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And what is that which justice gives, and to whom?

If, Socrates, we are to be guided at all by the analogy of the

preceding instances, then justice is the art which gives good to

friends and evil to enemies.

That is his meaning then?

I think so.

And who is best able to do good to his friends and evil to his

enemies in time of sickness?

The physician.

Or when they are on a voyage, amid the perils of the sea?

The pilot.

And in what sort of actions or with a view to what result is the

just man most able to do harm to his enemy and good to his

friend?

In going to war against the one and in making alliances with the

other.

But when a man is well, my dear Polemarchus, there is no need of

a physician?

No.

And he who is not on a voyage has no need of a pilot?

No.

Then in time of peace justice will be of no use?

I am very far from thinking so.

You think that justice may be of use in peace as well as in war?

Yes.

Like husbandry for the acquisition of corn?

Yes.