Ion. In the same manner, doubtless; inasmuch as they say the same words with regard to the same things.
Socrates. But with regard to those things in which they differ;—Homer and Hesiod both treat of divination, do they not?
Ion. Certainly.
Socrates. Do you think that you or a diviner would make the best exposition, respecting all that these poets say of divination, both as they agree and as they differ?
Ion. A diviner probably.
Socrates. Suppose you were a diviner, do you not think that you could explain the discrepancies of those poets on the subject of your profession, if you understand their agreement?
Ion. Clearly so.
Socrates. How does it happen then that you are possessed of skill to illustrate Homer, and not Hesiod, or any other poet in an equal degree? Is the subject-matter of the poetry of Homer different from all other poets'? Does he not principally treat of war and social intercourse, and of the distinct functions and characters of the brave man and the coward, the professional and private person, the mutual relations which subsist between the Gods and men; together with the modes of their intercourse, the phænomena of Heaven, the secrets of Hades, and the origin of Gods and heroes? Are not these the materials from which Homer wrought his poem?
Ion. Assuredly, O Socrates.
Socrates. And the other poets, do they not treat of the same matter?
Ion. Certainly: but not like Homer.
Socrates. How! Worse?
Ion. Oh! far worse.
Socrates. Then Homer treats of them better than they?
