SOCRATES AND CHAERECRATES 363
Chaerecrates. No doubt I should present a prece- dent in undertaking to look after his in like circum- stance.
Socrates. And if you wished to get some foreign friend to take you under his roof while visiting his country, what would you do ?
Chaerecrates. No doubt I should begin by offering him the shelter of my own roof when he came to Ath- ens, in order to enlist his zeal in furthering the objects of my visit ; it is plain I should first show my readi- ness to do as much for him in a like case.
Socrates. Why, it seems you are an adept after all in all the philtres known to man, only you chose to conceal your knowledge all the while ; or is it that you shrink from taking the first step because of the scandal you will cause by kindly advances to your brother ? And yet it is commonly held to redound to a man's praise to have outstripped an enemy in mis- chief or a friend in kindness. Now if it seemed to me that Chaerephon were better fitted to lead the way towards this friendship, I should have tried to persuade him to take the first step in winning your affection, but now I am persuaded the first move be- longs to you, and to you the final victory.
Chaerecrates. A startling announcement, Socrates, from your lips, and most unlike you, to bid me the younger take precedence of my elder brother. Why, it is contrary to the universal custom of mankind, who look to the elder to take the lead in everything, whether as a speaker or an actor.
Socrates. How so ? Is it not the custom every- where for the younger to step aside when he meets his elder in the street, and to give him place ? Is he not expected to get up and offer him his seat, to pay
