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symposium   


No indeed, I replied, but the same person who told Phoenix;-he was a

little fellow, who never wore any shoes Aristodemus, of the deme of

Cydathenaeum. He had been at Agathon's feast; and I think that in

those days there was no one who was a more devoted admirer of

Socrates. Moreover, I have asked Socrates about the truth of some

parts of his narrative, and he confirmed them. Then, said Glaucon, let

us have the tale over again; is not the road to Athens just made for

conversation? And so we walked, and talked of the discourses on

love; and therefore, as I said at first, I am not ill-prepared to

comply with your request, and will have another rehearsal of them if

you like. For to speak or to hear others speak of philosophy always

gives me the greatest pleasure, to say nothing of the profit. But when

I hear another strain, especially that of you rich men and traders,

such conversation displeases me; and I pity you who are my companions,

because you think that you are doing something when in reality you are

doing nothing. And I dare say that you pity me in return, whom you

regard as an unhappy creature, and very probably you are right. But

I certainly know of you what you only think of me-there is the

difference.

Companion. I see, Apollodorus, that you are just the same-always

speaking evil of yourself, and of others; and I do believe that you

pity all mankind, with the exception of Socrates, yourself first of

all, true in this to your old name, which, however deserved I know how

you acquired, of Apollodorus the madman; for you are always raging

against yourself and everybody but Socrates.

Apollodorus. Yes, friend, and the reason why I am said to be mad,

and out of my wits, is just because I have these notions of myself and

you; no other evidence is required.

Com. No more of that, Apollodorus; but let me renew my request

that you would repeat the conversation.

Apoll. Well, the tale of love was on this wise:-But perhaps I had

better begin at the beginning, and endeavour to give you the exact

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