republic (books 1 - 5)   

in them, which enabled them to combine; if there had not been
they would have injured one another as well as their victims;
they were but half-villains in their enterprises; for had they
been whole villains, and utterly unjust, they would have been
utterly incapable of action. That, as I believe, is the truth of
the matter, and not what you said at first. But whether the just
have a better and happier life than the unjust is a further
question which we also proposed to consider. I think that
they have, and for the reasons which I have given; but still
I should like to examine further, for no light matter is at stake,
nothing less than the rule of human life.

Proceed.

I will proceed by asking a question: Would you not say that
a horse has some end?

I should.

And the end or use of a horse or of anything would be that
which could not be accomplished, or not so well accomplished,
by any other thing?

I do not understand, he said.

Let me explain: Can you see, except with the eye?

Certainly not.

Or hear, except with the ear?

No.
These, then, may be truly said to be the ends of these organs?

They may.

But you can cut off a vine-branch with a dagger or with a
chisel, and in many other ways?

Of course.

And yet not so well as with a pruning-hook made for the
purpose?

True.

May we not say that this is the end of a pruning-hook?

We may.

Then now I think you will have no difficulty in understand-
ing my meaning when I asked the question whether the end
of anything would be that which could not be accomplished, or
not so well accomplished, by any other thing?

I understand your meaning, he said, and assent.

And that to which an end is appointed has also an excellence?
Need I ask again whether the eye has an end?

It has.

And has not the eye an excellence?