I too, then, expect to be plotted against by some one of those I have named, and to be fastened to the stake—if not by Crescens, that lover of bluster and boasting. For the man does not deserve to be called a philosopher, who publicly testifies against us concerning things he does not understand, alleging that the Christians are atheists and impious, doing this to gain the favor and pleasure of the many who have been deceived. For if he attacks us without having met with the teachings of Christ, he is utterly wicked and far worse than ordinary men, who often guard against discussing and bearing false witness about things they do not understand; or if he has met with them, but has not grasped the greatness that is in them, or, having grasped it, does these things so as not to be suspected of being such a one himself, he is far more ignoble and utterly wicked, being inferior to vulgar and irrational opinion and fear. For I would have you know that I put certain such questions to him and inquired, and learned and proved that he truly understands nothing. And to show that I speak the truth, if these exchanges of arguments have not been reported to you, I am ready to engage in the questions again even in your presence; and this too would be a kingly act. But if my questions and his answers have become known to you, it is plain to you that he understands nothing of our affairs; or if he does understand, but does not dare to speak because of his hearers, he is shown, as I said before, like Socrates, to be not a lover of wisdom but a lover of opinion—a man who does not even honor that admirable Socratic saying: "But a man is in no way to be honored above the truth." But it is impossible for a Cynic, who has set up indifference as his end, to know the good except indifference.