A call for judicial examination

But so that no one may think this an irrational and reckless claim, we ask that the charges brought against us be examined. If they are proved true, let the guilty be punished as is fitting [or rather, punish them]. But if no one has anything with which to convict us, true reason does not permit you to wrong innocent people because of an evil rumor—or rather, to wrong yourselves, since you choose to conduct affairs by passion instead of judgment. Every sensible person will declare this a fair and indeed the only just demand: that those who are governed present an irreproachable account of their own life and teaching, and that rulers in turn cast their verdict by following not violence or tyranny but piety and philosophy. In this way both rulers and those ruled would enjoy what is good. For one of the ancients said somewhere, “Unless rulers become philosophers, and those who are ruled as well, cities cannot prosper.” Our task, then, is to make our life and teachings open to examination by everyone, so that we may not bear responsibility for the wrongs committed in blindness by those who think they may remain ignorant of our affairs. Your task, as reason requires, is to hear us and prove to be good judges. For once you have learned the truth, if you do not do what is just, you will have no defense before God.