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Then now I think you will have no difficulty in understanding my

meaning when I asked the question whether the end of anything

would be that which could not be accomplished, or not so well

accomplished, by any other thing?

I understand your meaning, he said, and assent.

And that to which an end is appointed has also an excellence?

Need I ask again whether the eye has an end?

It has.

And has not the eye an excellence?

Yes.

And the ear has an end and an excellence also?

True.

And the same is true of all other things; they have each of them

an end and a special excellence?

That is so.

Well, and can the eyes fulfil their end if they are wanting in

their own proper excellence and have a defect instead?

How can they, he said, if they are blind and cannot see?