Menexenus. And what shouldst thou have to say, if thou wert chosen to pronounce the oration?
Socrates. Of my own, probably nothing. But yesterday I heard Aspasia declaim a funeral oration over these same persons. She had heard, as thou sayest, that the Athenians were about to choose an orator, and she took the occasion of suggesting a series of topics proper for such an orator to select; in part extemporaneously, and in part such as she had already prepared. I think it probable that she composed the oration by interweaving such fragments of oratory as Pericles might have left.
Menexenus. Rememberest thou what Aspasia said?
Socrates. Unless I am greatly mistaken. I learned it from her; and she is so good a school-mistress, that I should have been beaten if I had not been perfect in my lesson.
Menexenus. Why not repeat it to me?
Socrates. I fear lest my mistress be angry, should I publish her discourse.
Menexenus. O, fear not. At least deliver a discourse; you will do what is exceedingly delightful to me, whether it be of Aspasia or any other. I entreat you to do me this pleasure.
Socrates. But you will laugh at me, who, being old, attempt to repeat a pleasant discourse.
Menexenus. O no, Socrates; I entreat you to speak, however it may be.
Socrates. I see that I must do what you require. In a little while, if you should ask me to strip naked and dance, I shall be unable to refuse you, at least, if we are alone. Now, listen. She spoke thus, if I recollect, beginning with the dead, in whose honour the oration is supposed to have been delivered.