phaedrus   

in your left hand under your cloak, for that roll, as I suspect, is

the actual discourse. Now, much as I love you, I would not have you

suppose that I am going to have your memory exercised at my expense,

if you have Lysias himself here.

Phaedr. Enough; I see that I have no hope of practising my art

upon you. But if I am to read, where would you please to sit?

Soc. Let us turn aside and go by the Ilissus; we will sit down at

some quiet spot.

Phaedr. I am fortunate in not having my sandals, and as you never

have any, I think that we may go along the brook and cool our feet

in the water; this will be the easiest way, and at midday and in the

summer is far from being unpleasant.

Soc. Lead on, and look out for a place in which we can sit down.

Phaedr. Do you see the tallest plane-tree in the distance?

Soc. Yes.

Phaedr. There are shade and gentle breezes, and grass on which we

may either sit or lie down.

Soc. Move forward.

Phaedr. I should like to know, Socrates, whether the place is not

somewhere here at which Boreas is said to have carried off Orithyia

from the banks of the Ilissus?

Soc. Such is the tradition.

Phaedr. And is this the exact spot? The little stream is

delightfully clear and bright; I can fancy that there might be maidens

playing near.

Soc. I believe that the spot is not exactly here, but about a

quarter of a mile lower down, where you cross to the temple of

Artemis, and there is, I think, some sort of an altar of Boreas at the

place.

Phaedr. I have never noticed it; but I beseech you to tell me,

Socrates, do you believe this tale?

Soc. The wise are doubtful, and I should not be singular if, like