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Section 36

If I am not upset by the outcome of your vote, men of Athens—by your condemning me—there are many reasons for this, but particularly because this event did not come as a surprise. I am much more surprised by the number of votes cast on each side. I did not think the margin would be so narrow; I expected it to be much wider. But as it is, it seems that if only thirty votes had crossed over, I would have been acquitted. In fact, as far as Meletus is concerned, I consider that I have been acquitted even now. And not only acquitted, but it is clear to everyone that if Anytus and Lycon had not come forward to accuse me, he would have been fined a thousand drachmas for not getting a fifth of the votes. The man proposes the penalty of death for me. Very well. What counter-penalty shall I propose to you, men of Athens? Clearly, what I deserve. What then? What do I deserve to suffer or pay, because I did not keep quiet during my life, but neglected what most people care about—moneymaking, household management, generalships, public speaking, and the other offices and factions in the city—thinking myself truly too honest to survive if I engaged in those things? I did not go where I would be of no use to you or myself. Instead, I went to each of you privately to confer what I say is the greatest benefit, trying to persuade each of you not to care for any of his belongings before caring for himself, to be as good and wise as possible, nor to care for the city's belongings before the city itself, and to care for other things in the same way. What do I deserve, being such a man? Something good, men of Athens, if I must propose what I truly deserve according to my worth. And a good that would be suitable for me. What is suitable for a poor benefactor who needs leisure to exhort you? Nothing is more suitable, men of Athens, than for such a man to be given free meals in the Prytaneum. He deserves this much more than any of you who has won a victory at Olympia with a horse or chariot. The victor makes you think you are happy, but I make you truly happy. And he does not need the food, but I do. So if I must propose a penalty according to my just deserts, I propose this: free meals in the Prytaneum.