Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ahoaoria 2qkpatoy2, Or , The Defence Of Socrates.
AA'as persuasive . But , from the earliest period up to the present moment of their malevolent persecution , they have been filling your ears Avith the most foul and outrageous calumnies . By those parties—Melitus , Anytus , ancl Lycon—has the AA'holc combination of libellers been biassed . Melitus took part Avith the Poets , Anytus Avith the Politicians ancl Artisans ; and Lycon Avith the Orators . So that , as 1 assured you at the commencement of my defence , I should be astonishedifaloneand in
, , , a feAV brief hours , or even clays , I could disabuse your minds of a slanderous prejudice , Avhich , for a great length of time , has occupied your attention . Athenians , you have IIOAV before you a true statement of this matter . 1 have addressed you , neither concealing , nor suppressing any circumstance that might tend to criminate myself . Although I am aAvarc , that I am an object of hatred to certain individuals , ancl the reason isbecause I fearlessly speak the truth . This is my offence , ancl
, the only ground for the present charge . And whether you take the trouble to examine it IIOAV , or at your future convenience , so you will find my assertion to be correct . Wherefore , as regards the articles of impeachment which the first class of my accusers have alleged , let this part of my defence , I beseech } 'ou suffice . But to turn to Melitus , that Avorthy patriot , as he calls himself , ancl to the rest of his coadjutors . I will now endeavour to vindicate myself against theiv particular aspersions .
The counts of their bill of indictment are various . Let us , therefore , take up the affidavits by AAdiich it is supported . In Avhat form does it run ? It affirms , that " Socrates acts Avithout discretion , corrupting the youth by teaching them not to Avorship the Gods , AA'hom the slate Avorship , but neAv ancl unknoAvn Deities . "
Such then is the tenor of this accusation . Let us narrowly examine each separate charge . For it declares I act in an improper manner , corrupting young men . NOAV 1 affirm Avith equal SIIOAV of reason , Athenians , that Melitus acts in an improper manner by speaking with graceful eloquence , and a fervent earnestness , in a cause Avhich leads men into error ancl contention , making them fussy , and to torment themselves upon topics about which
he has never concerned himself . And , that such is the real fact I will endeavor to make evident . Come , Melitus , inform me , AA'hether you deem it best to set off young men to most advantage ? He says , by all means . Prithee , go then , and avoAV , who can effect this desirable object for them . As it is obvious you are acquainted Avith some such person ; and indeed , haA r e given yourself some trouble about it . You say , you found me corrupting
them , aud you have dragged me before these youths and their guardians to accuse me to them . But , pray , go , and , as you haA'e found such fault in me , tell them , Avho can make them better men , acquainting them with his name . Do vou observe , Melitus , vou are silent and cannot
ansAver me ? But does not your taciturnity shame you ? and is it not a palpable proof of what I say , that you have not troubled yourself about the enquiry ? Yet , do inform us , most virtuous citizen , Avhat will make the youth of the state better men ? You reply , the LaAvs . 1 do not seek to know , most worth y man , Avhat restrictions , in the shape of laAvs ; but Avhat person , AVIIO has himself first studied those laAvs ? You tell me , those persons are your judges , Socrates . HOAV say you , Melitus ! That they are able to instruct the youth of the State and make them better men ? Exactly so . Is that your reply ; Avhatall ? or only some of them ? You
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ahoaoria 2qkpatoy2, Or , The Defence Of Socrates.
AA'as persuasive . But , from the earliest period up to the present moment of their malevolent persecution , they have been filling your ears Avith the most foul and outrageous calumnies . By those parties—Melitus , Anytus , ancl Lycon—has the AA'holc combination of libellers been biassed . Melitus took part Avith the Poets , Anytus Avith the Politicians ancl Artisans ; and Lycon Avith the Orators . So that , as 1 assured you at the commencement of my defence , I should be astonishedifaloneand in
, , , a feAV brief hours , or even clays , I could disabuse your minds of a slanderous prejudice , Avhich , for a great length of time , has occupied your attention . Athenians , you have IIOAV before you a true statement of this matter . 1 have addressed you , neither concealing , nor suppressing any circumstance that might tend to criminate myself . Although I am aAvarc , that I am an object of hatred to certain individuals , ancl the reason isbecause I fearlessly speak the truth . This is my offence , ancl
, the only ground for the present charge . And whether you take the trouble to examine it IIOAV , or at your future convenience , so you will find my assertion to be correct . Wherefore , as regards the articles of impeachment which the first class of my accusers have alleged , let this part of my defence , I beseech } 'ou suffice . But to turn to Melitus , that Avorthy patriot , as he calls himself , ancl to the rest of his coadjutors . I will now endeavour to vindicate myself against theiv particular aspersions .
The counts of their bill of indictment are various . Let us , therefore , take up the affidavits by AAdiich it is supported . In Avhat form does it run ? It affirms , that " Socrates acts Avithout discretion , corrupting the youth by teaching them not to Avorship the Gods , AA'hom the slate Avorship , but neAv ancl unknoAvn Deities . "
Such then is the tenor of this accusation . Let us narrowly examine each separate charge . For it declares I act in an improper manner , corrupting young men . NOAV 1 affirm Avith equal SIIOAV of reason , Athenians , that Melitus acts in an improper manner by speaking with graceful eloquence , and a fervent earnestness , in a cause Avhich leads men into error ancl contention , making them fussy , and to torment themselves upon topics about which
he has never concerned himself . And , that such is the real fact I will endeavor to make evident . Come , Melitus , inform me , AA'hether you deem it best to set off young men to most advantage ? He says , by all means . Prithee , go then , and avoAV , who can effect this desirable object for them . As it is obvious you are acquainted Avith some such person ; and indeed , haA r e given yourself some trouble about it . You say , you found me corrupting
them , aud you have dragged me before these youths and their guardians to accuse me to them . But , pray , go , and , as you haA'e found such fault in me , tell them , Avho can make them better men , acquainting them with his name . Do vou observe , Melitus , vou are silent and cannot
ansAver me ? But does not your taciturnity shame you ? and is it not a palpable proof of what I say , that you have not troubled yourself about the enquiry ? Yet , do inform us , most virtuous citizen , Avhat will make the youth of the state better men ? You reply , the LaAvs . 1 do not seek to know , most worth y man , Avhat restrictions , in the shape of laAvs ; but Avhat person , AVIIO has himself first studied those laAvs ? You tell me , those persons are your judges , Socrates . HOAV say you , Melitus ! That they are able to instruct the youth of the State and make them better men ? Exactly so . Is that your reply ; Avhatall ? or only some of them ? You