I think that Protagoras was really made ashamed by these words of
Alcibiades, and when the prayers of Callias and the company were
superadded, he was at last induced to argue, and said that I might ask and
he would answer.
So I said: Do not imagine, Protagoras, that I have any other interest in
asking questions of you but that of clearing up my own difficulties. For I
think that Homer was very right in saying that
'When two go together, one sees before the other (Il.),'
for all men who have a companion are readier in deed, word, or thought; but
if a man
'Sees a thing when he is alone,'
he goes about straightway seeking until he finds some one to whom he may
show his discoveries, and who may confirm him in them. And I would rather
hold discourse with you than with any one, because I think that no man has
a better understanding of most things which a good man may be expected to
understand, and in particular of virtue. For who is there, but you?--who
not only claim to be a good man and a gentleman, for many are this, and yet
have not the power of making others good--whereas you are not only good
yourself, but also the cause of goodness in others. Moreover such
confidence have you in yourself, that although other Sophists conceal their
profession, you proclaim in the face of Hellas that you are a Sophist or
teacher of virtue and education, and are the first who demanded pay in
return.
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