_Sokr._--The Lacedæmonians, when they offer sacrifice, pray simply that they may obtain what is honourable and good, without farther specification. This language is acceptable to the Gods, more acceptable than the costly festivals of Athens. It has procured for the Spartans more continued prosperity than the Athenians have enjoyed.[34] The Gods honour wise and just men, that is, men who know what they ought to say and do both towards Gods and towards men--more than numerous and splendid offerings.[35] You see, therefore, that it is not safe for you to proceed with your sacrifice, until you have learnt what is the proper language to be used, and what are the really good gifts to be prayed for. Otherwise your sacrifice will not prove acceptable, and you may even bring upon yourself positive mischief.[36] _Alk._--When shall I be able to learn this, and who is there to teach me? I shall be delighted to meet him. _Sokr._--There is a person at hand most anxious for your improvement. What he must do is, first to disperse the darkness from your mind, next, to impart that which will teach you to discriminate evil from good, which at present you are unable to do. _Alk._--I shall shrink from no labour to accomplish this object. Until then, I postpone my intended sacrifice: and I tender my sacrificial wreath to you, in gratitude for your counsel.[37] _Sokr._--I accept the wreath as a welcome augury of future friendship and conversation between us, to help us out of the present embarrassment. [Footnote 34: Plato, Alkib. ii. p. 148.] [Footnote 35: Plato, Alkib. ii. p. 150.] [Footnote 36: Plato, Alkib. ii. p. 150.] [Footnote 37: Plato, Alkib. ii. p. 151.] * * * * * [Side-note: Different critical opinions respecting these two dialogues.]