Letters

None of these considerations do you take into account but, grudging me the paltry words of a decree and an act of kindness,[*](See Dem. L. 3.39 by way of an ordinance of gratitude and magnanimity on your part.) you will allow me to perish, if it so happen, through your inaction, for I could appeal to no others but you. In that day you will say that I have been shamefully mistreated, I know for a certainty, when it will do neither you nor myself any good, for assuredly you do not expect that I have funds apart from my real and personal property, from which I am separated; the rest of my assets I wish to assemble if in a spirit of humanity instead of spitefulness you will but give me leave to attend to this business unmolested.[*](Demosthenes was condemned to be held in prison until his fine should be paid; he insists that he must enjoy liberty if he is to collect the funds necessary for payment.)

Neither will you ever show that I received money from Harpalus, for neither was I tried and proved guilty nor did I take money, and if you are looking for excuse to the notorious decision of the Council or to the Areopagus,[*](According to Plut. Dem. 26, the orator himself moved that the charges should be referred to the Areopagus, which promptly condemned him.) recall to mind the trial of Aristogeiton[*](Aristogeiton was acquitted, according to Demosthenes, upon the same evidence. See Dem. L. 3.37.) and hide your heads in shame[*](Eight references to this passage may be found in Walz’s Rhetores Graeci, which has an index.); because I have no milder injunction for those who have committed this offence against me.

For surely you will not claim it was just, after information was laid in the very same words by the same Council, for that man to be exonerated and me to be ruined; you are not so void of reason. For I do not deserve it; I am not that kind of a person nor worse than he, though I am unfortunate, thanks to you, I admit, for why not unfortunate when on top of my other calamities I must compare myself with Aristogeiton, and to make matters worse, a ruined man with one who has secured acquittal?

And do not assume from these words that it is anger that moves me, because I could not feel that way toward you. To those who are wronged, however, it brings a certain relief to tell their sorrows, just as it relieves those in pain to moan, because toward you I feel as much goodwill as I would pray you might have toward me. I have made this plain in everything and shall continue to do so,

for I have been resolved from the beginning that it is the duty of every man in public life, if only he be a fair-minded citizen, so to feel toward all his fellow-citizens as children ought to feel toward their parents, and, while praying that he may find them perfectly reasonable, yet to bear with them in a spirit of kindliness as they are[*](This advice for children was possibly a commonplace. It is voiced by Epicurus, Vatican Collection 62.); because defeat under such circumstances is judged among right-minded men to be an honorable and befitting victory. Farewell.