Ion. Of course not.
Socrates. He would know, however, what a man, who is a general, should say when exhorting his troops?
Ion. Yes; a rhapsodist would know that.
Socrates. How! is rhapsody and strategy the same art?
Ion. I know what it is fitting for a general to say.
Socrates. Probably because you are learned in war, O Ion. For if you are equally expert in horsemanship and playing on the harp, you would know whether a man rode well or ill. But if I should ask you which understands riding best, a horseman or a harper, what would you answer?
Ion. A horseman, of course.
Socrates. And if you knew a good player on the harp, you would in the same way say that he understood harp-playing and not riding?
Ion. Certainly.
Socrates. Since you understand strategy, you can tell me which is the most excellent, the art of war or rhapsody?