1 For one who is about to
take any serious step, whether in speech or action, I assume that the proper course is to
take his beginning from the gods. Accordingly I entreat all the gods and goddesses that
what is best for the democracy of the Athenians and for those who bear goodwill toward the
democracy, both now and for time to come, I may myself be moved to write and the members
of the Assembly to adopt. With this prayer, having hopes of good inspiration from the
gods, I address this message.
Demosthenes to the Council and the Assembly sends greeting.
1 Citations from sects. 6 and 12 of this letter are found in Bekker's Anecdota, Antiatticista pp. 111. 31. and 110. 5, a lexicographical work. This is evidence for authenticity.
Demosthenes with an English translation by Norman W. DeWitt, Ph.D., and Norman J. DeWitt, Ph.D. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1949.
The Annenberg CPB/Project provided support for entering this text.
