The wise man, as the proverb says, is late for a fray, but not for a feast.
Socrates
And are we late for a feast?
Callicles
Yes, and a delightful feast; for Gorgias has just been exhibiting to us many fine things.
Socrates
It is not my fault, Callicles; our friend Chaerephon is to blame; for he would keep us loitering in the Agora.
Chaerephon
Never mind, Socrates; the misfortune of which I have been the cause I will also repair; for Gorgias is a friend of mine, and I will make him give the exhibition again either now, or, if you prefer, at some other time.
Callicles
What is the matter, Chaerephon—does Socrates want to hear Gorgias?
Chaerephon
Yes, that was our intention in coming.
Callicles
Come into my house, then; for Gorgias is staying with me, and he shall exhibit to you.
Socrates
Very good, Callicles; but will he answer our questions? for I want to hear from him what is the nature of his art, and what it is which he professes and teaches; he may, as you (Chaerephon) suggest, defer the exhibition to some other time.
Callicles
There is nothing like asking him, Socrates; and indeed to answer questions is a part of his exhibition, for he was saying only just now, that anyone in my house might put any question to him, and that he would answer.
Socrates
How fortunate! will you ask him, Chaerephon—?
Chaerephon
What shall I ask him?
Socrates
Ask him who he is.
Chaerephon
What do you mean?
Socrates
