[186] Mr. Cumberland, in the ‘Observer,’ has made a violent attack on the moral character of Socrates. Mr. Mitchell has taken a more moderate and candid tone in the ‘Preliminary Discourse’ to his translation of Aristophanes. We have to acknowledge ourselves indebted to his extensive acquaintance with the Socratic writings, for references to several valuable and characteristic passages. [187] This is described by Xenophon in his Banquet, in a passage which we must regard as his genuine recollection of a similar pleasantry on the part of Socrates. Had it been found in Plato, this might have been doubtful; but it is not Xenophon’s habit to introduce his master in this ludicrous manner. At a drinking party in the house of Callias, Socrates is introduced contesting the point of beauty with Critobulus. To prove his own superiority, he asks, “whether beauty resides in man only, or in other things?” _Critobulus._ I think, by Jupiter, that it exists in a horse also, and an ox, and many inanimate things: as, for instance, I know of a handsome shield, or sword, or spear. _Socrates._ And how is it possible that these things, being all unlike each other, should all be handsome? _Critob._ If things are well fitted for the purposes for which we have them, or are well constituted by nature for useful ends, even these things are handsome.(a) _Socr._ Do you know, then, for what you want eyes? _Critob._ Plainly, to see. _Socr._ On this ground, then, my eyes would be handsomer than yours. _Critob._ How so? _Socr._ Because yours see straight forward only; but mine, which project, can see to the side also. _Critob._ You say, then, that a crab is the best eyed of animals? _Socr._ By all means: since it has eyes the best constituted for that which is the purpose of eyes. _Critob._ Granted. But of our noses, which is the handsomest, mine or yours? _Socr._ I indeed think mine the handsomest, if the gods, in truth, made noses for us to smell with: for your nostrils point downwards to the ground, while mine are spread open, so as to collect smells from all quarters. _Critob._ But how can a pug nose be handsomer than a straight one? _Socr._ Because it constitutes no barrier, but lets the eyes look straight where they choose; but a high nose, as if out of insolence, sets a wall between the eyes. _Critob._ For the mouth, I give up: for if mouths were made to bite with, you can take a much bigger mouthful than I. _Socr._ And do you consider it no proof that I am handsomer than you that the Naiads, who are goddesses, have for children Sileni, who are more like me than you? _Critob._ I have nothing to say in reply: but let the votes be taken, that I may know as soon as possible what penalty I incur. Verdict for Critobulus.