[13]
For I observe that the other orators in their introductions seek to conciliate their hearers and make excuses for the speeches which they are about to deliver,1 sometimes alleging that their preparation has been on the spur of the moment, sometimes urging that it is difficult to find words to match the greatness of their theme.
1 This is done by Lys. 2.1, by Hyp. 6.2, and by Isocrates himself, Isoc. 12.36-38.