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