Meno, second part | Page 5

to your most highly placed servant for ten years of service, as he shall perform ten years service for you in the next few hours, should he succeed.
Meno: That sounds quite fair, Socrates, I like your logic.
Socrates: (the boy tugs his tunic, to complain that he wants his freedom, not a mere bucket of gold) Hush, boy, did you not promise to hold your tongue?
Boy: Yes, Socrates, but . . . .
Socrates: (turning to Meno) And, of course, with the monetary rewards for such a position, go all the rest of it.
Meno: Of course, Socrates. I never thought to cheat you.
Socrates: I know that, friend Meno, but I merely ask for the boy's sake, who is not used to hearing about high finance and the powers and rank which accompany such things.
Meno: Of course, Socrates. Shall I tell the boy what he shall receive?
Socrates: You are very kind to do so, my friend Meno.
Meno: (turns to the boy) You are aware that a servant may not own the amount of gold I would have to give you, should you win the day?
Boy: Yes, sir.
Meno: Therefore, I would have to give to you the freedom to own the money, before I could give you the money, would I not?
Boy: Yes, sir.
Meno: And in giving you freedom, I would be remiss if I did not give you a job and a coming out party of equal position with your wealth, would I not?
Boy: I can't really say, sir, though I suppose so.
Meno: You suppose correctly. I will feed you for a week of partying, and dress you in the finest garments, while you are introduced to the finest ladies and gentlemen of Athens, from whom you are free to select for your interests as friends, business partners, social acquaintances, connections, and perhaps even a wife, should you find someone you like for that. Do you now understand that there is nothing I would leave out that you would have to ask for, or that if you did have to ask, I would give it immediately, and ask your forgiveness for my error?
Boy: It is hard to understand, but I take your word.
Socrates: Now don't let this all go to your head, boy. This is something you could have figured out for yourself, if you had applied your mind to it as you did to squares the other day. Can you do as well, today?
Boy: I should think and hope so, friend Socrates, for I see you are indeed my friend, and I should hope I am more capable today, for having learned some the other day.
Socrates: We shall see, boy. Let us on to the test. Now you remember the squares we dealt with the other day.
Boy: Yes, Socrates.
Socrates: And the one particular square on the diagonal we made, whose area was two, do you remember that one?
Boy: Yes, Socrates.
Socrates: And you remember that the length of the side of a square, when multiplied by itself, yields the area of the square.
Boy: Everyone at school knows that, Socrates.
Socrates: Well, maybe. However, it is about that side, which when multiplied time itself yields an area of two, that I would like to speak further today. How is that with you?
Boy: That is fine, Socrates. I remember that line, and I sort of liked it the best, if you know what I mean.
Socrates: Good, then we should have a great time. Do you know how long that line is, boy?
Boy: Well, I know that you both thought it wise when I said it was of a length which when made a square of, yielded a square with an area of two, so I suppose I should answer that way.
Socrates: And a good answer it is, too. We are going to make it an even better answer as we proceed.
Boy: Good.
Socrates: Do you remember when you tripped up and fell on your face the other day, when you thought that the square of area nine was actually a square of area eight?
Boy: Oh yes, Socrates! And I am sorely ashamed, because I still do not know enough to make sure I never make such an error again, and therefore I know my virtue and rightness are lacking.
Socrates: They are not lacking so much that they cannot be improved, are they boy?
Boy: I should hope and pray not.
Socrates: Well today, you are going to tell us some things about that number, which when multiplied by itself gives us two.
Boy: I will tell you everything I know, or think I know, Socrates, and hope that I am correct or can be corrected.
Socrates: To Meno, surely he is a fine boy, eh Meno?
Meno: Yes, I am proud to own him, but I don't see how he can be smart enough to do the work today that would take