Pagina 840 de 1391

(Socrates expresses himself carelessly in accordance with his

assumed ignorance of the details of the subject. In the first

part of the sentence he appears to be speaking of paeonic rhythms

which are in the ratio of 3/2; in the second part, of dactylic

and anapaestic rhythms, which are in the ratio of 1/1; in the

last clause, of iambic and trochaic rhythms, which are in the

ratio of 1/2 or 2/1.)

Rather so, I should say.

But there is no difficulty in seeing that grace or the absence of

grace is an effect of good or bad rhythm.

None at all.

And also that good and bad rhythm naturally assimilate to a good

and bad style; and that harmony and discord in like manner follow

style; for our principle is that rhythm and harmony are regulated

by the words, and not the words by them.

Just so, he said, they should follow the words.

And will not the words and the character of the style depend on

the temper of the soul?

Yes.

And everything else on the style?

Yes.