278
Socrates
Socrates. We have amused ourselves with talk about words long enough. Go and tell Lysias that you and I came down to the fountain and sacred place of the nymphs, and heard words which they told us to repeat to Lysias and anyone else who composed speeches, and to Homer or any other who has composed poetry with or without musical accompaniment, and third to Solon and whoever has written political compositions which he calls laws: If he has composed his writings with knowledge of the truth, and is able to support them by discussion of that which he has written, and has the power to show by his own speech that the written words are of little worth, such a man ought not to derive his title from such writings, but from the serious pursuit which underlies them.
Phaedrus
Phaedrus. What titles do you grant them then?
Socrates
Socrates. I think, Phaedrus, that the epithet wise is too great and befits God alone; but the name philosopher, that is, lover of wisdom, or something of the sort would be more fitting and modest for such a man.
5
Phaedrus
Phaedrus. And quite appropriate.
Socrates
Socrates. On the other hand, he who has nothing more valuable than the things he has composed or written, turning his words up and down at his leisure, adding this phrase and taking that away, will you not properly address him as poet or writer of speeches or of laws?
Phaedrus
Phaedrus. Certainly.
Socrates
Socrates. Tell this then to your friend.
Phaedrus
Phaedrus. But what will you do? For your friend ought not to be passed by.
10
Socrates
Socrates. What friend?
