25–26
Socrates
Soc. We spoke just now of hotter and colder, did we not?
Socrates
Soc. Add to them drier and wetter, more and less, quicker and slower, greater and smaller, and all that we assigned before to the class which unites more and less.
15
Protarchus
Pro. You mean the class of the infinite?
Socrates
Soc. Yes. Mix with that the second class, the offspring of the limit.
Protarchus
Pro. What class do you mean?
Socrates
Soc. The class of the finite, which we ought just now to have reduced to unity, as we did that of the infinite. We have not done that, but perhaps we shall even now accomplish the same end, if these two are both unified and then the third class is revealed.
Protarchus
Pro. What third class, and what do you mean?
20
Socrates
Soc. The class of the equal and double and everything which puts an end to the differences between opposites and makes them commensurable and harmonious by the introduction of number.
Protarchus
Pro. I understand. I think you mean that by mixture of these elements certain results are produced in each instance.
Socrates
Soc. Yes, you are right.
Socrates
Soc. In cases of illness, does not the proper combination of these elements produce health?
Protarchus
Pro. Certainly.
Socrates
Soc. And in the acute and the grave, the quick and the slow, which are unlimited, the addition of these same elements creates a limit and establishes the whole art of music in all its perfection, does it not?
Protarchus
Pro. Excellent.
Socrates
Soc. And again in the case of cold and hot weather, the introduction of these elements removes the excess and indefiniteness and creates moderation and harmony.
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