Execution-style

 

I say The State, but meet the main-man stage-managing the case against me:   (Anytus*), wealthy son of an industry mogul 

Which is   the reason   he’s now a powerful politician 

Before that, Dad’s-wheel-greasing was also integral in making him: General of a War Fleet 

How did he handle himself in the heat of battle?  Well … 10 years ago, he was charged with: treason - for: failing to fire a shot when everyone was relying on him to complete his mission

But here’s the real beauty of money - he got off.  Coz ... : he bribed the jury - literally the first human to ever do it.   A true visionary 

 

Once the verdict was in,  i was given a chance to:    Beg  The Mercy of THE Court  

What punishment ought you get for your crimes, then, in your opinion?

I was meant to recant, say: exile.   Give everyone a way out

But to hell with that.  I replied: 

How ‘bout a small government-paid stipend,  in perpetuity … ?  

Enough for meals at the community centre is fine.  I'm already seventy … so ….great deal financially for ya tax-funded ORG entity

Make it:  In appreciation of how well (redacted) fought - for free - to reveal a threat to public health & safety.  Namely:   The Establishment’s Thought-Control  Mentality…

 

They don’t go for that, as we’ve covered. Too intoxicated by their love affair with their own roiling malice 

(Guesses)

Fittingly, the end is:   a poisoned chalice   -  hemlock   -  concocted by the resident alchemist 

The scene is … eerily deja vu: a secluded prison cell, a government actor, bearing a cup - of condemnation - but - a congregation of friends gathered - an intimacy - the way it was always meant to be

I’m ready to be set free: spiritually

 

With a steady hand, i cheerfully accept the cup - crack one last joke with the alchemist:  Does the occasion call for a libation?  Ok if i pour a portion of the wine on the ground for the GODS?  How ‘bout it?

He says, straight-faced: That’s not allowed. The amount is bespoke. Scientifically calculated to do the job

Ohrr.  Pity.  Then here’s to my soul’s journey to infinity … 

I lift the cup to my lips, drain it in one gulp

 

By so doing, i transcend death 

With my dying breath i say: i owe a cockerel to Asclepius. (the last person to become a God*) Don’t forget to pay it

My friend, Crito, doesn’t forget, & … it works!   

Lurking from beyond the grave, I still play a foundational role in:   THE Golden Age of Philosophy

Schools of which’ll run fine as veritable fountains of wisdom …for:  another 900 years after i’m bodily gone

Right up until the Dark Ages … & counting

(Guesses)

 

 

 

 

_{Ans: Socrates}

 

* Anytus - born to money princeling - failed military leader charged with treason - jury briber - political elite - driving force in the case against Socrates

* Asclepius - Greek God of Medicine (son of Apollo) was a mortal who became immortalized as a God.  Gifted doctor in real life -  could reputedly resurrect the dead … (possible if you knew CPR)

At length Zeus, afraid that Asclepius might render all men immortal, slew him with a thunderbolt