242
Phaedrus
Phaedrus. That is not exactly a declaration of war! But how is this, and what is the discourse?
Socrates
Socrates. My good friend, when I was about to cross the stream, the spirit and the sign that usually comes to me came—it always holds me back from something I am about to do—and I thought I heard a voice from it which forbade my going away before clearing my conscience, as if I had committed some sin against deity. Now I am a seer, not a very good one, but, as the bad writers say, good enough for my own purposes; so now I understand my error. How prophetic the soul is, my friend! For all along, while I was speaking my discourse, something troubled me, and as Ibycus says, I was distressed lest I be buying honor among men by sinning against the gods.Ibycus Frag. 24, Bergk.But now I have seen my error.
5
Phaedrus
Phaedrus. What do you mean?
Socrates
Socrates. Phaedrus, a dreadful speech it was, a dreadful speech, the one you brought with you, and the one you made me speak.
Phaedrus
Phaedrus. How so?
Socrates
Socrates. It was foolish, and somewhat impious. What could be more dreadful than that?
Phaedrus
Phaedrus. Nothing, if you are right about it.
10
Socrates
Socrates. Well, do you not believe that Love is the son of Aphrodite and is a god?
Phaedrus
Phaedrus. So it is said.
Socrates
Socrates. Yes, but not by Lysias, nor by your speech which was spoken by you through my mouth that you bewitched.
