Section 595

And truly, I said, many other considerations assure me that we were entirely right in our organization of the state, and especially, I think, in the matter of poetry. 1 What about it? he said. In refusing to admit 2 at all so much of it as is imitative 3 ; for that it is certainly not to be received is, I think, still more plainly apparent now that we have distinguished the several parts 4 of the soul. What do you mean? Why, between ourselves 5 —for you will not betray me to the tragic poets and all other imitators—that kind of art seems to be a corruption 6 of the mind of all listeners who do not possess, as an antidote 7 a knowledge of its real nature. What is your idea in saying this? he said. I must speak out, I said, though a certain love and reverence for Homer 8 that has possessed me from a boy would stay me from speaking. For he appears to have been the first teacher and beginner of all these beauties of tragedy. Yet all the same we must not honor a man above truth, 9 but, as I say, speak our minds. By all means, he said. Listen, then, or rather, answer my question. Ask it, he said. Could you tell me in general what imitation is? For neither do I myself quite apprehend what it would be at. It is likely, then, 10 he said, that I should apprehend!