STRANGER: Say no more of ourselves; but until we find some one or other

who can speak of not-being without number, we must acknowledge that the

Sophist is a clever rogue who will not be got out of his hole.

THEAETETUS: Most true.

STRANGER: And if we say to him that he professes an art of making

appearances, he will grapple with us and retort our argument upon

ourselves; and when we call him an image-maker he will say, 'Pray what

do you mean at all by an image?'--and I should like to know, Theaetetus,

how we can possibly answer the younker's question?

THEAETETUS: We shall doubtless tell him of the images which are

reflected in water or in mirrors; also of sculptures, pictures, and

other duplicates.

STRANGER: I see, Theaetetus, that you have never made the acquaintance

of the Sophist.

THEAETETUS: Why do you think so?

STRANGER: He will make believe to have his eyes shut, or to have none.

THEAETETUS: What do you mean?