376 PLATO
Callicles. I dare say.
Socrates. Would he not be utterly at a loss for a reply ?
Callicles. He certainly would.
Socrates. And I too shall be treated in the same way, as I well know, if I am brought before the court. For I shall not be able to rehearse to the people the pleasures which I have procured for them, and which, although I am not disposed to envy either the pro- curers or enjoyers of them, are deemed by them to be benefits and advantages. And if any one says that I corrupt young men, and perplex their minds, or that I speak evil of old men, and use bitter words towards them, whether in private or public, it is useless for me to reply, as I truly might : " All this I do for the sake of justice, and with a view to your interest, my judges, and to nothing else." And therefore there is no saying what may happen to me.
Callicles. And do you think, Socrates, that a man who is thus defenceless is in a good position ?
Socrates. Yes, Callicles, if he have that defence which, as you have often acknowledged, he should have — if he be his own defence, and have never said or done anything wrong, either in respect of gods or men ; and this has been repeatedly acknowledged by us to be the best sort of defence. And if any one could convict me of inability to defend myself or others after this sort, I should blush for shame, whether I was convicted before many, or before a few, or by myself alone ; and if I died from want of ability to do so, that would indeed grieve me. But if I died because I have no power of flattery or rhetoric, I am very sure that you would not find me repining at death. For no man who is not an utter fool and
