[192]
Again, with regard to the plea that
merciful and humane laws are good for the common people, you must consider this.
There are two sorts of problems, men of Athens, with which the laws of all nations are concerned.
First, what are the principles under which we associate with one another, have
dealings with one another, define the obligations of private life, and, in
general, order our social relations? Secondly, what are the duties that every
man among us owes to the commonwealth, if he chooses to take part in public life
and professes any concern for the State?
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by A. T. Murray, Ph.D., LL.D. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1939.
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