64–65
Socrates
Soc. What element, then, of the mixture would appear to us to be the most precious and also the chief cause why such a state is beloved of all? When we have discovered this, we will then consider whether it is more closely attached and more akin to pleasure or to mind in the universe.
Protarchus
Pro. Right; for that is most serviceable to us in forming our judgement.
Socrates
Soc. And it is quite easy to see the cause which makes any mixture whatsoever either of the highest value or of none at all.
Protarchus
Pro. What do you mean?
Socrates
Soc. Why, everybody knows that.
15
Protarchus
Pro. Knows what?
Socrates
Soc. That any compound, however made, which lacks measure and proportion, must necessarily destroy its components and first of all itself; for it is in truth no compound, but an uncompounded jumble, and is always a misfortune to those who possess it.
Protarchus
Pro. Perfectly true.
Socrates
Soc. So now the power of the good has taken refuge in the nature of the beautiful; for measure and proportion are everywhere identified with beauty and virtue.
Protarchus
Pro. Certainly.
20
Socrates
Soc. We said that truth also was mingled with them in the compound.
Protarchus
Pro. Certainly.
Socrates
Soc. Then if we cannot catch the good with the aid of one idea, let us run it down with three—beauty, proportion, and truth, and let us say that these, considered as one, may more properly than all other components of the mixture be regarded as the cause, and that through the goodness of these the mixture itself has been made good.
Protarchus
Pro. Quite right.
