HIPPIAS (major) by Plato - Complete text

Page 17

Hip.: I say, then, that for every man and everywhere it is most beautiful to be rich and healthy, and honored by the Greeks, to reach old age, and, after providing a beautiful funeral for his deceased parents, to be beautifully and splendidly buried by his own offspring.

Soc.: Bravo, bravo, Hippias ! You have spoken in a way that is wonderful and great and worthy of you ; and now, by Hera, I thank you, because you are kindly coming to my assistance to the best of your ability. But our shots are not hitting the man ; no, he will laugh at us now more than ever, be sure of that.

Hip.: A wretched laugh, Socrates ; for when he has nothing to say to this, but laughs, he will be laughing at himself and will himself be laughed at by those present.

Soc.: Perhaps that is so perhaps, however, after this reply, he will, I foresee, be likely to do more than laugh at me.

Hip.: Why do you say that, pray?

Soc.: Because, if he happens to have a stick, unless I get away in a hurry, he will try to fetch me a good one.

Hip.: What? Is the fellow some sort of master of yours, and if he does that, will he not be arrested and have to pay for it? Or does your city disregard justice and allow the citizens to beat one another unjustly?

Soc.: Oh no that is not allowed at all.

Hip.: Then he will have to pay a penalty for beating you unjustly.

Soc.: I do not think so, Hippias. No, if I were to make that reply, the beating would be just, I think.

Hip.: Then I think so, too, Socrates, since that is your own belief.

Soc.: Shall I, then, not tell you why it is my own belief that the beating would be just, if I made that reply? Or will you also beat me without trial? Or will you listen to what I have to say?

Hip.: It would be shocking if I would not listen ; but what have you to say?

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Plato : HIPPIAS (major)

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