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Crito
Plato
translated by Benjamin Jowett
About This Book
Crito is an account of a conversation between Socrates and Crito, who supported Socrates' teachings, at Socrates' prison cell two days before his execution.
About the Author
Plato was born and reared in Athens as the child of aristocratic parents. He had political ambitions but became disillusioned by political leaders in Athens. Eventually he became a disciple of Socrates, who sought the truth through a process of dialogue and debate.
In 387 Plato founded the Academy, the first European university. It included such subjects as astronomy, biology, mathematics, politicals, and philosophy. Plato's most prominent student was Aristotle.
After unsuccessfully dabbling in education and politics in Sicily, Plato spent his last years writing and lecturing at the Academy. He died at about age eighty.
Persons of the Dialogue: Socrates; Crito
Scene: The Prison of Socrates.
Socrates. WHY have you come at this hour, Crito? it must be quite early.
Crito. Yes, certainly.
Soc. What is the exact time?
Cr. The dawn is breaking.
Soc. I wonder the keeper of the prison would let you in.
Cr. He knows me because I often come, Socrates; moreover. I have done him a kindness.
Soc. And are you only just come?
Cr. No, I came some time ago.
Soc. Then why did you sit and say nothing, instead of awakening me at once?
Cr. Why, indeed, Socrates, I myself would rather not have all this sleeplessness and sorrow. But I have been wondering at your peaceful slumbers, and that was the reason why I did not awaken you, because I wanted you to be out of pain. I have always thought you happy in the calmness of your temperament; but never did I see the like of the easy, cheerful way in which you bear this calamity.
Soc. Why, Crito, when a man has reached my age he ought not to be repining at the prospect of death.
Cr. And yet other old men find themselves in similar misfortunes, and age does not prevent them from repining.
Soc. That may be. But you have not told me why you come at this early hour.
Cr. I come to bring you a message which is sad and painful; not, as I believe, to yourself but to all of us who are your friends, and saddest of all to me.
Soc. What! I suppose that the ship has come from Delos, on the arrival of which I am to die?
Cr. No, the ship has not actually arrived, but she will probably be here today, as persons who have come from Sunium tell me that they have left her there; and therefore tomorrow, Socrates, will be the last day of your life.
Soc. Very well, Crito; if such is the will of God, I am willing; but my belief is that there will be a delay of a day.
Cr. Why do you say this?
Soc. I will tell you. I am to die on the day after the arrival of the ship?
Cr. Yes; that is what the authorities say.
Soc. But I do not think that the ship will be here until tomorrow; this I gather from a vision which I had last night, or rather only just now, when you fortunately allowed me to sleep.