Axiochus

Socrates (quod he) now is the time when thou maist shew forth thy long fostered and famous wisedome, for my father is euen nowe taken with a grieuous disease, and drawing neere (as it seemeth) to his end, is therwithall grieuously troubled, and greatly disquieted. Howbeit, heretofore hee was so farre from the feare of death, as that he was wont pleasantly to scoffe and scorne at those which vsed to portrait the Image of death, painting him with a dreadfull countenance and a griezly face. Wherefore I beseech thee O Socrates, to go and comfort my father as you were wont to doo: for so the rather being strengthened with your good counsaile, he shall bee able without any grudging or fainting to passe through the way of all flesh, and I with the rest of his friends and kinsemen will maintaine the yearly memory of that his good end.

O Clinias I will not denie thy so reasonable a request, specially concerning such a matter, as to deny it were great vnkindnes and discourtesie: to grant it, perteyneth both to godlineſſe and charitie. Let vs therefore speede vs to him: for if thy father be in so sore taking, there needeth speedines and great hast.