[17a] Socrates. One, two, three; but where, my dear Timaeus, is the
fourth of those who were yesterday my guests and are to be my entertainers
today?
Timaeus. He has been taken ill, Socrates; for he would not willingly have been
absent from this gathering.
Soc. Then, if he is not coming, you and the two others must supply his place. [17b]
Tim. Certainly, and we will do all that we can; having been handsomely
entertained by you yesterday, those of us who remain should be only too glad
to return your hospitality.
Soc. Do you remember what were the points of which I required you to speak?
Tim. We remember some of them, and you will be here to remind us of anything
which we have forgotten: or rather, if we are not troubling you, will you
briefly recapitulate the whole, and then the particulars will be more firmly
fixed in our memories? [17c]
Soc. To be sure I will: the chief theme of my yesterday's discourse was the
state [original: πολιτεία = all the members of a city; here is a discussion about the translation of politeia]; - how constituted and of what citizens [original: ἀνδρῶν = men, persons; manhood and not citizenship comes first] composed it would seem likely [original: κατεφαίνετο = seem clearly, certainly] to be
most perfect.
Timaeus: Philosophy and the Senses / We are a heavenly flower / No man is voluntarily evil / God as creator / The World is a living being / A moving image of eternity
[original: πολιτεία = all the members of a city; here is a discussion about the translation of politeia]; - how constituted and of what citizens
Timaeus part 2 of 2. You are at part 1
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