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30 THEORIES OF STYLE IN LITERATURE
PJuedr. I think that I understand you; but will you explain
yourself ?
Soc. When any one speaks of iron and silver, is not the
same thing present in the minds of all ?
Phadr.
Certainly.
Soc. But when any one speaks of justice and goodness
we part company and are at odds with one another and with
ourselves ?
Phadr.
Precisely.
Soc. Then in some things we agree, but not in others ?
Phadr.
Soc.
That is true.
In which are we more likely to be deceived, and in
which has rhetoric the greater power
?
Phcedr.
Soc.
Clearly, in the uncertain class.
Then the rhetorician ought to make a regular division,
and acquire a distinct notion of both classes,
as well of that
in which the many err, as of that in which they do not err ?
Phadr.
excellent principle.
He who made such a distinction would have an
Soc. Yes; and in the next place he must have a keen eye
for the observation of particulars in speaking, and not make
a mistake about the class to which they are to be referred.
Phadr.
Certainly.
Soc. Now to which class does love belong to the debatable
or to the undisputed class ?
Pluedr. To the debatable, clearly ;
for if not, do you think
that love would have allowed you to say as you did, that he is
an evil both to the lover and the beloved, and also the greatest
possible good ?
Soc. Capital. But will you
tell me whether I denned love
at the beginning of my speech ? for, having been in an ecstasy,
I cannot well remember.
Phadr. Yes, indeed ; that you did, and no mistake.