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the proceeding by any name which you like), and the laws and the government come and interrogate me : " Tell us, Socrates," they say, " what are you about ? are you not going by an act of yours to overturn us — the laws and the whole State, as far as in you lies? Do you imagine that a State can subsist and not be overthrown, in which the decisions of law have no power, but are set aside and trampled upon by indi- viduals ?" What wiU be our answer, Crito, to these and the like words ? Any one, and especially a rhet- orician, will haA^e a good deal to say on behalf of the law which requires a sentence to be carried out. He will argue that this law should not be set aside ; and shall we reply, " Yes ; but the State has injured us and given an unjust sentence." Suppose I say that?
Crito. Very good, Socrates.
Socrates. " And was that our agreement with you ? " the law would answer ; " or were you to abide by the sentence of the State ? " And if I were to express my astonishment at their words, the law would probably add : " Answer, Socrates, instead of opening your eyes — you are in the habit of asking and answering ques- tions. Tell us, — what complaint haΛ^e you to make against us which justifies you in attempting to destroy us and the State ? In the first place did we not bring you into existence? Your father married your mo- ther by our aid and begat you. Say whether you have any objection to urge against those of us who regulate marriage ? " " None," I should reply. " Or against those of us who after birth regulate the nurture and education of children, in which you also were trained ? Were not the laws, which have the charge of educa- tion, right in commanding your father to train you in music and gymnastic ? " " Right," I should reply.
