233–234
Stranger
Str. If anyone should say that by virtue of a single art he knew how, not to assert or dispute, but to do and make all things—
Theaetetus
Theaet. What do you mean by all things?
Stranger
Str. You fail to grasp the very beginning of what I said; for apparently you do not understand the word all.
Theaetetus
Theaet. No, I do not.
Stranger
Str. I mean you and me among the all, and the other animals besides, and the trees.
30
Theaetetus
Theaet. What do you mean?
Stranger
Str. If one should say that he would make you and me and all other created beings.
Theaetetus
Theaet. What would he mean by making? Evidently you will not say that he means a husbandman; for you said he was a maker of animals also.
Stranger
Str. Yes, and of sea and earth and heaven and gods and everything else besides; and, moreover, he makes them all quickly and sells them for very little.
Theaetetus
Theaet. This is some joke of yours.
Stranger
Str. Yes? And when a man says that he knows all things and can teach them to another for a small price in a little time, must we not consider that a joke?
Theaetetus
Theaet. Surely we must.
5
Stranger
Str. And is there any more artistic or charming kind of joke than the imitative kind?
Theaetetus
Theaet. Certainly not; for it is of very frequent occurrence and, if I may say so, most diverse. Your expression is very comprehensive.
