Produced by Dagny and Frank J. Morlock This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in print or other media may be made without the express consent of the Copyright Holder. The Copyright Holder is especially concerned about performance rights in any media on stage, cinema, or television, or audio or any other media, including readings for which an entrance fee or the like is charge. Permissions should be addressed to: Frank Morlock, 6006 Greenbelt Rd, #312, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA or frankmorlock@msn.com. Other works by this author may be found at http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130 SOCRATES BY VOLTAIRE Translated and adapted by Frank J. Morlock C 2000 CHARACTERS: SOCRATES ANITUS, High Priest MELITUS, Athenian Judge XANTIPPE, Wife of Socrates AGLAEA, a young Athenian girl raised by Socrates SOPHRONINE, a young Athenian boy raised by Socrates DRIXA, a merchant woman attached to Anitus TERPANDRE, attached to Anitus ACROS, attached to Anitus JUDGES DISCIPLES OF SOCRATES NONOTI, a pedant protected by Anitus BERTIOS, another CHOMOS, another ACT I ANITUS: My dear confidants, my dear agents, you know how much money I made you during the last festival of Ceres. I'm getting married and I hope you will do your duty on this grand occasion. DRIXA: Yes, without doubt, Milord, since you are going to make us earn yet more. ANITUS: Madame Drixa, I must have two beautiful Persian rugs. You, Terpandre, of you I only ask two large silver candelabra. And of you, Acros, a half dozen dresses of silk embroidered with gold. TERPANDRE: That's a bit much; but Milord there's nothing I won't do to deserve your holy protection. ANITUS: You will regain all that a hundred fold. It's the best way to deserve the favors of the gods and goddesses. Give much and you will receive much; and especially don't fail to arouse the people against all the people of quality who do not vow enough, and who do not present offerings. ACROS: We will never fail in that; it's too sacred a duty not to be faithful to it. ANITUS: Go, my dear friends. May the gods keep you in these sentiments, so pious and just! And count on prospering, yourselves, your children and your grandchildren. TERPANDRE: We are sure of that because you said it. (Exit Terpandre and Acros) ANITUS: Well, my dear Madame Drixa, I think you don't find it ill that I am espousing Aglaea; but I don't love you any less. We will live together as usual.