[Footnote 5: Plato, Theagês, 124 A-B. Schleiermacher (Einleit. p. 250) censures the prolixity of the inductive process in this dialogue, and the multitude of examples here accumulated to prove a general proposition obvious enough without proof. Let us grant this to be true; we cannot infer from it that the dialogue is not the work of Plato. By very similar arguments Socher endeavours to show that the Sophistês and the Politikus are not works of Plato, because in both these dialogues logical division and differentiation is accumulated with tiresome prolixity, and applied to most trivial subjects. But Plato himself (in Politikus, pp. 285-286) explains why he does so, and tells us that he wishes to familiarise his readers with logical subdivision and classification as a process. In like manner I maintain that prolixity in the [Greek: lo/goi e)paktikoi/] is not to be held as proof of spurious authorship, any more than prolixity in the process of logical subdivision and classification. I noticed the same objection in the case of the First Alkibiadês.] [Side-note: Theagês desires to acquire that wisdom by which he can govern freemen with their own consent.] Sokrates now proves to Theagês, that this function and power which he is desirous of obtaining, is, the function and power of a despot: and that no one can aid him in so culpable a project. I might yearn (says Theagês) for such despotic power over all: so probably would you and every other man. But it is not _that_ to which I now aspire. I aspire to govern freemen, with their own consent; as was done by Themistokles, Perikles, Kimon, and other illustrious statesmen,[6] who have been accomplished in the political art. [Footnote 6: Plato, Theagês, 126 A.] _Sokr._--Well, if you wished to become accomplished in the art of horsemanship, you would put yourself under able horsemen: if in the art of darting the javelin, under able darters. By parity of reasoning, since you seek to learn the art of statesmanship, you must frequent able statesmen.[7] [Footnote 7: Plato, Theagês, 126 C.] [Side-note: Incompetence of the best practical statesmen to teach any one else. Theagês requests that Sokrates will himself teach him.] _Theag._--No, Sokrates. I have heard of the language which you are in the habit of using to others. You pointed out to them that these eminent statesmen cannot train their own sons to be at all better than curriers: of course therefore they cannot do _me_ any good.[8] _Sokr._--But what can your father do for you better than this, Theagês? What ground have you for complaining of him? He is prepared to place you under any one of the best and most excellent men of Athens, whichever of them you prefer. _Theag._--Why will not you take me yourself, Sokrates? I look upon you as one of these men, and I desire nothing better.[9]