it is a whit more
charming to watch these fair young people twisting about their bodies
and imitating wheels than to behold them peacefully reposing.

We need not fare far afield to light on marvels, if that is our object.
All about us here is full of marvel; we can begin at once by wondering,
why it is the candle gives a light by dint of its bright flame, while
side by side with it the bright bronze vessel gives no light, but shows
within itself those other objects mirrored. (1) Or, how is it that oil,
being moist and liquid, keeps that flame ablaze, but water, just because
it is liquid, quenches fire. But no more do these same marvels tend to
promote the object of the wine-cup. (2)

(1) Cf. "Mem." IV. vii. 7. Socrates' criticism of Anaxagoras' theory
with regard to the sun.

(2) Lit. "work to the same end as wine."

But now, supposing your young people yonder were to tread a measure to
the flute, some pantomime in dance, like those which the Graces and the
Hours with the Nymphs are made to tread in pictures, (3) I think they
would spend a far more happy time themselves, and our banquet would at
once assume a grace and charm unlooked for.

(3) Cf. Plat. "Laws," vii. 815 C; Hor. "Carm." i. 4. 6:

iunctaeque Nymphis Gratiae decentes alterno terram quatiunt pede.

The Graces and the Nymphs, together knit, With rhythmic feet the meadow
beat (Conington).

Ib. iv. 7. 5.

The Syracusan caught the notion readily.

By all that's holy, Socrates (he cried), a capital suggestion, and for
my part, I warrant you, I will put a piece upon the stage, which will
delight you, one and all.

VIII

With these words the Syracusan made his exit, bent on organising his
performance. (1) As soon as he was gone, Socrates once more essayed a
novel argument. (2) He thus addressed them:

(1) {sunekroteito}, "on the composition of his piece." Al. "amidst a
round of plaudits."

(2) "Struck the keynote of a novel theme." Cf. Plat. "Symp." 177 E.

It were but reasonable, sirs, on our part not to ignore the mighty
power here present, (3) a divinity in point of age coequal with the
everlasting gods, yet in outward form the youngest, (4) who in magnitude
embraces all things, and yet his shrine is planted in the soul of man.
Love (5) is his name! and least of all should we forget him who are one
and all votaries of this god. (6) For myself I cannot name the time at
which I have not been in love with some one. (7) And