62–63
Socrates
Soc. They are let in; and now we must turn again to the spring of pleasure. For our original plan for making the mixture, by taking first the true parts, did not succeed; because of our love of knowledge, we let all kinds of knowledge in together before pleasure.
Protarchus
Pro. Very true.
15
Socrates
Soc. So now it is time for us to consider about pleasures also, whether these, too, shall be all let loose together, or we shall let only the true ones loose at first.
Protarchus
Pro. It is much safer to let loose the true first.
Socrates
Soc. We will let them loose, then. But what next? If there are any necessary pleasures, as there were kinds of knowledge, must we not mix them with the true?
Protarchus
Pro. Of course; the necessary pleasures must certainly be added.
Socrates
Soc. And as we said it was harmless and useful to know all the arts throughout our life, if we now say the same of pleasures—that is, if it is advantageous and harmless for us to enjoy all pleasures throughout life—they must all form part of the mixture.
Protarchus
Pro. What shall we say about these pleasures, and what shall we do?
Socrates
Soc. There is no use in asking us, Protarchus; we must ask the pleasures and the arts and sciences themselves about one another.
Protarchus
Pro. What shall we ask them?
Socrates
Soc. Dear ones—whether you should be called pleasures or by any other name—would you choose to dwell with all wisdom, or with none at all? I think only one reply is possible.
5
Protarchus
Pro. What is it?
