men who have undertaken this task while in doubt concerning the reward — nor is there any wonder that one who is in doubt concerning the recompense after death should be grieved and sorrowful about dying — but I do wonder at any one who is grieved at death while professing to believe in a recompense after death. — When Aristotle had brought this discourse to a conclusion, Kriton said: If you desire us to be contented after your departure, O worthy teacher! the eloquent speech which you have made must increase our sorrow at your departure; and if death be profitable to you, to us it is most detrimental, on account of the unsolved difficulties remaining among us for which you were our refuge. — Diogenes said: The same thing cannot be profitable to one thing and detrimental to another unless there be some contrariety between the two latter; if Aristotle's departure be profitable to himself and detrimental to us, this must be because of some difference between us. — Kriton: There is both agreement and diversity between us and him; we agree in our wish and desire, and differ about our remaining and his departure. — Diogenes: Your grief comes not of his being about to enter the house of honour, but rather of your remaining in the abode of disgrace. — Lysias said: You both speak well. You were the pillars of a hall wherein were lamps; the greatest pillar has fallen, and the weight has come upon the other pillars; the most brilliant lamp is extinguished, the light in the hall is diminished, and the darkness increased. Nor is it the falling of the pillar nor the extinction of the lamp that troubles you; but rather the darkness of the hall and the weight of the roof. — Simmias, glancing at Aristotle, said: O guide to wisdom! tell us what is the first thing which it behoves the seeker after wisdom to acquire? — Aristotle: Seeing that the soul is the source of wisdom, the first knowledge which is profitable for him is knowledge of the soul. — Simmias: How should he seek it? — Aristotle: By his own virtue. — Simmias: What is his own virtue? — Aristotle: That virtue whereby you asked me about yourself. — Simmias: How is it possible for any one
