49
Socrates. Ought we in no way to do wrong intentionally, or should we do wrong in some ways but not in others? Or, as we often agreed in former times, is it never right or honorable to do wrong? Or have all those former conclusions of ours been overturned in these few days, and have we old men, seriously conversing with each other, failed all along to see that we were no better than children? Or is not what we used to say most certainly true, whether the world agree or not? And whether we must endure still more grievous sufferings than these, or lighter ones, is not wrongdoing inevitably an evil and a disgrace to the wrongdoer? Do we believe this or not?
49
Crito. We do.
49
Socrates. Then we ought not to do wrong at all.
49
Crito. Why, no.
49
Socrates. And we ought not even to requite wrong with wrong, as the world thinks, since we must not do wrong at all.
49
Crito. Apparently not.
49
Socrates. Well, Crito, ought one to do evil or not?
49
Crito. Certainly not, Socrates.
49
Socrates. Well, then, is it right to requite evil with evil, as the world says it is, or not right?
49
Crito. Not right, certainly.
49
Socrates. For doing evil to people is the same thing as wronging them.
49
Crito. That is true.
