"The Apologia" represents Socrates on trial for his life, undertaking his own defence, though unaccustomed to the language of the courts, the occasion being, as he says, the first time he has ever been before a court of justice, though seventy years of age. Plato was present at the trial, and no doubt gives us the very arguments used by the accused. Two charges were brought against Socrates—one that he did not believe in the gods recognized by the State, the other that he had corrupted the Athen

SOCRATES, CRITO. Socr. Why have you come at this hour, Crito? Is it not very early? Cri. It is. Socr. About what time? Cri. Scarce day-break. Socr. I wonder how the keeper of the prison came to admit you. Cri. He is familiar with me, Socrates, from my having frequently come hither; and he is under some obligations to me. Socr. Have you just now come, or some time since? Cri. A considerable time since. Socr. Why, then, did you not wake me at once, instead of sitting down by me in silence? Cri. By