La. I have but one feeling, Nicias, or (shall I say?) two feelings, about
discussions. Some would think that I am a lover, and to others I may seem to
be a hater of discourse; for when I hear a man discoursing of virtue, or of
any sort of wisdom, who is a true man and worthy of his theme, I am delighted
beyond measure: and I compare the man and his words, and note the harmony and
correspondence of them. And such an one I deem to be the true musician,
attuned to a fairer harmony than that of the lyre, or any pleasant instrument
of music; for truly he has in his own life a harmony of words and deeds
arranged, not in the Ionian, or in the Phrygian mode, nor yet in the Lydian,
but in the true Hellenic mode, which is the Dorian, and no other. Such an one
makes me merry with the sound of his voice; and when I hear him I am thought
to be a lover of discourse; so eager am I in drinking in his words. But a man
whose actions do not agree with his words is an annoyance to me; and the
better he speaks the more I hate him, and then I seem to be a hater of
discourse. As to Socrates, I have no knowledge of his words, but of old, as
would seem, I have had experience of his deeds; and his deeds show that free
and noble sentiments are natural to him. And if his words accord, then I am of
one mind with him, and shall be delighted to be interrogated by a man such as
he is, and shall not be annoyed at having to learn of him: for I too agree
with Solon, "that I would fain grow old, learning many things." But I must be
allowed to add "of the good only." Socrates must be willing to allow that he
is a good teacher, or I shall be a dull and uncongenial pupil: but that the
teacher is younger, or not as yet in repute-anything of that sort is of no
account with me. And therefore, Socrates, I give you notice that you may teach
and confute me as much as ever you like, and also learn of me anything which I
know. So high is the opinion which I have entertained of you ever since the
day on which you were my companion in danger, and gave a proof of your valour
such as only the man of merit can give. Therefore, say whatever you like, and
do not mind about the difference of our ages.
Soc. I cannot say that either of you show any reluctance to take counsel and
advise with me.
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