philebus   

difficult one; but did I really, as Philebus implies, disconcert you

with my playful solemnity, when I asked the question to what class

mind and knowledge belong?

Pro. You did, indeed, Socrates.

Soc. Yet the answer is easy, since all philosophers assert with

one voice that mind is the king of heaven and earth-in reality they

are magnifying themselves. And perhaps they are right. But still I

should like to consider the class of mind, if you do not object, a

little more fully.

Phi. Take your own course, Socrates, and never mind length; we shall

not tire of you.

Soc. Very good; let us begin then, Protarchus, by asking a question.

Pro. What question?

Soc. Whether all this which they call the universe is left to the

guidance of unreason and chance medley, or, on the contrary, as our

fathers have declared, ordered and governed by a marvellous

intelligence and wisdom.

Pro. Wide asunder are the two assertions, illustrious Socrates,

for that which you were just now saying to me appears to be blasphemy;

but the other assertion, that mind orders all things, is worthy of the

aspect of the world, and of the sun, and of the moon, and of the stars

and of the whole circle of the heavens; and never will I say or

think otherwise.

Soc. Shall we then agree with them of old time in maintaining this

doctrine-not merely reasserting the notions of others, without risk to

ourselves,-but shall we share in the danger, and take our part of

the reproach which will await us, when an ingenious individual

declares that all is disorder?

Pro. That would certainly be my wish.

Soc. Then now please to consider the next stage of the argument.

Pro. Let me hear.

Soc. We see that the elements which enter into the nature of the