49
Socrates
Socrates. Well, then, is it right to requite evil with evil, as the world says it is, or not right?
10
Crito
Crito. Not right, certainly.
Socrates
Socrates. For doing evil to people is the same thing as wronging them.
Crito
Crito. That is true.
Socrates
Socrates. Then we ought neither to requite wrong with wrong nor to do evil to anyone, no matter what he may have done to us. And be careful, Crito, that you do not, in agreeing to this, agree to something you do not believe; for I know that there are few who believe or ever will believe this. Now those who believe this, and those who do not, have no common ground of discussion, but they must necessarily, in view of their opinions, despise one another. Do you therefore consider very carefully whether you agree and share in this opinion, and let us take as the the starting point of our discussion the assumption that it is never right to do wrong or to requite wrong with wrong, or when we suffer evil to defend ourselves by doing evil in return. Or do you disagree and refuse your assent to this starting point? For I have long held this belief and I hold it yet, but if you have reached any other conclusion, speak and explain it to me. If you still hold to our former opinion, hear the next point.
Crito
Crito. I do hold to it and I agree with you; so go on.
15
Socrates
Socrates. Now the next thing I say, or rather ask, is this: ought a man to do what he has agreed to do, provided it is right, or may he violate his agreements?
Crito
Crito. He ought to do it.
