_Thrasymachus-Shiptonides_ (_after introducing a Deputation_). What we demand is a legal reduction of the hours of labour, and what we want of you, SOCRATES, is your invaluable aid in getting it. _Socrates_ (_smiling_). Most heartily do I wish you _may_ get it--in both cases. But how say you; is the principle of permanence in a state or community, or class, best effected by harmony, or as it were, unity of action in all its members? _All_ (_after looking at each other, and rubbing their chins_). How not, SOCRATES? _Socrates_ (_rubbing his hands_). Entirely so! And your class then are unanimous in favour of a legal reduction of the hours of labour? _Thrasymachus-Shiptonides_ (_bothered_). Well--ahem!--hardly so, perhaps. But (_valiantly_), at least three-quarters of a million who met in the Park gathering at sixteen platforms, were substantially agreed. _Socrates._ Humph! Over forty-six thousand to each platform. That's a far greater number than even _I_ ever addressed. How did you count them, or ascertain their views? _Thrasymachus-Shiptonides_ (_flustered_). Well, I've had twenty years' experience of mob-mustering, and I think I _ought_ to know. _Polemarchus-Steadmanides._ But will you, SOCRATES, give us your opinions of the opinion of these three-quarters of a million. _Socrates_ (_laughing_). By Hercules! that were a task more tremendous than all his Labours. _Cephalus-Pearsonides_ (_aside_). By Vulcan, this is his wonted irony. He never inclines to answer a question forthrightly, but to use irony, or evasion, or what the Hibernians call "shenanigan," rather than answer, if anyone asks him anything. _Thrasymachus-Shiptonides_ (_aside, hastily_). Yes, yes! But you must not tell him that, here and now! _Socrates_ (_blandly_). Friends, as you suggest that the proceedings should be of a conversational or dialectical nature, a plan which falleth in with my views also, I will, if you please, catechise you categorically, so as to get further into the interior of the question, and of your--ahem!--minds. _Of this catechising, the reporter gives the following condensed summary._