"
"Then one should seek for light. Perchance you will find here the
great law--that mortals must in darkness seek the source of life. Do
you not think it is better so to seek than to remain sitting in one
spot? _I_ think it is, therefore I keep walking. Farewell!"
"Oh, good Socrates, abandon me not! You go with sure steps through the
pathless chaos in Hades. Hold out to me but a fold of your mantle--"
"If you think it is better for you, too, then follow me, friend
Elpidias."
And the two shades walked on, while the soul of Ctesippus, released by
sleep from its mortal envelop, flew after them, greedily absorbing the
tones of the clear Socratic speech.
"Are you here, good Socrates?" the voice of the Athenian again was
heard. "Why are you silent? Converse shortens the way, and I swear, by
Hercules, never did I have to traverse such a horrid way."
"Put questions, friend Elpidias! The question of one who seeks
knowledge brings forth answers and produces conversation."
Elpidias maintained silence for a moment, and then, after he had
collected his thoughts, asked:
"Yes, this is what I wanted to say--tell me, my poor Socrates, did
they at least give you a good burial?"
"I must confess, friend Elpidias, I cannot satisfy your curiosity.
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