"Where then can we find such an art--such a variety of knowledge or intelligence--as we are seeking? The regal or political art looks like it: that art which regulates and enforces all the arrangements of the city. But what is the work which this art performs? What product does it yield, as the medical art supplies good health, and the farmer's art, provision? What good does it effect? You may say that it makes the citizens wealthy, free, harmonious in their intercourse. But we have already seen that these acquisitions are not good, unless they be under the guidance of intelligence: that nothing is really good, except some variety of intelligence.[36] Does the regal art then confer knowledge? If so, does it confer every variety of knowledge--that of the carpenter, currier, &c., as well as others? Not certainly any of these, for we have already settled that they are in themselves neither good nor bad. The regal art can thus impart no knowledge except itself; and what is _itself_? how are we to use it? If we say, that we shall render other men _good_--the question again recurs, _Good_--in what respect? _useful_--for what purpose?[37] [Footnote 36: Plato, Euthyd. p. 292 B. [Greek: A)gatho\n de/ ge/ pou ô(mologê/samen a)llê/lois--ou)de\n ei)=nai a)/llo ê)\ e)pistê/mên tina/.]] [Footnote 37: Plat. Euthydêm. p. 292 D. [Greek: A)lla\ ti/na dê\ e)pistê/mên? ê(=| ti/ chrêso/metha? tô=n me\n ga\r e)/rgôn ou)deno\s dei= au)tê\n dêmiourgo\n ei)=nai tô=n mê/te kakô=n mê/te a)gathô=n, e)pistê/mên de\ paradido/nai mêdemi/an a)/llên ê)\ au)tê\n e(autê/n; le/gômen dê\ ou)=n, ti/s pote e)/stin au(tê\ ê(=| ti/ chrêso/metha?]] "Here then" (concludes Sokrates), "we come to a dead lock: we can find no issue.[38] We cannot discover what the regal art does for us or gives us: yet this is the art which is to make us happy." In this difficulty, Sokrates turns to the two Sophists, and implores their help. The contrast between him and them is thus brought out. [Footnote 38: Plat. Euthyd. p. 292 E.] [Side-note: Review of the cross-examination just pursued by Sokrates. It is very suggestive--puts the mind upon what to look for.]