131
Soc. Then no physician, in so far as he is a physician, knows himself, nor does any trainer, in so far as he is a trainer.
131
Alc. It seems not.
131
Soc. And farmers, and craftsmen generally, are far from knowing themselves. For these people, it would seem, do not even know their own things, but only things still more remote than their own things, in respect of the arts which they follow; since they know but the things of the body, with which it is tended.
131
Alc. That is true.
131
Soc. So if knowing oneself is temperance, none of these people is temperate in respect of his art.
131
Alc. None, I agree.
131
Soc. And that is why these arts are held to be sordid, and no acquirements for a good man.
131
Alc. Quite so.
131
Soc. Then once again, whoever tends his body tends his own things, but not himself?
131
Alc. It looks rather like it.
131
Soc. But whoever tends his money tends neither himself nor his own things, but only things yet more remote than his own things?
131
Alc. I agree.
131
Soc. So that the money-maker has ceased to do his own business.
131
Alc. Correct.
131
Soc. And if anyone is found to be a lover of Alcibiades’ body, he has fallen in love, not with Alcibiades, but with something belonging to Alcibiades?
131
Alc. That is true.
131
Soc. Your lover is rather he who loves your soul?
131
Alc. He must be, apparently, by our argument.
131
Soc. And he who loves your body quits you, and is gone, as soon as its bloom is over?
131
Alc. Apparently.
131
Soc. Whereas he who loves your soul will not quit you so long as it makes for what is better?
131
Alc. So it seems.
131
Soc. And I am he who does not quit you, but remains with you when your body’s prime is over, and the rest have departed.
131
Alc. Yes, and I am glad of it, Socrates, and hope you will not go.
131
Soc. Then you must endeavor to be as handsome as you can.
131
Alc. Well, I shall endeavor.
131
Soc. You see how you stand: Alcibiades, the son of Cleinias, it seems, neither had nor has any lover except one only, and that a cherished one, Socrates, the son of Sophroniscus and Phaenarete.
131
Alc. True.
