it; but after having praised the eloquence and animation of the whole,
rejected it, as neither manly nor expressive of fortitude; and comparing
it to Sicyonian shoes, which though fitting, were proofs of effeminacy,
he observed that a philosopher ought to be conspicuous for magnanimity,
and for firmness of soul. In his defence he spoke with great animation,
and confessed that while others boasted they knew every thing, he
himself knew nothing. The whole discourse was full of simplicity and
grandeur--the energetic language of offended innocence. He modestly
said, that what he possessed was applied for the service of the
Athenians. It was his wish to make his fellow-citizens happy, and it was
a duty he performed by the special command of the gods, "WHOSE
AUTHORITY," said he emphatically to his judges, "I REGARD MORE THAN
YOURS." This language astonished and irritated the judges, and Socrates
was condemned by a majority of only three votes. When, according to the
spirit of the Athenian laws, he was called upon to pass sentence on
himself, and to choose the mode of his death, he said, "For my attempts
to teach the Athenian youth justice and moderation, and to make the rest
of my countrymen more happy, let me be maintained at the public expense
the remaining years of my life in the Pyrtaneum, an honour, O Athenians
which I deserve more than the victors of the Olympic games: they make
their countrymen more happy in appearance, but I have made you so in
reality." This exasperated the judges still more, and they condemned him
to drink hemlock. Upon this he addressed the court and more particularly
the judges who had decided in his favour, in a pathetic speech. He told
them that to die was a pleasure, since he was going to hold converse
with the greatest heroes of antiquity: he recommended to their paternal
care his defenceless children, and as he returned to the prison, he
exclaimed, "I go to die, you to live; but which is the best the divinity
alone can know.""

The celebration of the Delian festivals suspended his execution for
thirty days, during which he was loaded with irons; his friends,
particularly his disciples, were his constant attendants, he discoursed
with them with his wonted cheerfulness and serenity--one of them
expressing his grief that he should suffer, though innocent, Socrates
replied, "would you then have me die guilty?"--with this composure he
spent his last days, instructing his pupils, and telling them hi