The affidavit in the case, which is still preserved, says Favorinus, in the Metron, ran as follows: "This indictment and affidavit is sworn by Meletus, the son of Meletus of Pitthos, against Socrates, the son of Sophroniscus of Alopece: Socrates is guilty of refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state, and of introducing other new divinities. He is also guilty of corrupting the youth. The penalty demanded is death."
The philosopher then, after Lysias had written a defence for him, read it through and said: "A fine speech, Lysias; it is not, however, suitable to me." For it was plainly more forensic than philosophical.
Lysias said, "If it is a fine speech, how can it fail to suit you?"
"Well," he replied, "would not fine raiment and fine shoes be just as unsuitable to me?"
—Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers 2.40-41
IMAGE: Lysias
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