270
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. All that account of yours appears, at any rate, very reasonable.
Stranger
Str. Then, in the light of what has been said, let us consider and gain understanding of the event which we said was the cause of all those wonderful portents; for it is really just this.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Just what?
Stranger
Str. The fact that at certain periods the universe has its present circular motion, and at other periods it revolves in the reverse direction.
5
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. How was this the cause?
Stranger
Str. We cannot help believing that of all the changes which take place in the heavens this reversal is the greatest and most complete.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. It certainly seems to be so.
Stranger
Str. Therefore we must also believe that at the same time the greatest changes come upon us who dwell within the heavens.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. That is likely too.
10
Stranger
Str. And animals cannot well endure many great and various changes at once. That is a familiar fact, is it not?
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Of course.
