STRANGER: And when I spoke of not-being as indescribable and unspeakable

and unutterable, in using each of these words in the singular, did I not

refer to not-being as one?

THEAETETUS: Certainly.

STRANGER: And yet we say that, strictly speaking, it should not be

defined as one or many, and should not even be called 'it,' for the use

of the word 'it' would imply a form of unity.

THEAETETUS: Quite true.

STRANGER: How, then, can any one put any faith in me? For now, as

always, I am unequal to the refutation of not-being. And therefore, as

I was saying, do not look to me for the right way of speaking about

not-being; but come, let us try the experiment with you.

THEAETETUS: What do you mean?

STRANGER: Make a noble effort, as becomes youth, and endeavour with all

your might to speak of not-being in a right manner, without introducing

into it either existence or unity or plurality.

THEAETETUS: It would be a strange boldness in me which would attempt the

task when I see you thus discomfited.

Sophist