The Works of Plato

"Now, when the one fleeing has no possibility to flee but is discovered, this results in great stupidity regarding the venture and necessarily causes even greater displeasure among people, as they think that this man is, besides everything else, also treacherous. I, however, have taken the path completely opposite to this: I admit that I am a sophist and that I educate people, and I think this precaution is better than that—it is better to confess than to deny. Well, I have observed other precautions too, so that, to say it in a good hour original: "σὺν θεῷ εἰπεῖν.", I have suffered nothing terrible because of admitting that I am a sophist, although I have been in this occupation for many years, and my age is very great: there is not one among you all to whom I would not be a father in age original: "This does not apply to Hippias and Prodicus, who have not yet joined the other interlocutors. Protagoras somewhat exaggerates his old age. Born around 485 BC, he could have been between 50 and 55 at the supposed time of this conversation.". Thus, it is much more pleasant for me that you, if you want anything, speak about it before everyone present here."

And I, noticing that he wanted to show off to Prodicus and Hippias and boast before them that we came as his admirers—so I say—"What if we call Prodicus and Hippias and those with them so that they may hear us?"

"Of course," said Protagoras.

"So would you like," said Callias, "for us to arrange a general meeting so that you can converse in a comfortable position?"

This seemed practical; and we all, rejoicing that we would listen to wise men, took benches and beds ourselves and arranged them around Hippias, as benches were already standing there before. At this time, Critias and Alcibiades arrived, leading Prodicus, whom they had lifted from his bed, and those who were with Prodicus.

IX. When we all sat down together, Protagoras spoke thus: