Pagina 780 van 1391

Then there is nothing impossible or out of the order of nature in

our finding a guardian who has a similar combination of

qualities?

Certainly not.

Would not he who is fitted to be a guardian, besides the spirited

nature, need to have the qualities of a philosopher?

I do not apprehend your meaning.

The trait of which I am speaking, I replied, may be also seen in

the dog, and is remarkable in the animal.

What trait?

Why, a dog, whenever he sees a stranger, is angry; when an

acquaintance, he welcomes him, although the one has never done

him any harm, nor the other any good. Did this never strike you

as curious?

The matter never struck me before; but I quite recognise the

truth of your remark.

And surely this instinct of the dog is very charming;-your dog is

a true philosopher.

Why?