303–304
Stranger
Str. Why, the refiners first remove earth and stones and all that sort of thing; and after that there remain the precious substances which are mixed with the gold and akin to it and can be removed only by fire—copper and silver and sometimes adamant. Plat. Tim. 59 B, defines adamant as χρυσοῦ ὄζος a branch of gold. It was, then, a substance akin to gold. Platinum has been suggested. These are removed by the difficult processes of smelting and tests, leaving before our eyes what is called unalloyed gold in all its purity.
10
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Yes, that is said, at least, to be the process.
Stranger
Str. By the same method I think all that is different and alien and incompatible has now been eliminated by us from the science of statesmanship, and what is precious and akin to it is left. Herein are included the arts of the general and of the judge and that kind of oratory which partakes of the kingly art because it persuades men to justice and thereby helps to steer the ship of state. Now in what way shall we most easily eliminate these and show him whom we seek alone by himself and undisguised?
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. Clearly we must do this somehow.
Stranger
Str. Then if it is a question of trying, he will be shown. But I think we had better try to disclose him by means of music. Please answer my question.
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. What is it?
Stranger
Str. Shall we agree that there is such a thing as learning music and the sciences of handicraft in general?
5
Younger Socrates
Y. Soc. There is.
