Page:The works of Plato, A new and literal version, (vol 6) (Burges, 1854).djvu/28

16 est, that every soul is older than every body. Do you not remember (this)? or this at least perfectly, that what is better, and older, and more divine, is credibly prior to that, which is worse, and younger, and less honourable; and in every way that what governs, is (prior) to what is governed; and that what leads, to what is led. Let us then receive this at least, that soul is older than body. Now if this be the case, it is more credible that, what is first in the generation of the first, would be almost the beginning; and let us lay down that the beginning exists in a more becoming manner than a beginning, and that we have most correctly come upon the greatest (parts) of wisdom, relating to the generation of the gods.

Clin. Let these things be stated to the best of our power.

Athen. Come, then, let us assert that an animal is said most truly (to exist) according to nature then, when one combination of soul and body coming together produces one form.

Clin. Correctly so.

Athen. A thing of this kind then is most justly called an animal.

Clin. It is.

Athen. Now it is requisite, according to a probable account, for five solid bodies to be mentioned, from which a person might model the most beautiful and best of things; but the whole of the other genus possesses one form. For there is nothing else, which can be generated without a body, and possessing in no respect and at no time colour, except the really most divine genus of soul. Now this is nearly that alone, to which it pertains to mould and fabricate ; but it belongs to body, as we call it, to be moulded and produced,