2. He answered, "In Argos I was taught by Corinthus, the So-
J U S T I N M E E T S T R Y P H O
c h a p t e r 1 Early one morning as I was walking along the colonnades of the gymnasium,1 a man, accompanied by some friends, came up to me and said, "Good morning, Philosopher." Whereupon, he and his friends walked along beside me.
After returning his greeting, I asked, "What is the matter? Is there anything special you wish of me?"
2. He answered, "In Argos I was taught by Corinthus, the Socratic philosopher, never to slight or ignore those who wear that gown of yours,2 but to show them every consideration and to converse with them, since from such a conversation some good might be derived by them or myself. It would be to the advantage of both if either should benefit from this meeting. Accordingly, whenever I see anyone wearing such a gown, I gladly accost him. So, for this same reason, it has been a pleasure to greet you. These friends of mine share my hope of hearing something profitable from you."
Copyright © 2003. Catholic University of America Press. All rights reserved.
3. "Which mortal man are you, my fine fellow?" 3 I asked with a smile.
He did not hesitate to tell me his name and background.
1. In the city of Ephesus, according to Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 4.18, but more likely Caesarea. See new Introduction, n 6. For a similar mise-en-scène see G. W. Clarke, trans., The Octavius of Marcus Minucius Felix, ACW 39 (1974),
52 and 172–74 n 17. For an acute stylistic analysis of this opening chapter, see
H. F. Stander (cited in new Introduction, n 13).
2. Philosophers wore a cloak (trivbwn, a shabby sort of gown). See J. C. M. van Winden, An Early Christian Philosopher: Justin Martyr's Dialogue with Trypho,
Chapters One to Nine. (Leiden: Brill, 1971), 23–25.
3. Homer, The Iliad 6.123, trans. M. Reck (New York: Icon Editions, 1995).
Justin, Martyr, Saint. Dialogue with Trypho (Selections from the Fathers of the Church, Volume 3), edited by Michael Slusser, Catholic University of America Press, 2003. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/nottingham/de
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