protagoras   

to tell them. Now to run away, and to be caught in running away, is

the very height of folly, and also greatly increases the

exasperation of mankind; for they regard him who runs away as a rogue,

in addition to any other objections which they have to him; and

therefore I take an entirely opposite course, and acknowledge myself

to be a Sophist and instructor of mankind; such an open

acknowledgement appears to me to be a better sort of caution than

concealment. Nor do I neglect other precautions, and therefore I hope,

as I may say, by the favour of heaven that no harm will come of the

acknowledgment that I am a Sophist. And I have been now many years

in the profession-for all my years when added up are many: there is no

one here present of whom I might not be the father. Wherefore I should

much prefer conversing with you, if you want to speak with me, in

the presence of the company.

As I suspected that he would like to have a little display and

glorification in the presence of Prodicus and Hippias, and would

gladly show us to them in the light of his admirers, I said: But why

should we not summon Prodicus and Hippias and their friends to hear

us?

Very good, he said.

Suppose, said Callias, that we hold a council in which you may sit

and discuss.-This was agreed upon, and great delight was felt at the

prospect of hearing wise men talk; we ourselves took the chairs and

benches, and arranged them by Hippias, where the other benches had

been already placed. Meanwhile Callias and Alcibiades got Prodicus out

of bed and brought in him and his companions.

When we were all seated, Protagoras said: Now that the company are

assembled, Socrates, tell me about the youngman of whom you were

just now speaking.

I replied: I will begin again at the same point, Protagoras, and

tell you once more the purport of my visit: this is my friend

Hippocrates, who is desirous of making your acquaintance; he would