Book 2
658
Ath. But, my dear sir, we must not decide this matter hastily; rather we must analyze it thoroughly and examine it in some such fashion as this: suppose a man were to organize a competition, without qualifying or limiting it to gymnastic, musical or equestrian sports; and suppose that he should assemble the whole population of the State and, proclaiming that this is purely a pleasure-contest in which anyone who chooses may compete, should offer a prize to the competitor who gives the greatest amusement to the spectators,— without any restrictions as to the methods employed,—and who excels others just in doing this in the highest possible degree, and is adjudged the most pleasure-giving of the competitors: what do we suppose would be the effect of such a proclamation?
658
Clin. In what respect do you mean?
658
Ath. The natural result would be that one man would, like Homer, show up a rhapsody, another a harp-song, one a tragedy and another a comedy; nor should we be surprised if someone were even to fancy that he had the best chance of winning with a puppet-show. So where such as these and thousands others enter the competition, can we say who will deserve to win the prize?
658
Clin. An absurd question; for who could possibly pretend to know the answer before he had himself actually heard each of the competitors?
658
Ath. Very well, then; do you wish me to supply you with the answer to this absurd question?
658
Clin. By all means.
658
Ath. If the tiniest children are to be the judges, they will award the prize to the showman of puppets, will they not?
658
Clin. Certainly they will.
658
Ath. And older lads to the exhibitor of comedies; while the educated women and the young men, and the mass of the people in general, will award it to the shower of tragedies.
658
Clin. Most probably.
