Why have you come at this hour, Crito? it must be quite early?
Crito
Yes, certainly.
Socrates
What is the exact time?
Crito
The dawn is breaking.
Socrates
I wonder that the keeper of the prison would let you in.
Crito
He knows me, because I often come, Socrates; moreover, I have done him a kindness.
Socrates
And are you only just arrived?
Crito
No, I came some time ago.
Socrates
Then why did you sit and say nothing, instead of at once awakening me?
Crito
I should not have liked myself, Socrates, to be in such great trouble and unrest as you are—indeed I should not: I have been watching with amazement your peaceful slumbers; and for that reason I did not awake you, because I wished to minimize the pain. I have always thought you to be of a happy disposition; but never did I see anything like the easy, tranquil manner in which you bear this calamity.
Socrates
Why, Crito, when a man has reached my age he ought not to be repining at the approach of death.
Crito
And yet other old men find themselves in similar misfortunes, and age does not prevent them from repining.
Socrates
That is true. But you have not told me why you come at this early hour.
Crito
I come to bring you a message which is sad and painful; not, as I believe, to yourself, but to all of us who are your friends, and saddest of all to me.
Socrates
