University of Virginia Library

Scene 4th

Socrates and his friends returning from the trial. Guards attending.
Socrates
Tis then determin'd, and I die, Athenians;
Why then I leave a base ungrateful world,
And hie me to those calm, those blessed regions
Where misery is no more, and all is peace.
Forbear, my friends; these unavailing tears
Betray unmanly weakness; tis beneath
Philosophy, to weep and grieve like women.
Compose your hearts; and bear my loss with firmness,
Like men that have not learn'd in vain my lessons.

Crito
O Socrates, th'injustice of thy country!
That thou so wise, so good, so innocent,
Shou'dst thus be sacrific'd?

Socrates
What means my Crito?
Tis better thus, than die an abject wretch,
Condemn'd by by own heart, my friend's disgrace.
My foes may take my life, but can't deprive me
Of what is more than life and all it's joys,
Unsullied innocence and firm integrity;
They are above their reach, above their malice;
Therefore they hurt not me—Cheer up, my youths—
Come, lead me to the prison—I can die.
The man who walks the path of life sincere,
Nor deviates from the truth, disdains to fear:
Tho' Death each horrid, ghastly form assume,
My hopes are fixed on better world to come:
Long, long ago the arduous task I learn'd
And view his fancied terrors unconcern'd.