Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/348

314 the intrigues and jealousy of the wicked Anitus: it was my duty to demand justice for his crime, as I was the cause of it.

Anitus hath saved himself by flight from the rage of the people: he and his accomplices are pursued: solemn thanks have been given to those judges who appeared in your favor: the people are now at the gates of the prison, and wait to conduct you home in triumph.

Alas! 'tis lost labor!

O Socrates, why would you so hastily obey?

Live, dear Socrates, the benefactor of your country, the model of future ages; O live for the general happiness of mankind!

Ye noble pair, my virtuous friends, it is too late.

You stayed too long.

Alas! too late? what mean you? just heaven!

Has he then already drunk the fatal draught?

Sweet Aglae and dear Sophronimus, the law ordained that I should take the poison: I obeyed