For we must not fail to observe, O Megillus and Cleinias, that there is a difference in places, and that some beget better men and others worse; and we must legislate accordingly.

Some places are subject to strange and fatal influences by reason of diverse winds and violent heats, some by reason of waters; or, again, from the character of the food given by the earth, which not only affects the bodies of men for good or evil, but produces similar results in their souls.

And in all such qualities those spots excel in which there is a divine inspiration, and in which the demigods have their appointed lots, and are propitious, not adverse, to the settlers in them.

To all these matters the legislator, if he have any sense in him, will attend as far as man can, and frame his laws accordingly.

And this is what you, Cleinias, must do, and to matters of this kind you must turn your mind since you are going to colonize a new country.
CLEINIAS: Your words, Athenian Stranger, are excellent, and I will do as you say..