged to do so. I am thinking.” “Is that a proper business for a man?” “Certainly; a very manly business.” “At any rate no one can see what you are doing.” “When you were with child, it was also invisible; but when, it was born, it was visible, and especially audible. Thus occupations which are at first invisible, become visible later on. They are therefore not to be despised, least of all by those who only believe in the visible.” “Is your business with Aspasia something of that sort?” “Something of that, and of another sort too.” “You drink also a good deal.” “Yes, those who speak become thirsty, and the thirsty must drink.” “What is it in Aspasia that attracts men?” “Certain qualities which give zest to social intercourse--thoughtfulness, tact, moderation.” “You mean that for me?” “I mean it for Aspasia.” “Is she beautiful?” “No.” “Anytos declares that she is.” “He tells an untruth. Do you see Anytos, Cleon’s friend and my enemy?” “He is not my enemy.” “But mine. You always love my enemies and hate my friends; that is a bad sign.” “Your friends are bad men.” “No, on the contrary. Pericles was the greatest of the Athenians, Phidias the best, Euripides the noblest, Plato the wisest, Alcibiades the most gifted, Protagoras the most acute.” “And Aristophanes?” “He is my enemy, though I do not know why. I suppose you have heard of the comedy which he has written about me.” “Anytos told me. Have you seen it?” “I saw the _Clouds_ yesterday.” “Was it amusing--was it clever?” “What did Anytos think?” “He made me laugh when he described some scenes.” “Then it must be amusing, or you would not have laughed.” “Did you not laugh, my Socrates?”