PROTAGORAS.

St. I. p. 309

I. Friend. Where do you appear from, Socrates? Or is it already clear that you are coming from the hunt for the ripened beauty original: "Περὶ τὴν Ἀλκιβιάδου ὥραν." of Alcibiades? To me, as I saw him recently, he seemed a beautiful man, but still a man, Socrates—so that, between us, he is already growing a beard little by little.

B.

Socrates. So what of it? Would you not praise Homer when he says that the most pleasant time of youth is when the mustache begins to grow original: "Χαριεστάτην ἥβην εἶναι τοῦ ὑπηνήτου" — the word "hypenetes" cannot be translated literally; it comes from "hypene"—the upper lip, the part of the face between the nose and mouth.—the very thing that is now happening with Alcibiades.

Fr. Well, how are things now? Are you coming from him? And how is the youth disposed toward you?

Socr. Good, it seemed to me, especially this day; as he spoke much for me—in my defense; I am coming straight from him; and I want to tell you something incredible, namely, that in his presence I did not pay any attention to him, and often simply forgot about him.

Fr. And what is this so great thing that has come between you and him? Surely you haven't stumbled upon someone else, more beautiful than him in this very city?

Socr. And much more beautiful.

Fr. What are you saying? A local or a foreigner?

Socr. A foreigner.

Fr. From where?

Socr. An Abderite.