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But where, amid all this, is justice? son of Ariston, tell me

where. Now that our city has been made habitable, light a candle

and search, and get your brother and Polemarchus and the rest of

our friends to help, and let us see where in it we can discover

justice and where injustice, and in what they differ from one

another, and which of them the man who would be happy should have

for his portion, whether seen or unseen by gods and men.

Nonsense, said Glaucon: did you not promise to search yourself,

saying that for you not to help justice in her need would be an

impiety?

I do not deny that I said so, and as you remind me, I will be as

good as my word; but you must join.

We will, he replied.

Well, then, I hope to make the discovery in this way: I mean to

begin with the assumption that our State, if rightly ordered, is

perfect.

That is most certain.

And being perfect, is therefore wise and valiant and temperate

and just.

That is likewise clear.