PROTAGORAS

PROTAGORAS

by Plato

translated by Benjamin Jowett

PROTAGORAS

PERSONS OF THE DIALOGUE: SOCRATES, who is the narrator of the

Dialogue to his Companion; HIPPOCRATES; ALCIBIADES; CRINAS;

PROTAGORAS, HIPPIAS, PRODICUS, Sophists; CALLIAS, a wealthy

Athenian. Scene: The House of Callias

Com. Where do you come from, Socrates? And yet I need hardly ask the

question, for I know that you have been in chase of the fair

Alcibiades. I saw the day before yesterday; and he had got a beard

like a man-and he is a man, as I may tell you in your ear. But I

thought that he was still very charming.

Soc. What of his beard? Are you not of Homer's opinion, who says

Youth is most charming when the beard first appears?

And that is now the charm of Alcibiades.

Com. Well, and how do matters proceed? Have you been visiting him,

and was he gracious to you?

Soc. Yes, I thought that he was very gracious; and especially

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to-day, for I have just come from him, and he has been helping me in

an argument. But shall I tell you a strange thing? I paid no attention

to him, and several times I quite forgot that he was present.

Com. What is the meaning of this? Has anything happened between

you and him? For surely you cannot have discovered a fairer love

than he is; certainly not in this city of Athens.

Soc. Yes, much fairer.

Com. What do you mean-a citizen or a foreigner?

Soc. A foreigner.

Com. Of what country?

Soc. Of Abdera.

Com. And is this stranger really in your opinion a fairer love

than the son of Cleinias?

Soc. And is not the wiser always the fairer, sweet friend?

Com. But have you really met, Socrates, with some wise one?

Soc. Say rather, with the wisest of all living men, if you are

willing to accord that title to Protagoras.

Com. What! Is Protagoras in Athens?

Soc. Yes; he has been here two days.

Com. And do you just come from an interview with him?

Soc. Yes; and I have heard and said many things.

Com. Then, if you have no engagement, suppose that you sit down tell

me what passed, and my attendant here shall give up his place to you.