They don't know how to adore the God
of all beings, unique, incomprehensible, incommunicable, eternal, and
all just as well as all powerful.
MELITUS:
Ah! The blasphemer! ah, the monster! He's said more than enough. I
conclude for death.
SEVERAL JUDGES:
And we, too.
A JUDGE:
Several of us are not of that opinion. We think that Socrates spoke
very well. We believe that men would be more just and more wise if
they thought like him. And as for me, far from condemning him, I am of
the opinion he ought to be rewarded.
SEVERAL JUDGES:
We think the same.
MELITUS:
The opinions seems to be divided.
ANITUS:
Gentlemen of the Areopagus, let me question Socrates. Do you think
that the Sun turns and that the Areopagus is of Divine Right?
SOCRATES:
You have no right to ask me questions. But I have the right to show
you what you are ignorant of. It matters little to society whether the
earth may turn, but it matters greatly that men who turn with it be
just. Virtue alone is of Divine Right. And you, the Areopagus have no
other rights but those the nation has given you.
ANITUS:
Illustrious and equitable judges make Socrates leave.
(Melitus gives a sign.
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