Alc. So it seems.
Soc. And anyone who gets to know something belonging to the body knows the things that are his, but not himself.
Alc. That is so.
Soc. Then no physician, in so far as he is a physician, knows himself, nor does any trainer, in so far as he is a trainer.
Alc. It seems not.
Soc. And farmers, and craftsmen generally, are far from knowing themselves. For these people, it would seem, do not even know their own things, but only things still more remote than their own things, in respect of the arts which they follow; since they know but the things of the body, with which it is tended.
Alc. That is true.
Soc. So if knowing oneself is temperance, none of these people is temperate in respect of his art.
Alc. None, I agree.
Soc. And that is why these arts are held to be sordid, and no acquirements for a good man.
Alc. Quite so.
Soc. Then once again, whoever tends his body tends his own things, but not himself?
Alc. It looks rather like it.
Soc. But whoever tends his money tends neither himself nor his own things, but only things yet more remote than his own things?
Alc. I agree.
Soc. So that the money-maker has ceased to do his own business.
Alc. Correct.
Soc. And if anyone is found to be a lover of Alcibiades’ body, he has fallen in love, not with Alcibiades, but with something belonging to Alcibiades?
Alc. That is true.
Soc. Your lover is rather he who loves your soul?
Alc. He must be, apparently, by our argument.
Soc. And he who loves your body quits you, and is gone, as soon as its bloom is over?
Alc. Apparently.
Soc. Whereas he who loves your soul will not quit you so long as it makes for what is better?
Alc. So it seems.
Soc. And I am he who does not quit you, but remains with you when your body’s prime is over, and the rest have departed.
Alc. Yes, and I am glad of it, Socrates, and hope you will not go.
Soc. Then you must endeavor to be as handsome as you can.
Alc. Well, I shall endeavor.
Soc. You see how you stand: Alcibiades, the son of Cleinias, it seems, neither had nor has any lover except one only, and that a cherished one, Socrates, the son of Sophroniscus and Phaenarete.
Alc. True.
Soc. And you said that I only just anticipated you in coming to you, for otherwise you would have come to me first for the purpose of inquiring why I am the only one who does not leave you?
Alc. Yes, that was so.