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Section 43

SOCRATES. Why have you come at this hour, Crito? Or is it not still early?

CRITO. It is very early indeed.

SOCRATES. What time is it exactly?

CRITO. Just before dawn.

SOCRATES. I am surprised the prison guard was willing to answer the door for you.

CRITO. He is used to me by now, Socrates, because I come here so often, and I have also done him a small favor.

SOCRATES. Did you just arrive, or have you been here a while?

CRITO. A fair while.

SOCRATES. Then why did you not wake me right away, instead of sitting by me in silence?

CRITO. By Zeus, Socrates, I would not have wanted to be awake in such distress myself! I have been marvelling for a long time at how peacefully you sleep; I purposely did not wake you so that you could pass the time as pleasantly as possible. Many times before in your life I have considered you happy because of your disposition, but never more so than in this present misfortune, seeing how easily and gently you bear it.

SOCRATES. Well, Crito, it would certainly be out of tune to be resentful at my age, when it is time to die.

CRITO. Others of your age, Socrates, are caught in similar misfortunes, but their age does not free them from resentment at their present fate.

SOCRATES. That is true. But tell me, why have you come so early?

CRITO. To bring bad news, Socrates—not bad for you, it seems, but for me and all your friends it is a bitter and heavy blow, and I think I shall be among those who bear it most heavily.

SOCRATES. What is this news? Has the ship arrived from Delos, on whose arrival I must die?

CRITO. It has not actually arrived, but I think it will be here today, based on reports from people coming from Sunium who left it there. From these messengers it is clear that it will arrive today, and therefore tomorrow, Socrates, your life must end.

SOCRATES. Well, Crito, if this is pleasing to the gods, let it be so. But I do not think it will arrive today.