_Soc._: Very good: then we have established that it is fair for a boy to come to his study after breakfast, find in his hand a written translation of his Virgil, and, with that written translation, prepare in twenty minutes his morning's lesson. _Mr. F._: It would seem so, Socrates. _Soc._: If, however, he were to take from his drawer a printed translation of Virgil, and with that prepare his morning's lesson, you would consider him capable of dishonest behaviour and you would report him to the head master. _Mr. F._: Most certainly, Socrates. _Soc._: In what, then, lies the essential difference between the printed translation and the one that was copied out for him by his companion? _Mr. F._: But that is surely obvious. _Soc._: It is not to me, and it is for this reason that I seek enlightenment of you. For to me it seems that the work produced in form by the boy who has studied the printed translation is every bit as much the result of solitary and unaided labour as that which is informed by the study of a written translation. But is it that you appreciate a difference between the written and the printed word? _Mr. F._: Perhaps that is it, Socrates. _Soc._: Then would you allow a boy during the holidays to copy out one of Dr. Giles's aids to the classics? _Mr. F._: Most certainly not. _Soc._: Then it is not between the written and the printed word that the difference lies? _Mr. F._: It would seem not. _Soc._: Then where does it lie? _Mr. F._: I do not know, Socrates. _Soc._: Then we must surely assume that there is no difference; and we must further add that you have not dealt honestly with your form in so severely punishing them for conduct that you, yourself, are not able logically to condemn. _Mr. F._: As ever, Socrates, you have succeeded in making me say what I did not mean to say. _Soc._: Then, in order that you may extricate yourself, let us consider this question of the prose. _Mr. F._: Certainly. For, here at least, my position is impregnable. _Soc._: I, too, am certain of it, and, in order that I may know the true nature of the offence, you will, I hope, permit me to ask you certain questions. You say that the more stupid members of your form are in the habit of copying the exercises of their more clever comrades? _Mr. F._: That is so. _Soc._: Now is it a rule that a boy may not give another assistance in his Latin prose? _Mr. F._: Certainly. _Soc._: The position is not the same as that of the Latin translation, where two boys were permitted to co-operate? _Mr. F._: Certainly not. _Soc._: I presume that you have explained to your form the essential difference that exists between the nature of Latin 'con' and Latin prose. _Mr. F._: How do you mean, Socrates?