PLATO

you have encountered anyone worth mentioning, I would gladly learn of it.

144 THEO. Indeed, Socrates, it is very worthy of my telling and your hearing, what kind of young man among the citizens I have encountered. And if he were handsome, I would be very much afraid to speak, for fear that someone might think I was in love with him; but as it is—and do not be angry with me—he is not handsome, but he resembles you in his snub-nosedness and his bulging eyes; yet he has these things less than you do. I speak without fear, therefore. For be well aware that among all those I have ever met—and I have associated with a great many—I have never perceived anyone so wonderfully gifted. For to be a quick learner, which is difficult for another, while also being exceptionally gentle, and in addition to these things to be as brave as anyone, I would neither have believed could happen, nor do I see it happening. For those who are sharp like him, and quick-witted, and have good memories, are for the most part quick-tempered and are carried away B like ships without ballast, and they tend to grow up more manic than brave; and those who are more solid/serious are somewhat sluggish toward learning and are full of forgetfulness. But he approaches learning and inquiry so smoothly and without stumbling, and effectively, with great gentleness, like a stream of oil flowing silently, so that one wonders how a person of his age can accomplish these things in such a way.

SOC. You bring good news. But whose son is he among the citizens?

THEO. I have heard the name, but I do not remember it. C But he is one of these who are approaching, the one in the