418
Socrates
Socrates. Only the ancient word discloses the intention of the name-giver, don’t you know? For day comes out of darkness to men; they welcome it and long (ἱμείρουσι) for it, and so they called it ἱμέρα.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. That is clear.
10
Socrates
Socrates. But now ἡμέρα is masquerading so that you could not guess its meaning. Why, some people think day is called ἡμέρα because it makes things gentle (ἥμερα).
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. I believe they do.
Socrates
Socrates. And you know the ancients called ζυγόν (yoke) δυογόν.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Certainly.
Socrates
Socrates. And ζυγόν conveys no clear meaning, but the name δυογόν is quite properly given to that which binds two together for the purpose of draught; now, however, we say ζυγόν. There are a great many other such instances.
15
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Yes, that is plain.
Socrates
Socrates. Similarly the word δέον (obligation) at first, when spoken in this way, denotes the opposite of all words connected with the good; for although it is a form of good, δέον seems to be a bond (δεσμός) and hindrance of motion, own brother, as it were, toβλαβερόν.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Yes, Socrates, it certainly does seem so.