27–28
Socrates
Soc. We shall say that it belongs to the third class; for that class is not formed by mixture of any two things, but of all the things which belong to the infinite, bound by the finite; and therefore this victorious life would rightly be considered a part of this class.
Protarchus
Pro. Quite rightly.
Socrates
Soc. Well then, what of your life, Philebus, of unmixed pleasure? In which of the aforesaid classes may it properly be said to belong? But before you tell me, please answer this question.
25
Philebus
Phi. Ask your question.
Socrates
Soc. Have pleasure and pain a limit, or are they among the things which admit of more and less?
Philebus
Phi. Yes, they are among those which admit of the more, Socrates; for pleasure would not be absolute good if it were not infinite in number and degree.
Socrates
Soc. Nor would pain, Philebus, be absolute evil; so it is not the infinite which supplies any element of good in pleasure; we must look for something else. Well, I grant you that pleasure and pain are in the class of the infinite but to which of the aforesaid classes, Protarchus and Philebus, can we now without irreverence assign wisdom, knowledge, and mind? I think we must find the right answer to this question, for our danger is great if we fail.
Philebus
Phi. Oh Socrates, you exalt your own god.
Socrates
Soc. And you your goddess, my friend. But the question calls for an answer, all the same.
Protarchus
Pro. Socrates is right, Philebus; you ought to do as he asks.
Philebus
Phi. Did you not, Protarchus, elect to reply in my place?
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