274
Socrates. For those who are wiser than we, Tisias, say that a man of sense should surely practice to please not his fellow slaves, except as a secondary consideration, but his good and noble masters. Therefore, if the path is long, be not astonished; for it must be trodden for great ends, not for those you have in mind. Yet your ends also, as our argument says, will be best gained in this way, if one so desires.
274
Phaedrus. I think what you have said is admirable, if one could only do it.
274
Socrates. But it is noble to strive after noble objects, no matter what happens to us.
274
Phaedrus. Certainly.
274
Socrates. We have, then, said enough about the art of speaking and that which is no art.
274
Phaedrus. Assuredly.
274
Socrates. But we have still to speak of propriety and impropriety in writing, how it should be done and how it is improper, have we not?
274
Phaedrus. Yes.
274
Socrates. Do you know how you can act or speak about rhetoric so as to please God best?
274
Phaedrus. Not at all; do you?
274
Socrates. I can tell something I have heard of the ancients; but whether it is true, they only know. But if we ourselves should find it out, should we care any longer for human opinions?
274
Phaedrus. A ridiculous question! But tell me what you say you have heard.
