[3]
In many cases, gentlemen of the jury, when men are serving
as judges they are seriously misled. For, just as a complaint of the eyes, by
confusing the vision, prevents a man from seeing what lies before him, so an
unjust speech, insinuating itself into the minds of the jury, prevents them in
their anger from perceiving the truth. You should therefore exercise more care
in dealing with the accused than with the plaintiffs. For the latter, by virtue
of speaking first, have the jury in the mood which suits them, while the former
are compelled to plead their cause to judges already prejudiced by anger.
Demades. Minor Attic Orators in two volumes, 2, with an English translation by J. O. Burtt, M.A. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1962.
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