EVAGORAS. I confefs, I am; and I look upon them as an agreeable exercise to the mind. I fee that you are acquainted with my weak fide, by your falling upon this method of drawing my at tention. SOCRATES. The univerfe, Evagoras, is an allegorical picture. Exercise then your faculties to find out its meaning, by arising in your thoughts to that fovereign Mind, who dwells within this veil that conceals his effence from mortal eyes: employ your intellectual and moral powers in difcovering the defigns of this heavenly Parent, who will make himself known to thofe that feek after him, and will be found of fuch as fincerely endeavour to draw near unto him. This is the Religion of the heart; this is that true, that divine Philofophy, which alone is adapted to purify our affections, to to calm our anxieties, and to render man both happy and wife. EVAGORAS. I am thoroughly perfuaded that this alone is true wifdom: THINK and SEARCH. Don't imagine, Socrates, that I fhall ever forget those two words, or the useful commentary that you have made upon them. The end of the Third Dialogue. DIALOGUE IV. Concerning Diffimulation. I SOCRATES, EVAGORAS. SOCRATES. Suppofe, Evagoras, you have been going through your exercises at the Academy? EVAGORAS. Yes, Socrates; you know that they ufually end at this hour. SOCRATES. 'Tis true, I faw you coming from thence yesterday about this time; but, I think, you had not fuch a chearful countenance, as to day. EVAGORA S. That was because I had not the pleafure of meeting Socrates. SOCRATES. This is at least obligingly said; but, lay laying afide all compliments, I must tell you, there was fomething more than this, in the cafe ;-you were angry, Evagoras;-I faw refentment painted in your looks. EVA GORA S. In my looks, Socrates! SOCRATES. Yes, Evagoras, in your looks; there was fomething or other, that ftung you inwardly, and rendered you uneasy. EVA GORA S. What makes you think fo? SOCRATES. I perceived it by the dry and abrupt answers you gave to one who spoke to you. EVA GORA S. To whom? SOCRATES. To Agonistes the fon of Timias. Pray what had he done to deferve this? EVA GORA S. Agoniftes! SOCRA SOCRATES, Yes; you refufed to wrestle with him. EVA GORA S. I confefs it, Socrates; and I think I had fome reafon for this refufal. SOCRATES. There is fomething in all this, that wants to be cleared up. Tell me honestly, Evagoras, what it was that displeas you in this youth? ed EVAGORAS. The other day, Socrates, he aimed his Quoit in fo aukward a manner, that it ftruck against my arm, and bruised it violently. SOCRATES. Surely, Evagoras, this alone could not offend you. Such an accident may give pain, but fhould never excite refentment: we may be forry that it should have happened, but should by no means lay the blame upon those who have been, innocently, the occafion of it. -Pray |