Phaedo: The Death of Socrates

The Preparation

¹When he had spoken these words, he arose and went into a chamber to bathe; Crito followed him and told us to wait.

²So we remained behind, talking and thinking of the subject of discourse, and also of the greatness of our sorrow; he was like a father of whom we were being bereaved, and we were about to pass the rest of our lives as orphans.

³When he had bathed his children were brought to him — he had two young sons and an elder one — and the women of his family also came, and he talked to them and gave them a few directions in the presence of Crito; then he dismissed them and returned to us.

⁴Now the hour of sunset was near, for a good deal of time had passed while he was within. When he came out, he sat down with us again, but not much was said.

The Jailer’s Farewell

⁵Soon the jailer entered, and stood by him, saying: To you, Socrates, whom I know to be the noblest and gentlest and best of all who ever came to this place, I will not impute the angry feelings of other men, who rage and swear at me, when, in obedience to the authorities, I bid them drink the poison.

⁶You, I am sure, will not be angry with me; for others, as you are aware, and not I, are to blame. And so fare you well, and try to bear lightly what must needs be — you know my errand. Then bursting into tears he turned away and went out.

⁷Socrates looked at him and said: I return your good wishes, and will do as you bid. Then turning to us, he said: How charming the man is; since I have been in prison he has always been coming to see me, and now see how generously he sorrows on my account.

The Cup

⁸He raised the cup to his lips and very readily and cheerfully drank off the poison. And hitherto most of us had been able to control our sorrow; but now when we saw him drinking, and saw too that he had finished the draught, we could no longer forbear.

⁹Socrates alone retained his calmness: What is this strange outcry? he said. I sent away the women mainly in order that they might not misbehave in this way, for I have been told that a man should die in peace. Be quiet then, and have patience.

¹⁰He lay down, and the man felt his legs and feet; he pressed his foot hard, and asked if he could feel. Socrates said, No; then his legs, and upward and upward, and showed us that he was growing cold and stiff.

The End

¹¹He uncovered his face, for he had covered himself up, and said — they were his last words — Crito, I owe a rooster to Asclepius; will you remember to pay the debt?

¹²The debt shall be paid, said Crito; is there anything else? There was no answer to this question; but in a minute or two a movement was heard, and the attendants uncovered him; his eyes were set, and Crito closed his eyes and mouth.

¹³Such was the end of our friend; concerning whom I may truly say, that of all the men of his time whom I have known, he was the wisest and justest and best.