some good thing rather than of those who have an art to deceive. It
may well be that I fail to express myself in subtle language,[7] nor
do I pretend to aim at subtlety; what I do aim at is to express
rightly-conceived thoughts such as may serve the need of those who
have been nobly disciplined in virtue; for it is not words and names
that give instruction, but thoughts and sentiments worthy the name.

[1] Cf. Isocr. "Against the Sophists"; "Antidosis"; "Hel. Encom.";
Plat. "Sophist."

[2] Who are these {oi nun sophistai}?

[3] Lit. "do they present writings to the world."

[4] Or, "as to certain weightier matters gravely."

[5] {remata} = "words and phrases"; {ynomai} = "moral maxims, just
thoughts."

[6] "Being myself but a private individual and a plain man." According
to Hartman, "A. X. N." p. 350, "ridicule detorquet Hesiodeum":

{outos men panaristos os auto panta noese
esthlos d' au kakeinos os eu eiponti pithetai}.

[7] Al. "in true sophistic style." The writer seems to say: "I lack
subtlety of expression (nor is that at all my object); what I do
aim at is to trace with some exactness, to present with the
lucidity appropriate to them, certain thoughts demanded by persons
well educated in the school of virtue."