Pagina 426 di 1391

Having come to years of discretion, we know that poetry is not

truth, and that a man should be careful how he introduces her to

that state or constitution which he himself is; for there is a

mighty issue at stake-no less than the good or evil of a human

soul. And it is not worth while to forsake justice and virtue for

the attractions of poetry, any more than for the sake of honour

or wealth. 'I agree with you.'

And yet the rewards of virtue are greater far than I have

described. 'And can we conceive things greater still?' Not,

perhaps, in this brief span of life: but should an immortal being

care about anything short of eternity? 'I do not understand what

you mean?' Do you not know that the soul is immortal? 'Surely you

are not prepared to prove that?' Indeed I am. 'Then let me hear

this argument, of which you make so light.'