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Section 25

SOCRATES. Well said, by Hera, and a great abundance of benefactors! What about the audience listening here? Do they make them better or not?

MELETUS. They do too.

SOCRATES. And the members of the Council?

MELETUS. The Councillors as well.

SOCRATES. But Meletus, what about the men in the Assembly? Do the Assemblymen corrupt the youth, or do they all make them better too?

MELETUS. They make them better too.

SOCRATES. So it seems that all the Athenians make them beautiful and good, except for me. I alone corrupt them. Is this what you say?

MELETUS. That is exactly what I say, most forcefully.

SOCRATES. You have condemned me to a great misfortune! But answer me: does it seem to be the same way with horses? Do all men make them better, while a single individual corrupts them? Or is it the exact opposite: one individual, or a very few—the horse trainers—are able to make them better, while the majority, if they deal with horses and use them, corrupt them? Is this not so, Meletus, both for horses and for all other animals? It certainly is, whether you and Anytus agree or deny it. For it would be a great blessing for the youth if only one man corrupts them, and all the rest benefit them. But, Meletus, you have sufficiently shown that you have never given any thought to the youth. You have clearly displayed your own lack of care, showing that you care nothing for the matters you indicted me for. Now tell us further, Meletus, before Zeus, whether it is better to live among good citizens or bad ones? Answer, my friend, for I am not asking anything difficult. Do not bad citizens do evil to those closest to them, while good ones do good?

MELETUS. Certainly.

SOCRATES. Is there anyone who wishes to be harmed by those he associates with rather than benefited? Answer, my good man, for the law commands you to answer. Is there anyone who wishes to be harmed?

MELETUS. Of course not.

SOCRATES. Come then, do you bring me to trial here claiming that I corrupt the youth and make them worse intentionally, or unintentionally?

MELETUS. Intentionally, I say.