ABSTRACT
Socrates, lying in prison awaiting execution, is presented with an opportunity to escape. Crito stands as an advocate, pleading a cause to his friend in behalf of his friend, using, as a pleader will, such terms as he can muster to persuade. The distinction between base rhetoric and philosophical rhetoric bears on Socrates' speech of defense in the Apology. Where the obligation of obedience to government is ascribed to a promise, is in Plato's Crito; where Socrates refused to escape from prison, because he had tacitly promised to obey the laws. But the premises of the Crito, so far from implying this absurdity, preclude it. If Socrates alters the terms of shame, he also alters the meaning of success. There is a possession of ours that is benefited by justice and harmed by injustice, and is to be contrasted with the body as of higher worth.
