But lest anyone think these words rash and presumptuous, we ask that the charges against them be examined; and if they are proved to be as alleged, that they be punished as it is fitting to punish the convicted; but if no one can convict them of anything, true reason does not direct that, on account of an evil report, innocent men should be wronged—rather, that you wrong yourselves, who think fit to conduct affairs not by judgment but by passion. Every sober person will declare this to be the one good and just demand: that the subjects render an unimpeachable account of their own life and teaching, and that the rulers likewise give their verdict following not violence or tyranny but piety and philosophy; for thus both rulers and ruled would enjoy the good. For one of the ancients said somewhere: 'Unless both rulers and ruled become philosophers, cities cannot be happy.' It is therefore our task to offer to all an inspection of our life and our teachings, so that we may not bear the penalty for those who, supposing they know our affairs, blunder in blindness—lest we incur it for ourselves; and it is yours, as reason demands, to be found good judges when you have heard. For if, having learned the truth, you do not do what is just, you will be without excuse before God.