Translated by Chalcidius

† preference

...nor should one grieve at the † preference shown to another. original: "pręlatione" TIMAEUS. This also we hold in our memory. SOCRATES. I also think it has been
† made public

† made public original: "prouulgatum" that the offspring of the chosen parents—bearing the highest care as a natural privilege of their goodness—should be nourished in their own fatherland. TIMAEUS. Exactly so. SOCRATES. The others are to be sent away, yet they will be of some use to the fatherland as they age, and should be held with no less care. The merits of childhood and likewise of youth must be noted: so that those who deserve it may be promoted from the people of the second rank to the first rank of the defenders The "guardians" or warrior class of Plato's Republic, just as those among the first rank who degenerate from the virtue of their parents should be relegated to the rank of the second dignity. Does it seem then, Timaeus, that enough has been done in reviewing all the parts of yesterday's discourse, having run through them briefly and concisely, or do you wish to add anything further? TIMAEUS. Nothing at all. SOCRATES. Do you know then how I feel about this Republic, and how great a longing of the soul I carry? TIMAEUS. What is that? SOCRATES. It is as if someone, having seen animals of extraordinary beauty and grace, whether in a painting or even living but standing motionlessly at rest, should desire to behold their movement, actions, and some contest between them. So do I now demand, with a certain great expectation, to see the people of the city we have sketched in speech performing some action against neighboring states in peace or war, worthy of such great fame and education. For I confess, O Critias and Hermocrates, that I am not one
† can

who † can original: "possit" worthily praise such great natural talent. Nor is it a wonder that I cannot, since I do not trust that even the ancient
† authors

† authors original: "auctores" or the poets of the present age could do so. Not that I despise the art of poetry, but because it is evident and clear that those skilled in imitation can only perfectly emulate those things
† nation

of which they have had use and experience from an early age, and in which they were nearly raised. But truly, the imitation of an unknown character and a foreign institution—especially when expressed in
† also

speech or verse, however noble and outstanding the genius—is difficult. I judge the Sophists † also original: "qq." for "quoque" to be blessed in their troop of words and flood of speech. Yet I fear that, as they are
† philosophers

wandering and straying, without fixed or proper seats and homes, they cannot even by conjecture attain the character of † philosophers original: "philosophorum" and the institutions of civil prudence; nor can they demonstrate to others what the duties of peace ought to be, or likewise the
† weak

loyalty in wars of a people led to wisdom, as they are † weak original: "imbecillis" in such matters. There
† natural

remains, therefore, only the genius of your own erudition, nourished by public care and burning with a † natural original: "naturalis" zeal for philosophy. For this Timaeus is from Locris, a city which is the flower of Italy, easily the leader in nobility, wealth, and the glory of its deeds; and he himself holds the citadel of the love of wisdom A literal translation of "philosophy" to this day. As for Critias, we know that as a citizen he is foremost in all studies. Furthermore, regarding the nature and education of Hermocrates, made and adapted for explaining these matters we are discussing, I think no one can doubt. Therefore, at your command yesterday, I easily complied, and I diligently carried out what seemed to me should be discussed concerning public affairs; thinking that the remaining parts of the work could be explained more conveniently by no one else. Finally,
† fulfilled

having † fulfilled original: "expleto" my duty competently and finished my speech, I requested that a return be made by you as well. You accepted the commanded task, and I am here, as you see, ready for the promised feast. HERMOCRATES. We all, as Timaeus just promised, will execute the task enjoined upon us by you to the best of our strength; especially since no excuse is appropriate. For yesterday, as soon as the assembly was dismissed and we returned to the lodging where we were received by Critias, we had a non-idle discussion about this very matter. He then recounted to us a narrative from ancient history, which I would like you, Critias, to repeat, so that when Socrates has heard it, he may judge whether it will be useful for the effect of the requested repayment. SOCRATES. It is fitting that it be done so, if it seems no different to Timaeus, the third partner in this task. CRITIAS. Hear, O Socrates, a thing indeed wonderful but full of faith and truth, as that foremost of the Seven Sages, Solon, used to recount; who they say was very familiar with my grandfather and namesake, Critias. From his telling, I as a boy received the memorable deeds of this city, long...