Page:Works of Plato his first fifty-five dialogues (Taylor 1804) (Vol 5 of 5) (IA Vol5worksofplato00plat).pdf/15

Rh not fit to pay any attention to them ; but we should still go on in our own way.

. But, dear Euthyphro, to be ridiculed is perhaps a trifling thing. For the Athenians, as it appears to me, are not very much concerned whether or not a man is skilful in any thing, so long as he is not a teacher of his wisdom ; but they are indignant with him whom they think makes others to be such, whether this is from envy, as you say, or from some other cause.

With respect to this circumstance, therefore, how they may be affected towards me I am not very desirous to try.

For perhaps you exhibit yourself but rarely, and are not willing to teach your wisdom; but I fear lest, through philanthropy, I should appear to disclose, with too much freedom, to every man whatever I possess, not only without taking a reward, but even willingly adding one, if any person is willing to hear me. As I therefore just now said, if they were only to ridicule me, as you say they do you, there would be nothing unpleasant in passing the time in a court of justice, jesting and laughing; but if they are in earnest, how this affair may terminate is immanifest, except to you diviners.

Perhaps, however, Socrates, the affair will be nothing ; but you will plead your cause successfully, and I also think that I shall mine.

But what is the cause, Euthyphro, which you have to plead ? Are you defendant or plaintiff ?

. I am plaintiff.

. Whom do you prosecute ?

One whom, by prosecuting, I appear to be insane.

What, then, do you pursue one that flies ?

. He is very far from flying; for he is very much advanced in years.

. Who is he ?

. My father.

Your father ? O best of men !

He is, indeed.

But what is the crime, and of what do you accuse him ?

Of murder, Socrates.