Speeches, addresses, etc., Greek -- Translations into English
one tested him when he came bringing his accounts and feeling bad that he
had been slandered in his absence, that too when the state was in need of
money and he wished to give a statement. 51. Think now what would happen
if after all Athens had heard that Diotimus had forty talents, he had met
his fate before sailing home. Then his relatives would have been in
greatest danger, if they had had to defend themselves against such a
charge, not knowing any of the facts. These are responsible for your
being mistaken about many, and unjustly ruining some, (these men) who
rashly venture to speak falsely and wish to bring charges against others.
52. Then I suppose you know that Alcibiades was Strategus for four or
five years, having prevailed over and conquered the Spartans, and the
cities thought best to give him twice as much as to any other general, so
that some thought he owned more than a hundred talents. But at his death
he showed it was not the case, for he left a smaller estate to his
children than he had received from his guardians.
53. That such things formerly happened is readily seen; and they say the
noblest and wisest are especially willing to change their opinions. If
then I seem to speak to the point, and bring sufficient testimony,
gentlemen of the jury, in every way favor me, as, although the accusation
is so great, I believe I shall win with truth on my side; and if there is
no way in which you are willing to be persuaded, there seems to be no
hope for me. 54. But by the Olympian gods, gentlemen of the jury, be
willing to save me with justice (on my side), rather than ruin me
unjustly; and believe they speak the truth, who even in silence during
their lives conduct themselves wisely and justly.
55. So in regard to the writ itself and how they became my connections
and that his property was not enough for the voyage, but that he borrowed
elsewhere, you have heard and testimony has been given you; but I wish to
say a few words about myself. For I at thirty years of age never spoke
wrongly to my father, nor has a citizen ever brought a charge against me,
and though living near the market-place I was never seen in the court or
assembly before this befell me. 56. So much I can say of myself, but of
my father, since the charge has been made as if he were at fault, have
patience if I declare what he spent for the state and his friends. And
(it is not) in a spirit of boasting, but to prove that it is inconsistent
with the character of a man to spend much unnecessarily and to wish to
keep common property at greatest risk. 57. There are some who spend not
only for this, but that they may gain twice as much if they are thought
by you worthy to rule. My father never wished to be a leader, but he
supplied all choruses, and was Trierarch seven times, and made many large
contributions. That you may know this, each point will be read you.
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