Page:The Dialogues of Plato v. 1.djvu/168



do you come from, Socrates? And yet I need hardly ask the question, for I know that you have been compan in chase of the fair Alcibiades. I saw him 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.

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

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 espe- cially 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 hap- pened 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?

VOL. I.