[120]
I have chosen to begin with a period rather remote for these reasons: first, because I consider that those who lay claim to superior excellence ought from the very beginning of their race to be distinguished above all others,1 and, second, because I should be ashamed if, having spoken at undue length of men who, though noble,2 are nowise akin to me, I should not even briefly mention those of our ancestors who most excellently governed our city,
1 See Isoc. 4.25.
2 See Isoc. 12.72 ff.