Soc. Because yours can only see just straight in front of them,
whereas mine are prominent and so projecting, they can see aslant.[5]

[5] Or, "squint sideways and command the flanks."

Crit. And amongst all animals, you will tell us that the crab has
loveliest eyes?[6] Is that your statement?

[6] Or, "is best provided in respect of eyeballs."

Soc. Decidedly, the creature has. And all the more so, since for
strength and toughness its eyes by nature are the best constructed.

Crit. Well, let that pass. To come to our two noses, which is the more
handsome, yours or mine?

Soc. Mine, I imagine, if, that is, the gods presented us with noses
for the sake of smelling. Your nostrils point to earth; but mine are
spread out wide and flat, as if to welcome scents from every quarter.

Crit. But consider, a snubness of the nose, how is that more beautiful
than straightness?[7]

[7] Or, "your straight nose." Cf. Plat. "Theaet." 209 C: Soc. "Or, if
I had further known you not only as having nose and eyes, but as
having a snub nose and prominent eyes, should I have any more
notion of you than myself and others who resemble me?" Cf. also
Aristot. "Pol." v. 9, 7: "A nose which varies from the ideal of
straightness to a hook or snub may still be a good shape and