philebus   

Soc. The class of the finite which we ought to have brought together

as we did the infinite; but, perhaps, it will come to the same thing

if we do so now;-when the two are combined, a third will appear.

Pro. What do you mean by the class of the finite?

Soc. The class of the equal and the double, and any class which puts

an end to difference and opposition, and by introducing number creates

harmony and proportion among the different elements.

Pro. I understand; you seem to me to mean that the various

opposites, when you mingle with them the class of the finite, takes

certain forms.

Soc. Yes, that is my meaning.

Pro. Proceed.

Soc. Does not the right participation in the finite give health-in

disease, for instance?

Pro. Certainly.

Soc. And whereas the high and low, the swift and the slow are

infinite or unlimited, does not the addition of the principles

aforesaid introduce a limit, and perfect the whole frame of music?

Pro. Yes, certainly.

Soc. Or, again, when cold and heat prevail, does not the

introduction of them take away excess and indefiniteness, and infuse

moderation and harmony?

Pro. Certainly.

Soc. And from a like admixture of the finite and infinite come the

seasons, and all the delights of life?

Pro. Most true.

Soc. I omit ten thousand other things, such as beauty and health and

strength, and the many beauties and high perfections of the soul: O my

beautiful Philebus, the goddess, methinks, seeing the universal

wantonness and wickedness of all things, and that there was in them no

limit to pleasures and self-indulgence, devised the limit of law and

order, whereby, as you say, Philebus, she torments, or as I