102                 xenophon's memorabilia.
 

CHAPTER   VII.

ARGUMENT.

Tms chapter is the counterpart of the preceding. Socrates encourages
Charmides, a man of great worth and ability, to engage in pnblic life,
although averse to it.

One who is able to advance the interests of the State, and thereby to
obtain glory and honor, is under a twofold obligation to exercise his
talents (§ 1, 2). Socrates says, that he has learned that Charmides pos¬
sesses this ability, by noticing his conversation with other statesmen (§ 3).
He who can express his thoughts or give his opinion among them, can
certainly speak in the assembly of the people (§ 4—Y); ibr if those who
are most wise and powerful are not, those who have less knowledge and
power need not be, feared (§ 8). Seek, Socrates adds, a right under¬
standing of yourself, which will impart confidence; and neglect not to
give your exertions for the advantage of the State, that you may thus
benefit not the citizens alone, but yourself and friends (§ 9).
 

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