Polus defends orators by highlighting their societal power, comparable to rulers who can imprison or kill. Socrates counters by asserting that true rulers do not always achieve their desires, as true desires should be directed toward the good. Even if a ruler or orator believes their unjust actions are good, they are not genuinely fulfilling their desires.

Polus reluctantly agrees that wrongdoers should be punished, though he notes that many evade punishment and remain happy. Socrates refutes this, arguing that true happiness comes from facing justice, which cleanses the soul of wrongdoing.