- Socrates? I'm terribly sorry to be disturbing you shortly before your impending execution, but--- And who are you?- My name is Manny. I'm a visitor from the future. I--

- Again. It's been one visitor after another this evening. First my extremely well-meaning friend Crito trying to save me, and then R. Daneel Olivaw from the Trantorian Empire trying to save me, and then two fictitious characters from Ultima Thule who for some reason also thought they would try to save me, and now you. Well. Wha

- Socrates? I'm terribly sorry to be disturbing you shortly before your impending execution, but--- And who are you?- My name is Manny. I'm a visitor from the future. I--- Again. It's been one visitor after another this evening. First my extremely well-meaning friend Crito trying to save me, and then R. Daneel Olivaw from the Trantorian Empire trying to save me, and then two fictitious characters from Ultima Thule who for some reason also thought they would try to save me, and now you. Well. What's on your mind, Manny?- Uh, I was thinking, I'd try to save you. My time machine is right here, it's big enough for--- And how would you propose to save me?- I could take you back to the twenty-first century. You'd like it there. People are more tolerant, you'd be able to say what you want and not get killed by an angry mob. We have freedom of speech, you see. - Do you indeed?- Yes, we do. Society has progressed a great deal since your day.- As it happens, R. Daneel said something rather similar about his age. But perhaps matters went downhill again after your time. It is so easy for the world to relapse into barbarism.- Uh, well--- You understand that I see no purpose in leaving. I love Athens. I have devoted my life to this city, which to my mind is the greatest civilization the world has produced or ever will produce. They have condemned me to death, and that saddens me more than I can say, but I would rather accept my sentence than forego their respect to steal a few miserable years among lesser people.- Oh, but we are not lesser people! Come and see for yourself! - In fact, the fictitious characters from Thule tried to convince me of the same thing. I declined their offer, but after they left I wondered if I had not been overhasty. The philosopher, Alberto, had many interesting opinions. And his ephebe -- Sofie, if I remember the name aright? - was remarkably attractive. If you have more young boys like that in your time--- In fact, I should inform you that Sofie was a girl.- A girl? Really? Her clothing, her general demeanor... well, no matter. Perhaps I have underestimated the charms of fourteen year old girls. I am willing to make the experiment, in a spirit of philosophical openness.- Uh, Socrates, I should warn you that although our society is very tolerant, you would be advised not to--

- Of course, of course! I have become so forgetful in my old age. Alberto did mention your curious views on eros. I can say what I wish, except in erotic matters.

- Well--- You are right. I must think less about these trifles. The important thing is that I can speak openly about the gods?- Yes Socrates. You'll be able to do that at least!- I am struggling to recall my conversation with Alberto. I believe he mentioned a barbarian god who is much worshipped in your time and who places the strongest prohibitions on his followers. "Allah", or something like that.- Indeed, Socrates. But you are under no--- Capital! Probably it comes of having been teased so much by my friend Aristophanes, but I had thought to compose an amusing little sketch, in his style, about the holy man of "Allah". I confess it is beneath me, and in my dear Athens I would have more sense than to do such a thing. In your society, however, I understand I may permit myself this freedom, tasteless and disrespectful as it may be?- Well, to be honest Socrates, it would probably be safer if you didn't--- Dear me. So I can say what I wish, except about the erotic and the divine? And possibly a few other things?- I suppose--- And if I fail to observe your incomprehensible barbarian laws, I am liable to be put to death?- You know, you shouldn't--- Manny, I'm seventy years old. I like to speak my mind. I've managed to upset even my dear countrymen, with whom I've lived all my life, to the point that they have decided to kill me. I doubt it would go much better for me anywhere else. I'd rather die here, in a place I'm familiar with, and not give the people who sentenced me to death the satisfaction of seeing me try to escape. - But Socrates--- I know you meant well, Manny. You all did. Crito, and R. Daneel Olivaw, and the two visitors from Ultima Thule. You all meant extremely well. But sometimes there's just no easy solution. And now, I'd like to get some sleep.- Uh, I'm sorry Socrates. I'll tell the twenty-first century what you said. And it's been a privilege meeting you. - It's okay, Manny. And don't forget to show people the funny side of it too. Goodnight.- Goodnight, Socrates.