Callicles
Socrates
Chaerephon
Gorgias
Polus
Scene: The house of Callicles
Callicles: The wise man, as the proverb says, is late for a fray, but not for a feast.
Socrates: And are we late for a feast?
Callicles: Yes, and a delightful feast; for Gorgias has just been exhibiting to us many fine things.
Socrates: It is not my fault, Callicles; our friend Chaerephon is to blame; for he would keep us loitering in the Agora.
Chaerephon: Never mind, Socrates; the misfortune of which I have been the cause I will also repair; for Gorgias is a friend of mine, and I will make him give the exhibition again either now, or, if you prefer, at some other time.
Callicles: What is the matter, Chaerephon—does Socrates want to hear Gorgias?
Chaerephon: Yes, that was our intention in coming.
Callicles: Come into my house, then; for Gorgias is staying with me, and he shall exhibit to you.
Socrates: Very good, Callicles; but will he answer our questions? for I want to hear from him what is the nature of his art, and what it is which he professes and teaches; he may, as you (Chaerephon) suggest, defer the exhibition to some other time.
Callicles: There is nothing like asking him, Socrates; and indeed to answer questions is a part of his exhibition, for he was saying only just now, that anyone in my house might put any question to him, and that he would answer.
Socrates: How fortunate! will you ask him, Chaerephon—?
Chaerephon: What shall I ask him?
Socrates: Ask him who he is.
Chaerephon: What do you mean?
Socrates: I mean such a question as would elicit from him, if he had been a maker of shoes, the answer that he is a cobbler. Do you understand?
Chaerephon: I understand, and will ask him: Tell me, Gorgias, is our friend Callicles right in saying that you undertake to answer any questions which you are asked?
Gorgias: Quite right, Chaerephon: I was saying as much only just now; and I may add, that many years have elapsed since anyone has asked me a new one.
Chaerephon: Then you must be very ready, Gorgias.
Gorgias: Of that, Chaerephon, you can make trial.