Right.
But then, again, a beginning and an end are the limits of
everything?
Certainly.
Then the one, having neither beginning nor end, is unlimited?
Yes, unlimited.
And therefore formless; for it cannot partake either of round or
straight.
But why?
Why, because the round is that of which all the extreme points are
equidistant from the centre?
Yes.
And the straight is that of which the centre intercepts the view
of the extremes?
True.
Then the one would have parts and would be many, if it partook
either of a straight or of a circular form?
Assuredly.
But having no parts, it will be neither straight nor round?
Right.
And, being of such a nature, it cannot be in any place, for it
cannot be either in another or in itself.
How so?
Because if it were in another, it would be encircled by that in
which it was, and would touch it at many places and with many parts;
but that which is one and indivisible, and does not partake of a
circular nature, cannot be touched all round in many places.
Certainly not.
But if, on the other hand, one were in itself, it would also be
contained by nothing else but itself; that is to say, if it were
really in itself; for nothing can be in anything which does not
contain it.
Impossible.
But then, that which contains must be other than that which is
contained? for the same whole cannot do and suffer both at once; and
if so, one will be no longer one, but two?
True.
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