362 XENOPHON
know the art of repaying kind words and good deeds in kind ? But a man who tries all he can to annoy me by word and deed, I can neither bless nor benefit, and, what is more, I will not try.
Socrates. Well, now, that is a marvellous state- ment, Chaerecrates. Your dog, the serviceable guard- ian of your flocks, who will fawn and lick the hand of your shepherd, when you come near him can only growl and show his teeth. Well, you take no notice of the dog's ill-temper, you try to propitiate him by kindness ; but your brother ? If your brother were what he ought to be, he would be a great blessing to you — that you admit ; and, as you further confess, you know the secret of kind acts and words, yet you will not set yourself to apply means to make him your best of friends ?
Chaerecrates. I am afraid, Socrates, that I have no wisdom or cunning to make Chaerephon bear himself towards me as he should.
Socrates. Yet there is no need to apply any recon- dite or novel machinery. Only bait your hook in the way best known to yourself, and you will capture him, whereupon he will become your devoted friend.
Chaerecrates. If you are aware that I know some love-charm, Socrates, of which I am the happy but un- conscious possessor, pray make haste and enlighten me.
Socrates. Answer me, then. Suppose you wanted to get some acquaintance to invite you to dinner when he next keeps holy day, what steps would you take ?
Chaerecrates. No doubt I should set him a good example by inviting him myself on a like occasion.
Socrates. And if you wanted to induce some friend to look after your affairs during your absence abroad, how would you achieve your purpose ?
