phaedrus   

life is bad, but no one of his kindred ever yet censured the

non-lover, or thought that he was ill-advised about his own interests.

"Perhaps you will ask me whether I propose that you should indulge

every non-lover. To which I reply that not even the lover would advise

you to indulge all lovers, for the indiscriminate favour is less

esteemed by the rational recipient, and less easily hidden by him

who would escape the censure of the world. Now love ought to be for

the advantage of both parties, and for the injury of neither.

"I believe that I have said enough; but if there is anything more

which you desire or which in your opinion needs to be supplied, ask

and I will answer."

Now, Socrates, what do you think? Is not the discourse excellent,

more especially in the matter of the language?

Soc. Yes, quite admirable; the effect on me was ravishing. And

this I owe to you, Phaedrus, for I observed you while reading to be in

an ecstasy, and thinking that you are more experienced in these

matters than I am, I followed your example, and, like you, my divine

darling, I became inspired with a phrenzy.

Phaedr. Indeed, you are pleased to be merry.

Soc. Do you mean that I am not in earnest?

Phaedr. Now don't talk in that way, Socrates, but let me have your

real opinion; I adjure you, by Zeus, the god of friendship, to tell me

whether you think that any Hellene could have said more or spoken

better on the same subject.

Soc. Well, but are you and I expected to praise the sentiments of

the author, or only the clearness, and roundness, and finish, and

tournure of the language? As to the first I willingly submit to your

better judgment, for I am not worthy to form an opinion, having only

attended to the rhetorical manner; and I was doubting whether this

could have been defended even by Lysias himself; I thought, though I

speak under correction, that he repeated himself two or three times,

either from want of words or from want of pains; and also, he appeared