Economics (7.6-7.7)

If when she came she knew no more than how, when given wool, to turn out a cloak, and had seen only how the spinning is given out to the maids, is not that as much as could be expected? For in control of her appetite, Socrates, she had been excellently trained; and this sort of training is, in my opinion, the most important to man and woman alike.

But in other respects did you train your wife yourself, Ischomachus, so that she should be competent to perform her duties?

Oh no, Socrates; not until I had first offered sacrifice and prayed that I might really teach, and she learn what was best for us both.