Meditations 11.25

Socrates excused himself to Perdiccas for not going to him, saying, It is because I would not perish by the worst of all ends; that is, I would not receive a favor and then be unable to return it.

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 11.25, translated by George Long

Socrates refused the invitation of Perdiccas to his court, That I come not, said he, to a dishonoured grave, meaning, that I be not treated with generosity and have no power to return it.

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 11.25, translated by C. R. Haines