gorgias   

whole.

Gor. A part of what, Socrates? Say what you mean, and never mind me.

Soc. In my opinion then, Gorgias, the whole of which rhetoric is a

part is not an art at all, but the habit of a bold and ready wit,

which knows how to manage mankind: this habit I sum up under the

word "flattery"; and it appears to me to have many other parts, one of

which is cookery, which may seem to be an art, but, as I maintain,

is only an experience or routine and not an art:-another part is

rhetoric, and the art of attiring and sophistry are two others: thus

there are four branches, and four different things answering to

them. And Polus may ask, if he likes, for he has not as yet been

informed, what part of flattery is rhetoric: he did not see that I had

not yet answered him when he proceeded to ask a further question:

Whether I do not think rhetoric a fine thing? But I shall not tell him

whether rhetoric is a fine thing or not, until I have first

answered, "What is rhetoric?" For that would not be right, Polus;

but I shall be happy to answer, if you will ask me, What part of

flattery is rhetoric?

Pol. I will ask and do you answer? What part of flattery is

rhetoric?

Soc. Will you understand my answer? Rhetoric, according to my

view, is the ghost or counterfeit of a part of politics.

Pol. And noble or ignoble?

Soc. Ignoble, I should say, if I am compelled to answer, for I

call what is bad ignoble: though I doubt whether you understand what I

was saying before.

Gor. Indeed, Socrates, I cannot say that I understand myself.

Soc. I do not wonder, Gorgias; for I have not as yet explained

myself, and our friend Polus, colt by name and colt by nature, is

apt to run away.

Gor. Never mind him, but explain to me what you mean by saying

that rhetoric is the counterfeit of a part of politics.