What things do you mean? Riches, said I, and poverty. As



THE REPUBLIC 79

how ? Thus : Does the potter, after he becomes rich, seem likely
still to mind his art ? By no means, said he. But will he not
become more idle and careless than formerly? Much more so.
Shall he not then become a more unskilful potter ? Much more
so, likewise, said he. And surely, being unable through poverty
to furnish himself with tools, or any thing else requisite to his art,
his workmanship shall be more imperfectly executed, and his sons,
or those others whom he instructs, shall be inferior artists.
