ALL THREE TOGETHER.
Yes; he's a heretic, a deist, and an atheist.
MELITUS.
Dreadful accusations indeed, and all extremely probable: I have heard as much before.
ANITUS.
The state is in danger if we leave such crimes unpunished: Minerva will withdraw her protection from us.
DRIXA.
Ay, that she will, I have heard him laugh at Minerva's owl.
MELITUS.
At Minerva's owl! O heaven! gentlemen, is not it your opinion he ought to be sent to prison immediately?
THE JUDGES.
To prison with him, to prison.
MELITUS.
Guards, carry Socrates to prison this instant.
DRIXA.
And afterwards let him be burned without a hearing.
ONE OF THE JUDGES.
No, no; we must hear him; we must not go against the law.
ANITUS.
No, no; that's what the good woman meant: we must hear him, but not let what he says have too much effect on us; you know these philosophers are
