Socrates : Then it is not despotic power, my admirable Alcibiades, that you ought to secure either to yourself or to the state, if you would be happy, but virtue.
Alcibiades : That is true.
Socrates : And before getting virtue, to be governed by a superior is better than to govern, for a man as well as a child.
Alcibiades : Apparently.
Socrates : And the better is also nobler ?
Alcibiades : Yes.
Socrates : And the nobler more becoming ?
Alcibiades : Of course.
[135c] Socrates : Then it becomes a bad man to be a slave, since it is better.Alcibiades : Yes.
Socrates : So vice is a thing that becomes a slave.
Alcibiades : Apparently.
Socrates : And virtue becomes a free man.
Alcibiades : Yes.
Socrates : And we should shun, my good friend, all slavishness ?
Alcibiades : Most certainly, Socrates.
Socrates : And do you now perceive how you stand ? Are you on the side of the free, or not ?
Alcibiades : I think I perceive only too clearly.
Socrates : Then do you know how you may escape from the condition in which you now find yourself ? Let us not give it a name, where a handsome person is concerned !
[135d] Alcibiades : I do.Socrates : How ?
Alcibiades : If it be your wish, Socrates.
Socrates : That is not well said, Alcibiades.
Alcibiades : Well, what should I say ?
Socrates : If it be God’s will.
Alcibiades : Then I say it. And yet I say this besides, that we are like to make a change in our parts, Socrates, so that I shall have yours and you mine. For from this day onward it must be the case that I am your attendant, and you have me always in attendance on you.
[135e] Socrates : Ah, generous friend ! So my love will be just like a stork ; for after hatching a winged love in you it is to be cherished in return by its nestling.Alcibiades : Well, that is the position, and I shall begin here and now to take pains over justice.
Socrates : I should like to think you will continue to do so ; yet I am apprehensive, not from any distrust of your nature, but in view of the might of the state, lest it overcome both me and you.