BOOK IL  CHAP. VIL                                71
 

OHAPTEE   VII.

ARGUMENT.

In the three preceding chapters, the theoretical instructions of Socrates
in regard to the relation of fiiends is explained, and in those which fol¬
low, to the end of the book, Xenophon exhibits the manner in which
he applied these precepts in the instruction and admonition of his disci
pies and friends.

At the time of the insurrection of Thrasybulus and his followers
against the government of the thirty tyrants, there was a great dearth
of provisions in Athens. Socrates having learned from Aristarchus
that he was much troubled to know how to provide for a large number
of relatives, who had assembled at his house (§ 1—3), shows him the
folly of supposing that any degradation is attached to engaging in the
pursuits requisite for procuring the necessaries of life (§ 4—8). He then
points out the mutual bad effect upon himself and friends of living in
their present state, and the contrasted effect of inducing them to engage
in the employments best suited to their capacities and characters (§ 9, 10).
Aristarchus approves the recommendation of Socrates (§^11).

After procuring the materials of industry for the women, by borrow¬
ing money, Aristarchus finds the experiment to be successful, and, return¬
ing, relates his experience to Socrates; he however states one obstacle
which yet remained to the entire success of his plan; i. e. his own in¬
activity, which was a source of uneasiness to the women. Socrates
counsels him to relate to them the fable of the watch-dog (§ 12—14).
 

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