First Apology 3

But so that no one may think this an unreasonable and reckless saying, we ask that the charges against them be examined, and, if they are proved to be so, that they be punished as it is fitting to punish those convicted. But if no one can prove anything, true reason does not direct you to wrong innocent people because of an evil rumor, or rather yourselves, who think fit to handle matters by passion and not by judgment. Everyone of sound mind will declare this the fair and only just challenge: that subjects should give an irreproachable account of their life and teaching, and that rulers likewise should give their verdict following, not violence and tyranny, but piety and philosophy; for so both rulers and subjects would enjoy the good. For one of the ancients said somewhere, “Unless both rulers and subjects become philosophers, cities cannot be happy.” It is our task, then, to offer all an inspection of our life and teachings, so that we may not ourselves incur the penalty for those who think they are ignorant of our ways, for the faults they commit in their blindness; and it is yours, as reason demands, when you have heard, to be found good judges. For hereafter, having learned, you will have no excuse before God if you do not do what is just.