Socrates.
299
ALL THREE TOGETHER.
Yes; he's a heretic, a deist, and an atheist.
MELITUS.
Dreadful accusations indeed, and all extremely probable: I have heard as much before.
ANITUS.
The state is in danger if we leave such crimes unpunished: Minerva will withdraw her protection from us.
DRIXA.
Ay, that she will, I have heard him laugh at Minerva's owl.
MELITUS.
At Minerva's owl! O heaven! gentlemen, is not it your opinion he ought to be sent to prison immediately?
THE JUDGES.
[All together.
To prison with him, to prison.
MELITUS.
Guards, carry Socrates to prison this instant.
DRIXA.
And afterwards let him be burned without a hearing.
ONE OF THE JUDGES.
No, no; we must hear him; we must not go against the law.
ANITUS.
No, no; that's what the good woman meant: we must hear him, but not let what he says have too much effect on us; you know these philosophers are