I confessed: a prostitute had taken pity on me.
Who was she?
I did not know. I could not say. (I dared not!)
When I awoke, after their hammering, my head was hammering, my body was hammering.
Had I heard Socrates condemning the Authorities? Yes, I said, I'd heard him.
Was I a "terrorist" who deserved death?
Yes, I said. I was.
And was some man who consorted with terrorists, who encouraged them, who spoke against Authorities, was he not also fit to be hogtied, fit to be killed?
Yes, I said. Yes.
4. Socrates speaks
Esteemed gentlemen of Athens, colleagues, friends, and less-than-friends.
I thank you for this opportunity to speak in my defense against the charges brought against me by the Network of Spies of Athens, our NSA.
You want, I believe, something of an apologia. And I shall offer nothing less.
But, I forewarn you: if you think me tedious, recall that I have now seen 70 winters; recall, as well, the battles I have seen--those fought with valor for our city's sake and for the sake of our democracy. Recall the years of penury I've known because I could not stop from answering the honest questioning of youthful minds; think that I was self-impelled to guide--not for a name or fame, but for our future's sake.
Well, enough of that. So, without ado, let me apologize for... let me apologize for... [A long silence.]
Anorexia (impatiently--): Yes, Socrates, we are waiting!
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