conversation instead; and if you will allow me, I will tell you
what sort of conversation."

Several of the company exclaimed at once: Be our director then
yourself. Explain what style of talk we should engage in to achieve
that object.[3]

[3] {exegou}. "Prescribe the form of words we must lay hold of to
achieve the object, and we will set to work, arch-casuist."

Nothing (he replied) would please me better than to demand of Callias
a prompt performance of his promise. He told us, you recollect, if we
would dine with him, he would give us an exhibition of his wisdom.

To which challenge Callias: That I will readily, but you on your side,
one and all, must propound some virtue of which you claim to have the
knowledge.

Socrates replied: At any rate, not one of us will have the least
objection to declaring what particular thing he claims to know as best
worth having.

Agreed (proceeded Callias); and for my part I proclaim at once what I
am proudest of. My firm belief is, I have got the gift to make my
fellow-mortals better.

Make men better! (cried Antisthenes); and pray how? by teaching them
some base mechanic art? or teaching them nobility of soul?[4]

[4] Or, "beauty and nobility of soul" ({kalokagathia}). See "Mem." I.