Do orators have great power?

PolusSo what are you saying? Does rhetoric seem to you to be flattery?

SocratesNo—I called it a part of flattery. But don’t you remember, Polus, at your age? What will you do before long?

PolusThen do the good orators seem to you to be regarded as worthless in their cities, being flatterers?

466bSocratesIs that a question you’re asking, or the beginning of some speech you’re making?

PolusI’m asking.

SocratesTo me they don’t seem to be regarded at all.

PolusWhat, not regarded? Don’t they have the greatest power in the cities?

SocratesNo—if you say that having power is a good for the one who has it.

PolusBut I do say so.