43
Socrates
Socrates. Why have you come at this time, Crito? Or isn’t it still early?
Crito
Crito. Yes, very early.
Socrates
Socrates. About what time?
Crito
Crito. Just before dawn.
Socrates
Socrates. I am surprised that the watchman of the prison was willing to let you in.
5
Crito
Crito. He is used to me by this time, Socrates, because I come here so often, and besides I have done something for him.
Socrates
Socrates. Have you just come, or some time ago?
Crito
Crito. Some little time ago.
Socrates
Socrates. Then why did you not wake me at once, instead of sitting by me in silence?
Crito
Crito. No, no, by Zeus, Socrates, I only wish I myself were not so sleepless and sorrowful. But I have been wondering at you for some time, seeing how sweetly you sleep; and I purposely refrained from waking you, that you might pass the time as pleasantly as possible. I have often thought throughout your life hitherto that you were of a happy disposition, and I think so more than ever in this present misfortune, since you bear it so easily and calmly.
10
Socrates
Socrates. Well, Crito, it would be absurd if at my age I were disturbed because I must die now.
Crito
Crito. Other men as old, Socrates, become involved in similar misfortunes, but their age does not in the least prevent them from being disturbed by their fate.
Socrates
Socrates. That is true. But why have you come so early?
Crito
Crito. To bring news, Socrates, sad news, though apparently not sad to you, but sad and grievous me and all your friends, and to few of them, I think, so grievous as to me.
