_Socrates._ He whom, though a stranger, the Athenians often elected general; and Phanosthenes the Andrian, and Heraclides the Clazomenian, all foreigners, but whom this city has chosen, as being great men, to lead its armies, and to fill other high offices. Would not, therefore, Ion the Ephesian be elected and honoured if he were esteemed capable? Were not the Ephesians originally from Athens, and is Ephesus the least of cities? But if you spoke true, Ion, and praise Homer according to art and knowledge, you have deceived me,--since you declared that you were learned on the subject of Homer, and would communicate your knowledge to me--but you have disappointed me, and are far from keeping your word. For you will not explain in what you are so excessively clever, though I greatly desire to learn; but, as various as Proteus, you change from one thing to another, and to escape at last, you disappear in the form of a general, without disclosing your Homeric wisdom. If, therefore, you possess the learning which you promised to expound on the subject of Homer, you deceive me and are false. But if you are eloquent on the subject of this Poet, not through knowledge, but by inspiration, being possessed by him, ignorant the while of the wisdom and beauty you display, then I allow that you are no deceiver. Choose then whether you will be considered false or inspired? _Ion._ It is far better, O Socrates, to be thought inspired. _Socrates._ It is better both for you and for us, O Ion, to say that you are the inspired, and not the learned, eulogist of Homer. [Decoration] [Decoration] MENEXENUS, OR THE FUNERAL ORATION. A Fragment. Socrates _and_ Menexenus. _Socrates._ Whence comest thou, O Menexenus? from the forum? _Menexenus._ Even so; and from the senate-house. _Socrates._ What was thy business with the senate? Art thou persuaded that thou hast attained to that perfection of discipline and philosophy, from which thou mayest aspire to undertake greater matters? Wouldst thou, at thine age, my wonderful friend, assume to thyself the government of us who are thine elders, lest thy family should at any time fail in affording us a protector? _Menexenus._ Thou, O Socrates, shouldst permit and counsel me to enter into public life. I would earnestly endeavour to fit myself for the attempt. If otherwise, I would abstain. On the present occasion, I went to the senate-house, merely from having heard that the senate was about to elect one to speak concerning those who are dead. Thou knowest that the celebration of their funeral approaches? _Socrates._ Assuredly. But whom have they chosen? _Menexenus._ The election is deferred until to-morrow; I imagine that either Dion or Archinus will be chosen.