That your error may not increase, I will endeavour to purify your soul.' Do you, Megillus and Cleinias, make answer for the youth, and when we come to a difficulty, I will carry you over the water as I did before.

'Very good.' He will easily be convinced that the Gods care for the small as well as the great; for he heard what was said of their goodness and of their having all things under their care.

'He certainly heard.' Then now let us enquire what is meant by the virtue of the Gods.

To possess mind belongs to virtue, and the contrary to vice.

'That is what we say.' And is not courage a part of virtue, and cowardice of vice?
'Certainly.' And to the Gods we ascribe virtues; but idleness and indolence are not virtues.