Page:History of Greece Vol VIII.djvu/493

 TOPICS OF ACCUSATION. 47] appear that the old calumnies of the Aristophanic "Clouds" were revived, and that the effect of that witty drama, together with similar efforts of Eupolis and others, perhaps hardly less witty, was still enduring ; a striking proof that these comedians were no impotent libellers. Sokrates manifests greater apprehension of the effect of the ancient impressions, than of the speeches which had been just delivered against him : but these latter speeches would of course tell, by refreshing the sentiments of the past, and reviving the Aristophanic picture of Sokrates, as a speculator on physics as well as a rhetorical teacher for pleading, making the worse appear the better reason. 1 Sokrates, in the " Platonic Defence," appeals to the number of persons who had heard him discourse, whether any of them had ever heard him say one word on the subject of physical studies ; 2 while Xeno- phon goes further, and represents him as having positively dis- countenanced them, on the ground of impiety. 3 As there were three distinct accusers to speak against Sokrates, so we may reasonably suppose that they would concert before- hand on what topics each should insist ; Meletus undertaking that which related to religion, while Anytus and Lykon would dwell on the political grounds of attack. In the " Platonic Apology," Sokrates comments emphatically on the allegations of Meletus, questions him publicly before the dikasts, and criticizes his replies : he makes little allusion to Anytus, or to anything except what is formally embodied in the indictment ; and treats the last count, the charge of corrupting youth, in connection with the Hrst, as if the corruption alleged consisted in irreligious teaching. But Xenophon intimates that the accusers, in enforcing this allega- tion of pernicious teaching, went into other matters quite distinct from the religious tenets of Sokrates, and denounced him as having taught them lawlessness and disrespect, as well towards their parents as towards their country. We find mention made in Xenophon of accusatory grounds similar to those in the u Clouds ; " similar also to those which modern authors usually advance against the sophists. Sokrates, said Anytus and the other accusers, taught young 1 Plato, Apol. Sok. c. 3, p. 19, B. Plato, Apol. Sok. c. 3, p. 19, C
 * Xco. Mem. i, 1, 13.