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ἀμήχανον κτλ. I do not think there can be any doubt that Schneider is right in retaining καταπεφόρηκας, which is found in all the best and also in a majority of the inferior MSS. The word has reference to the gigantic and tempestuous numeral ἐννεακαιεικοσικαιεπτακοσιοπλασιάκις, which Socrates has by a mighty effort of exspiration—γηγενεῖ φυσήματι—hurled down upon his hearers' heads. Cf. generally Theaet. 180 A and Ar. Frogs 822—825. καταφορεῖν “contentionem vocis ad praelongum vocabulum numeri a Socrate prolati adhibendam significare potest; nec multum ab hoc abludit illa καταφορά, quam oratoribus esse inter accusandum longiorem spiritus productionem ex Hermogene refert vetus lexicon apud Stephanum Thes. T. IIII p. 109 C” (Schneider). See StephanusHase Thes. s.v., and also on καταφορικός, where the words ἀδιόριστον τέθεικε τὸν ἀντιλέγοντα, ἵνα μετὰ ἀδικίας καταφορικῷ χρώμενος λόγῳ σφόδρα πλήξῃ τοὺς ἀκούοντας are quoted from Chrysost. X p. 386 C. The reading καταπεφώρακας is much less dramatic and appropriate, and has very little MS authority (Ξ^{2}, v and two other MSS, in one of which it is only a correction).

τοῦ τε δικαίου -- ἀδίκου. These words might have been dispensed with, and accordingly Herwerden brackets them. But the point at issue, as originally raised in Book II, was the relation between Justice and Injustice, not the relation between the King and the Tyrant: and before giving his final answer, Plato does well to remind us that the King and the Tyrant are only types of Justice and Injustice. Cf. ἀγαθὸςἄδικον just below.

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  • Commentary references from this page (2):
    • Aristophanes, Frogs, 822
    • Plato, Theaetetus, 180a
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