PRIEST ONE
Good Anytus, Meletus waits for you.
All democratic men are here for you.
ANYTUS
Ah gentlemen, you know why we are here.
We've not much time, and quite a problem here
MOB (outside)
Socrates! Superstar!
Socrates! Superstar!
Socrates! Superstar!
Socrates! Superstar!
MELETUS
Listen to that howling mob of blockheads in the street!
A trick or two with logic, and the whole town's on its feet.
ALL (inside)
He is dangerous!
MOB (outside)
Socrates, Superstar!
ALL (inside)
He is dangerous!
MOB (outside)
Tell us that you're who they say you are.
PRIEST TWO
The man is in town right now to whip up some support.
PRIEST THREE
A rabble rousing mission that I think we must abort.
ALL (inside)
He is dangerous!
MOB (outside)
Socrates, Superstar!
ALL (inside)
He is dangerous!
PRIEST TWO
Look Anytus, they're right outside our yard.
PRIEST THREE
Quick Anytus, go call the Roman guard.
ANYTUS
No, wait!
We need a more permanent solution to our problem.
MELETUS
What then to do about Socrates of Athens?
Miracle philosopher, hero of fools.
PRIEST THREE
No riots, no army, no fighting, no slogans.
ANYTUS
One thing I'll say for him — Socrates is cool.
MELETUS
We dare not leave him to his own devices.
His half-witted fans will get out of control.
PRIESTS
But how can we stop him?
His glamour increases
By leaps every moment; he's top of the poll.
ANYTUS
I see bad things arising.
A philosopher king is democracy's end
I see blood and destruction,
Our elimination because of one man.
Blood and destruction because of one man.
ALL (inside)
Because, because, because of one man.
ANYTUS
Our elimination because of one man.
ALL (inside)
Because, because, because of one, 'cause of one, 'cause of one man.
PRIEST THREE
What then to do about Socrates-mania?
MELETUS
How do we deal with a philosopher king?
PRIESTS
Where do we start with a man who is thicker
Than weird Heraclitus with his river thing?
ANYTUS
Fools, you have no perception!
The stakes we are gambling are frighteningly high!
We must crush him completely,
So like Heraclitus, Socrates will cry.
For the sake of the nation, Socrates must die.
ALL (inside)
Must die, must die, Socrates must die.
ANYTUS
Just like Heraclitus, Socrates will die.
ALL (inside)
Must die, must die, Socrates must, yes he must, yes he must die!