Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 1.djvu/135

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

SOCRATES



on you who are bound by an oath, I should teach you to think that there are no gods, and in reality, while making my defense, should accuse myself of not believing in the gods. This, however, is far from being the case: for I believe, O Athenians, as none of my accusers do, and I leave it to you and to the deity to judge concerning me in such way as will be best both for me and for you.



II


ON BEING DECLARED GUILTY[1]

(399 B.C.)


That I should not be grieved, Athenians, at what has happened, namely, that you have condemned me, as well as many other circumstances concur in bringing to pass, and moreover this, that what has happened has not happened contrary to my expectations; but I much rather wonder at the number of votes on either side. For I did not expect that I should be condemned by so small a number, but by a large majority; but now, as it seems, if only three more votes had changed sides I should have been acquitted. As far as Miletus is concerned, as it appears to

  1. After a majority of voices had declared him guilty, Socrates resumed his address as reported by Plato in the 'Apology.'

77