Served with a Summons
Meletus, a local poet and son of Meletus of Pitthos, has read aloud to me today, in the presence of many witnesses, a summons. He is requiring me to appear before the legal magistrate, at the Royal Stoa (a building in central Athens) to answer charges of impeity and corrupting the youth. This is my home state, I have made attempts to teach, educate and morally lead those who have come to me requesting guidance. If I am requested to appear, I shall do so, but with full belief in my heart that I have done nothing wrong. Citizens alone do not have the basic virtue needed to nurture a good society, for that reason I have responded in accordance to my calling. I have become the shepherd which must guide the flock in the direction it should go. If I am to be placed on trial for this...so be it.