though I very well know that by so doing I shall expose myself to odium. This however is a proof that I speak the truth, and that this is the nature of the calumny against me, and that these are its causes. And if you will investigate the matter, either now or hereafter, you will find it to be so. 11. With respect then to the charges which my first accusers have alleged against me, let this be a sufficient apology to you. To Melitus, that good and patriotic man, as he says, and to my later accusers, I will next endeavour to give an answer; and here again, as there are different accusers let us take up their deposition. It is pretty much as follows: “Socrates,” it says, “acts unjustly in corrupting the youth, and in not believing in those gods in whom the city believes, but in other strange divinities.” Such is the accusation; let us examine each particular of it. It says that I act unjustly in corrupting the youth. But I, O Athenians, say that Melitus acts unjustly, because he jests on serious subjects, rashly putting men upon trial, under pretence of being zealous and solicitous about things in which he never at any time took any concern. But that this is the case I will endeavour to prove to you. 12. Come then, Melitus, tell me; do you not consider it of the greatest importance that the youth should be made as virtuous as possible? _Mel._ I do. _Socr._ Well now, tell the judges who it is that makes them better, for it is evident that you know, since it concerns you so much: for, having detected me in corrupting them, as you say, you have cited me here and accused me; come then, say, and inform the judges who it is that makes them better. Do you see, Melitus, that you are silent, and have nothing to say? But does it not appear to you to be disgraceful and a sufficient proof of what I say, that you never took any concern about the matter? But tell me, friend, who makes them better? _Mel._ The laws. _Socr._ I do not ask this, most excellent sir, but what man, who surely must first know this very thing, the laws? _Mel._ These, Socrates, the judges. _Socr._ How say you, Melitus? Are these able to instruct the youth, and make them better? _Mel._ Certainly. _Socr._ Whether all, or some of them, and others not? _Mel._ All. _Socr._ You say well, by Juno, and have found a great abundance of those that confer benefit. But what further? Can these hearers make them better, or not? _Mel._ They too can. _Socr._ And what of the senators? _Mel._ The senators also. _Socr._ But, Melitus, do those who attend the public assemblies corrupt the younger men? or do they all make them better? _Mel._ They too. _Socr._ All the Athenians therefore, as it seems, make them honourable and good, except me, but I alone corrupt them. Do you say so? _Mel._ I do assert this very thing.