guage; An eagle, fay they, does not amuse itfelf in catching flies. O Evagoras, and you, Microphilus, be ye eagles, because your rank and deftination call you to this; ye are not born to be wrens.

The end of the Fifth Dialogue.

DIALOGUE VI.

CONCERNING

The value we should set upon the esteem and approbation

of Men.

SOCRATES, EVAGORAS,

MICROPHILUS.

I

SOCRATES.

Am glad to fee you together again notwithstanding your late difpute. By this I fee that the contefts of friends, like the quarrels of lovers, add new warmth and strength to their union.

MICROPHILU S.

So it often happens, Socrates, efpecially when the vehemence of their passions is moderated by the commanding influence of fuch wisdom as yours, and

they are reduced by it to the bounds that reafon forbids us to tranfgrefs. We have once more, however, need of your interpofition to bring us to an agreement.

SOCRATES.

What is then the subject of your present difpute?

MICROPHILU S.

I was applauding that maxim of one of our Philofophers, Hide thy life; but Evagoras does not at all approve of it; he is of opinion that we should be ardent in the pursuit of glory, and take every opportunity of extending our fame, and of displaying our actions, so as to ftand diftinguished in the eye of the world; and he opposes to my màxim the faying of Themistocles, that the laurels of Miltiades difturbed his rest.

EVA GORA S.

And is it not indeed true that the love of glory forms Heroes, while the

maxim of Microphilus is only proper to cover cowardice and floth, by placing them in obfcurity, and thus to nourifh low inclinations, and confine the mind to groveling pursuits?

it

SOCRATES.

There is, at least, one case in which may be prudent to follow the maxim of Microphilus.

EVAGORAS,

In what cafe, Socrates?

SOCRATES.

When we are fo unhappy as to live under a tyrannical government; woe to fuch as diftinguish themselves under the fufpicious eye of Despotism by fhining and public virtues! It is obfcurity alone, that can afford here a secure retreat from danger.

MICROPHILUS.

I cannot think that the Philofopher, who adminiftred this falutary counsel, meant to confine it to this particular I 3 cafe ;

cafe; he certainly defigned it for more general use.

SOCRATES.

Tell me, Microphilus, is it poffible for man to live alone?

MICROPHILU S.

No; he ftands in need, no doubt, of the affiftance of others; and, I know, it is a main principle with you, that we are born for fociety.

SOCRATES.

This principle is the immediate dictate of nature. We enter into the world under a variety of relations: we have parents, friends, countrymen, with whom we live, and from whom we receive many good offices. Can we retire from the view of fuch? and, if we could, would it be proper to do fo? The man whofe conduct is virtuous and decent, has no reason to fear the light; and I don't think Evagoras was in the wrong when he said that obfcurity ferves fre

quently