Or again, if it be sweet to win from willing hearts the things we seek
for, I am persuaded that, by the eloquence of silence, I could win a
kiss from yonder girl or boy more speedily than ever you could, O
sage! by help of half a hundred subtle arguments.

Eh, bless my ears, what's that? (Socrates broke in upon this final
flourish of the speaker). So beautiful you claim to rival me, you
boaster?

Crit. Why, yes indeed, I hope so, or else I should be uglier than all
the Silenuses in the Satyric drama.[33]

[33] The MSS. add ["to whom, be it noted, Socrates indeed bore a
marked resemblance"]. Obviously a gloss. Cf. Aristoph. "Clouds,"
224; Plat. "Symp." 215 B.

Good! (Socrates rejoined); the moment the programme of discussion is
concluded,[34] please remember, we must obtain a verdict on the point
of beauty. Judgment shall be given--not at the bar of Alexander, son
of Priam--but of these[35] who, as you flatter yourself, have such a
hankering to kiss you.

[34] Lit. "the arguments proposed have gone the round."

[35] i.e. "the boy and girl." Al. "the present company, who are so
eager to bestow on you their kisses."

Oh, Socrates (he answered, deprecatingly), will you not leave it to
the arbitrament of Cleinias?