What
a shame to think that we should here be met together, and yet make no
effort ourselves to heighten the festivity! (2)

(2) See Plat. "Prot." 347 D; "A company like this of ours, and men
such as we profess to be, do not require the help of another's
voice," etc.--Jowett. Cf. id. "Symp." 176: "To-day let us have
conversation instead; and if you will allow me, I will tell you
what sort of conversation."

Several of the company exclaimed at once: Be our director then yourself.
Explain what style of talk we should engage in to achieve that object.
(3)

(3) {exegou}. "Prescribe the form of words we must lay hold of to
achieve the object, and we will set to work, arch-casuist."

Nothing (he replied) would please me better than to demand of Callias
a prompt performance of his promise. He told us, you recollect, if we
would dine with him, he would give us an exhibition of his wisdom.

To which challenge Callias: That I will readily, but you on your side,
one and all, must propound some virtue of which you claim to have the
knowledge.

Socrates replied: At any rate, not one of us will have the least
objection to declaring what particular thing he claims to know as best
worth having.

Agreed (proceeded Callias); and for my part I proclaim at once what I
am proudest of. My firm belief is, I have got the gift to make my
fellow-mortals better.

Make men better! (cried Antisthenes); and pray how? by teaching them
some base mechanic art? or teaching them nobility of soul? (4)

(4) Or, "beauty and nobility of soul" ({kalokagathia}). See "Mem." I.
vi. 14.

The latter (he replied), if justice (5) be synonymous with that high
type of virtue.

(5) i.e. "social uprightness."

Of course it is (rejoined Antisthenes) the most indisputable specimen.
Since, look you, courage and wisdom may at times be found calamitous to
friends or country, (6) but justice has no single point in common with
injustice, right and wrong cannot commingle. (7)

(6) See "Mem." IV. ii. 33.

(7) i.e. "the one excludes the other."

Well then (proceeded Callias), as soon (8) as every one has stated his
peculiar merit, (9) I will make no bones of letting you into my secret.
You shall learn the art by which I consummate my noble end. (10) So
now, Niceratus, suppose you tell us on what knowledge you most pride
yourself.

(8) Reading {emon}. Al. {umon}, "when you others."

(9) Lit. "what he has for which to claim ut