CONIUM MACULATUM. 221 
stand you,’ said Socrates ; ‘ but it is certainly lawful and proper 
to pray the gods that my departure from hence may be prospe- 
rous and happy, which I indeed beseech them to grant.’ So 
saying, he carried the cup to his mouth, and drank it with great 
promptness and facility. 
« Thus far most of us had been able to refrain from weeping. 
But when we saw that he was drinking, and actually had drank 
the poison, we could no longer restrain our tears. And from 
me they broke forth with such violence, that I covered my face 
and deplored my wretchedness. I did not weep for his fate so 
much as for the loss of a friend and benefactor, which I was 
about to sustain. But Crito, unable to restrain his tears, now 
broke forth in loud lamentations, which infected all who were 
present, except Socrates. But he observing us, exclaimed, 
‘What is it you do, my excellent friends? I have sent away 
the women that they might not betray such weakness. I have 
heard that it is our duty to die cheerfully, and with expressions 
of joy and praise. Be silent, therefore, and let your fortitude 
be seen.’ At this address we blushed, and suppressed our 
tears. But Socrates, after walking about, now told us that his 
legs were beginning to grow heavy, and immediately laid down, 
for so he had been ordered. At the same time the man who 
had given him the poison, examined his feet and legs, touching 
them at intervals. At length he pressed violently upon his foot, 
and asked if he felt it. ‘To which Socrates replied that he did 
not. The man then pressed his legs and so on, showing us that 
he was becoming cold and stiff. And Socrates, feeling it him- 
self, assured us, that when the effects had ascended to his heart, 
he should be gone. And now the middle of his body growing 
cold, he threw aside his clothes, and spoke for the last time. 
‘ Crito, we owe the sacrifice of a cock to #sculapius. Discharge 
this, and neglect it not.’ ‘It shall be done,’ said Crito; 
‘have you anything else to say? He made no reply, but a 
moment after moved, and his eyes became fixed. And Crito, 
sceing this, closed his eyelids and mouth. a 
s 
