Letters

If you have looked down upon us because we are not yet among the foremost men,[*](If the letter is genuine, this evidence of date would point approximately to 355 B.C. The First Philippic was delivered in 351.) reflect that you too were once a young man of the same age as we are now, and that you have reached your present position through speech and action in public life. Such success may attend me also. For deliberative oratory I have mastered already[*](Deinarchus in Din. 1.35 may be making a taunting reference to this boast.) and, with Fortune lending a hand, the practical experience also may follow.

Now a fine tribute, a just return.[*](This looks like a proverbial expression. The reference is either to a favor conferred by Demosthenes and not mentioned here or to the good opinion he claims to have expressed.) Please make me this recompense. Neither allow yourself to be led by one of those whose judgement is inferior to your own nor submit to them, but try to bring those men around to your way of thinking, and so conduct yourself that we may not have to give up any of our judgements of you that were assumed to be true, but that for Epitimus some deliverance may be found and release from his perils. I too shall be on hand at whatever time you shall say is the fitting moment. Send me a written message or rather command me as a friend. Farewell.