SOCRATES ON TRIAL
by John T. Baker

Athenians . . . my friends . . . I will not stoop
To plead, but reaffirm my blamelessness;
No man have I done wrong, no youth misled -
In truth I am not young enough to lie.

The charge is false but let the verdict stand;
I have but one request - reproach my sons
When they are grown, as I have chided you,
Should they prize riches more and virtue less.

The penalty of death I do not fear,
For death at most is but a dreamless sleep,
Or else sweet journey to a better world
Where all is good and evil has no place.

So I now die while you yet live . . . and which
The better lot is known alone to God.