3
Socrates. No, for perhaps they think that you are reserved and unwilling to impart your wisdom. But I fear that because of my love of men they think that I not only pour myself out copiously to anyone and everyone without payment, but that I would even pay something myself, if anyone would listen to me. Now if, as I was saying just now, they were to laugh at me, as you say they do at you, it would not be at all unpleasant to pass the time in the court with jests and laughter; but if they are in earnest, then only soothsayers like you can tell how this will end.
3
Euthyphro. Well, Socrates, perhaps it won’t amount to much, and you will bring your case to a satisfactory ending, as I think I shall mine.
3
Socrates. What is your case, Euthyphro? Are you defending or prosecuting?
3
Euthyphro. Prosecuting.
3
Socrates. Whom?
4
Euthyphro. Such a man that they think I am insane because I am prosecutingThe Greek word has much the same meaning as the Latin prosequor, from which the English prosecute is derived, follow, pursue, and is at the same time the technical term for prosecute. him.
4
Socrates. Why? Are you prosecuting one who has wings to fly away with?
4
Euthyphro. No flying for him at his ripe old age.
4
Socrates. Who is he?
4
Euthyphro. My father.
4
Socrates. Your father, my dear man?
4
Euthyphro. Certainly.
4
Socrates. But what is the charge, and what is the suit about?
4
Euthyphro. Murder, Socrates.
4
Socrates. Heracles! Surely, Euthyphro, most people do not know where the right lies; for I fancy it is not everyone who can rightly do what you are doing, but only one who is already very far advanced in wisdom.
4
Euthyphro. Very far, indeed, Socrates, by Zeus.
4
Socrates. Is the one who was killed by your father a relative? But of course he was; for you would not bring a charge of murder against him on a stranger’s account.
