Axiochus

Axiochus.

high loft only overlooked the troubles and tempests of the commonwealth. But we know the fame more assuredly, having made proof thereof in ourselves. For the common people, indeed our friends, Socrates, is unthankful, disdainful, cruel, envious, and unlearned, as that which is gathered together of the scum and dregs of the rascal route and a sort of idle losels worthless people: whom he that flattereth and feedeth is much worse himself than they.

Socrates.

Since therefore O Axiochus, thou dost so greatly disallow that opinion, which of all other is counted most honest and liberal; what shall we judge of the other trades of life? Shall we not think that they are likewise to be shunned? I remember that I once heard Prodicus a Greek philosopher say that death pertaineth neither to the living nor to the dead.

Axiochus.

How mean you that, Socrates?

Socrates.

Marry thus; that death toucheth not those that are, and as for those that are departed out