Socrates. And I will find leisure some day or other to request you to favour me so far. At present, I will only trouble you with one question. Do you excel in explaining Homer alone, or are you conscious of a similar power with regard to Hesiod and Archilochus?
Ion. I possess this high degree of skill with regard to Homer alone, and I consider that sufficient.
Socrates. Are there any subjects upon which Homer and Hesiod say the same things?
Ion. Many, as it seems to me.
Socrates. Whether do you demonstrate these things better in Homer or Hesiod?
Ion. In the same manner, doubtless; inasmuch as they say the same words with regard to the same things.
Socrates. But with regard to those things in which they differ;—Homer and Hesiod both treat of divination, do they not?
Ion. Certainly.
Socrates. Do you think that you or a diviner would make the best exposition, respecting all that these poets say of divination, both as they agree and as they differ?
Ion. A diviner probably.