[135]
Now I think you would all agree that this is a distinct disgrace; how much
worse in you than in others, hear me explain. You have an ancient law, one held
in great respect, that if anyone deceives the people by false promises, he shall
be brought to trial, and if convicted shall be punished with death. And are you
not then ashamed, Athenians, to find yourselves doing the very thing for which
you punish other men with death? Nay, but in everything it is right to take heed
against doing whatever seems or is dishonorable, but especially in cases where a
man is seen to be indignant with others. For there is no room left even for
hesitation in avoiding acts which a man's own judgement has already condemned.
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by C. A. Vince, M. A. and J. H. Vince, M.A. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1926.
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