In this dialogue, two philosophers talk about death.  Socrates about his wisdom to die the best he can.  And the philosopher, who echoes his teacher’s opinion with questions and thoughts on a genuine death.

Philosopher:  Ah, Socrates, you look forward to death?

Socrates:  Yes, I wish to shed my sinning flesh, so I may feel the spiritual with a truly pure heart.

P:  You shy from mortality?

S:  Not at all, it is out of my control.  I give my body freely to experience the ultimate freedom.  I don’t want to die, but it is the best death I can arrange for myself.

P:  But why does knowing when and how you die help?

S:  Hemlock is a tradition.  And agreeing with the Eleven brings me as close to my right time to die as I have ever been fortunate enough to see.  I don’t think I would plan a better death all by myself.

P:  Does this death of yours ring true?

S:  Yes, I believe it does.  Perhaps, others, ages and ages hence, will find fault with it.  But no truer death can I envision for myself.

P:  Alright, I am going to think about my own for a while.  I don’t believe my time will arrive:  not yet anyway!

S:  Farewell and think well about your death and all humanity, who shall join us soon.