_Phæ._ Do you know how the case stands? Let me have no more of your airs; for I have that to say which will force you to speak. _Socr._ On no account say it then. _Phæ._ Nay, but I will say it. And what I have to say is an oath. For I swear to you, by whom, by what god? shall it be by this plane-tree? that unless you make a speech to me before this very tree, I will never again either shew or repeat to you another speech by any one whomsoever. _Socr._ Ah, wicked one! how well have you found out how to compel a lover of speeches to do whatever you bid him. _Phæ._ Why then do you hesitate? _Socr._ I shall not any longer, since you have sworn this oath. For how should I ever be able to debar myself of such a feast? _Phæ._ Begin then. _Socr._ Do you know then, what I mean to do? _Phæ._ About what? _Socr._ I shall speak with my face covered, that I may run through my speech as quickly as possible, and that I may not, by looking at you, be put out through shame. _Phæ._ Do but speak; and as to the rest, do as you please. 29. _Socr._ Come then, ye Muses, whether from the character of your song, ye are called tuneful[119], or whether ye derive this appellation from the musical race of the Ligyans, assist me in the tale which this best of men compels me to relate, that so his friend, who heretofore appeared to him to be wise, may now appear still more so. ----- Footnote 119: There is here a play on the words λίγειαι “tuneful,” and Λιγύων “Ligyans,” which cannot be retained in an English version. ----- There was once a boy, or rather a youth, of exceeding beauty; and he had very many lovers. One of them was a cunning fellow; who though he was no less in love than the rest, persuaded the boy that he was not in love. And once, as he was courting him, he endeavoured to persuade him that favour ought to be shewn to one who was not in love, in preference to one who was. And he spoke as follows.