Once there happened a sharp skirmish,
in which they both behaved with signal bravery; but Alcibiades
receiving a wound, Socrates threw himself before him to defend
him, and beyond any question saved him and his arms from the
enemy, and so in all justice might have challenged the prize of
valor. But the generals appearing eager to adjudge the honor to
Alcibiades, because of his rank, Socrates, who desired to increase
his thirst after glory of a noble kind, was the first to give
evidence for him, and pressed them to crown, and to decree to him
the complete suit of armor. Afterwards, in the battle of Delium,
when the Athenians were routed and Socrates with a few others was
retreating on foot, Alcibiades, who was on horseback, observed it,
and would not pass on, but stayed to shelter him from the danger,
and brought him safely off, though the enemy pressed hard upon
them, and cut off many.
He gave a box on the ear to Hipponicus, the father of Callias,
whose birth and wealth made him a person of great influence and
repute. And this he did unprovoked by any passion or quarrel
between them, but only because, in a frolic, he had agreed with
his companions to do it. People were justly offended at this
insolence, when it became known through the city; but early the
next morning, Alcibiades went to his house and knocked at the
door, and, being admitted to him, took off his outer garment, and
presenting his naked body, desired him to scourge and chastise him
as he pleased.
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