'You have capitally expressed my weakness by your simile
(τὴν νόσον μου ἀπείκασας). I, however, am stouter
(ἰσχυρικώτερος) than they; for before now many and many a
Hercules and Theseus' (meaning, of course, many Sophists),
'on meeting me, men brave at talk, have pounded me right
well; but I don't give it up for all that, so strong a
passion has taken possession of my soul for this kind of
exercise. Therefore, do not refuse on your part to prepare
for a contest with me, and so to benefit yourself and me
alike.'
We see no reason whatever why the above should have been diluted down
to such a version as this:--
'I see, Theodorus, that you perfectly apprehend the nature
of my complaint; but I am even more pugnacious than the
giants of old, for I have met with no end of heroes. Many a
Hercules, many a Theseus, mighty in words, have broken my
head; nevertheless, I am always at this rough game, which
inspires me like a passion. Please, then, to indulge me
with a trial, for your own edification as well as mine.'