6. ἐὰν μή τις ὑπολάβῃ κτλ. The natural interpretation of the μέν (since it follows ἀγαθόν, not γενέσθαι) is this. While it is difficult ‘γενέσθαι’ truly good, it is yet possible to reach a fair standard of ἀρετή. The antithesis is implied if not actually expressed in the sequel: see 345Dand 346C Cf. Introduction, p. xxiv.
8. λέγοντος τοῦ Πιττακοῦ: a fresh start is made, to explain ὥσπερ ἐρίζοντα λέγειν.
9. εἰπεῖν but λέγειν in l. 7: the past tense is used because Socrates is about to put Simonides' meaning in the form of an actual address in past time to Pittacus.
10. ὡς ἀληθῶς to be taken with χαλεπόν ἐστιν: see below, 344A(l. 22). Here again Socrates' interpretation is opposed to the natural sense of the passage, according to which ἀλαθέως in the poem goes with ἀγαθόν, and has nothing to do with χαλεπόν.
