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RV 189 (Chap. 24.) Is there an Art of Hearing, then, as well as of Speaking?

It seems so.

If you please, consider it thus too. To whom, do you think, the Practice of Music belongs?

To a Musician.

To whom the proper Formation of a Statue?

To a Statuary.

And do not you imagine some Art necessary, to view a Statue skilfully?

I do.

If, therefore, to speak properly belongs to one who is skilful, do not you see, that to hear with Benefit belongs likewise to one who is skilful? For the present, however, if you please, let us say no more of doing Things perfectly, and with Benefit, since we are both far enough, from any thing of that Kind: but this seems to be universally confessed, that he, who would hear Philosophers, needs some Kind of Exercise in Hearing. Is it not so? Tell me then, on what I shall speak to you? On what Subject are you able to hear me ?

On Good and Evil.

The Good and Evil of what? Of a Horse?

No.

Of an Ox.

No.

What then, of a Man?

Yes.

Do we know, then, what Man is? What is his Nature; what our Idea of him is; and how far our Ears are open in respect to this Matter. Nay, do you understand what Nature is; or are you able, and in what Degree, to comprehend me, when