Ion. You say the truth, Socrates. Yet, I am surprised that you should be able to persuade me that I am possessed and insane when I praise Homer. I think I shall not appear such to you when you hear me.
Socrates. I desire to hear you, but not before you have answered me this one question. What subject does Homer treat best? for, surely, he does not treat all equally.
Ion. You are aware that he treats of every thing.
Socrates. Does Homer mention subjects on which you are ignorant?
Ion. What can those be?
Socrates. Does not Homer frequently dilate on various arts—on chariot-driving, for instance? if I remember the verses I will repeat them.
Ion. I will repeat them, for I remember them.
Socrates. Repeat what Nestor says to his son Antilochus, counselling him to be cautious in turning, during the chariot-race at the funeral games of Patroclus.
Ion (repeats).
[Greek: Autos dè klinthênai eüplektôeni díphrô]
[Greek: Êk' ep' aristera toiin atar ton dexion ippon]
[Greek: Kensai omoklêsas, eTxai te oi ênia chersín.]
[Greek: 'En nussê de toi ippos aristesos enchrimphthêtô,]
[Greek: 'Ôs än toi plêmnê ge doássetai äkron ikésthai]
[Greek: Kuklou poiêtoio lithou d' aleasthai epaurein.]
Il. [Greek: ps]. 335.
Socrates. Enough. Now, O Ion, would a physician or a charioteer be the better judge as to Homer's sagacity on this subject?
Ion. Of course, a charioteer.
Socrates. Because he understands the art—or from what other reason?
Ion. From his knowledge of the art.
Socrates. For one science is not gifted with the power of judging of another—a steersman, for instance, does not understand medicine?
