cr. But, Hermogenes, do you regard it as easy to learn and teach any subject that quickly, let alone such a weighty one, which seems to be of the utmost importance?

he. By Zeus, I don't. But Hesiod's saying seems to me fine, that it is helpful ‘even if one should store little upon little’. So, if you're able to bring us even little progress, don't shirk the trouble, but be kind to Socrates here – you owe it to him – and myself.

so. Furthermore, Cratylus, I myself for my part wouldn't confidently maintain any of the things I've said [οὐδὲν ἂν ἰσχυρισαίμην ὧν εἴρηκα]; I just inquired together with Hermogenes following what seemed right to me. So, as far as this problem is concerned, don't be afraid and speak, if you've got something better to say: be assured that I'll accept it. And if you've got something finer than these things to say, I wouldn't be surprised. For you seem to me to have both thoroughly examined such matters by yourself and learnt them from others. […]