[38]
Most of what
has been read, Athenians, is unfortunately true—possibly, however, not
pleasant to listen to. But if all that a speaker passes over, to avoid giving
offence, is passed over by the course of events also, then blandiloquence is
justified; but if smooth words out of season prove a curse in practice, then it
is our disgrace if we hoodwink ourselves, if we shelve whatever is irksome and
so miss the time for action,
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by J. H. Vince, M.A. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1930.
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