Crito; Or, The Duty Of A Citizen
by
Literally Translated By Henry Cary, M.A.
INTRODUCTION TO THE CRITO
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It has been remarked by Stallbaum that Plato had a twofold design in this dialogue–one, and that the primary one, to free Socrates from the imputation of having attempted to corrupt the Athenian youth; the other, to establish the principle that under all circumstances it is the duty of a good citizen to obey the laws of his country. These two points, however, are so closely interwoven with each other, that the general principle appears only to be illustrated by the example of Socrates.
Crito was one of those friends of Socrates who had been present at his trial, and had offered to assist in paying a fine, had a fine been imposed instead of the sentence of death. He appears to have frequently visited his friend in prison after his condemnation; and now, having obtained access to his cell very early in the morning, finds him composed in a quiet sleep. He brings intelligence that the ship, the arrival of which would be the signal for his death on the following day, is expected to arrive forthwith, and takes occasion to entreat Socrates to make his escape, the means of which were already prepared. Socrates thereupon, having promised to follow the advice of Crito if, after the matter had been fully discussed, it should appear to be right to do so, proposes to consider the duty of a citizen toward his country; and having established the divine principle that it is wrong to return evil for evil, goes on to show that the obligations of a citizen to his country are even more binding than those of a child to its parent, or a slave to his master, and that therefore it is his duty to obey the established laws, at whatever cost to himself.
At length Crito admits that he has no answer to make, and Socrates resolves to submit himself to the will of Providence.
CRITO; OR, THE DUTY OF A CITIZEN.
SOCRATES, CRITO.
Socr.
Why have you come at this hour, Crito? Is it not very early?
Cri.
It is.
Socr.
About what time?
Cri.
Scarce day-break.
Socr.
I wonder how the keeper of the prison came to admit you.
Cri.
He is familiar with me, Socrates, from my having frequently come hither; and he is under some obligations to me.
Socr.
Have you just now come, or some time since?
Cri.
A considerable time since.
Socr.
Why, then, did you not wake me at once, instead of sitting down by me in silence?
Cri.
By Jupiter! Socrates, I should not myself like to be so long awake, and in such affliction. But I have been for some time wondering at you, perceiving how sweetly you slept; and I purposely did not awake you, that you might pass your time as pleasantly as possible. And, indeed, I have often before throughout your whole life considered you happy in your disposition, but far more so in the present calamity, seeing how easily and meekly you bear it.
Socr.
However, Crito, it would be disconsonant for a man at my time of life to repine because he must needs die.
Cri.
But others, Socrates, at your age have been involved in similar calamities, yet their age has not hindered their repining at their present fortune.
Socr.
So it is. But why did you come so early?
Cri.
Bringing sad tidings, Socrates, not sad to you, as it appears, but to me, and all your friends, sad and heavy, and which I, I think, shall bear worst of all.
Socr.
What tidings? Has the ship[1] arrived from Delos, on the arrival of which I must die?