THEAETETUS: What is it?

STRANGER: You heard me say what I have always felt and still feel--that

I have no heart for this argument?

THEAETETUS: I did.

STRANGER: I tremble at the thought of what I have said, and expect that

you will deem me mad, when you hear of my sudden changes and shiftings;

let me therefore observe, that I am examining the question entirely out

of regard for you.

THEAETETUS: There is no reason for you to fear that I shall impute

any impropriety to you, if you attempt this refutation and proof; take

heart, therefore, and proceed.

STRANGER: And where shall I begin the perilous enterprise? I think that

the road which I must take is--

THEAETETUS: Which?--Let me hear.

STRANGER: I think that we had better, first of all, consider the points

which at present are regarded as self-evident, lest we may have fallen

into some confusion, and be too ready to assent to one another, fancying

that we are quite clear about them.

Sophist