Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/349

Rh the law, unjust as it is, because it oppressed myself alone: had the injustice been done to another, I would have resisted it. I go to death, but the example of friendship which you give the world, and your nobleness of soul shall never perish: your virtue is greater, much greater, than the guilt of those who accused me. I bless that fate which the world may call misfortune, because it hath set in the fairest light the goodness of your hearts. My dear Xantippe, be happy; and remember, that to be so, you must curb your impetuous temper. My beloved disciples, listen always to the voice of that philosophy which will teach you to despise your persecutors, and pity human weakness: and you, my daughter Aglae, and my son Sophronimus, be always what you now are.

How wretched, are we that we cannot die for you!

Your lives are valuable, mine would have been useless: take my tender last farewell; the doors of eternity are opened to receive me.

He was a great man! O I will rouse up the whole nation.

May we raise up temples to Socrates, if ever mortal man deserved it!

At least may his wisdom teach mankind that temples should be raised to God alone!

End of the Third and Last Act.