Before leaving
SocratesIsocrates is still young, Phaedrus. But I want to tell you what I foresee for him.
PhaedrusWhat is that?
SocratesHis natural gifts seem to me greater than those of Lysias and his circle, and his character more noble. It would be no surprise if, as he grows older, he surpassed everyone who has ever tried his hand at speeches, as though they were children, in the very speeches he is attempting now. And if that does not satisfy him, some divine impulse may lead him to greater things. For by nature, my friend, there is a love of philosophy in that man’s mind. That is the message I send from these gods to Isocrates, my favourite; and you can give our earlier message to your favourite, Lysias.
PhaedrusI will. But let us go; the heat has eased.
SocratesShould we not pray to the gods here before we leave?
PhaedrusOf course.
SocratesDear Pan, and all the other gods who dwell here, grant that I may become beautiful within, and that whatever I have outside may be in harmony with what is within. May I regard the wise man as rich, and may I possess only so much gold as no one but a temperate person could carry or take away.
Do we need to ask for anything else, Phaedrus? I think my prayer is measured.
PhaedrusPray the same for me too; friends share everything.
SocratesLet us go.