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̓Εν βουλῃ̂ Μαντιθέῳ δοκιμαζομένῳ ἀπολογία
In Council, Mantitheus Dokimasia Apologia
(Lysias' oration #16, in defense of Mantitheus, a young man nominated to some high office, who must be examined and approved, the
dokimasia, by the
Boule, the Council. Mantitheus has been accused of being in the cavalry during the time of the Thirty Tyrants. In this speech he refutes that charge, and more generally, describes what an honorable citizen he is. Here I translate, very literally, phrase by phrase, the speech. While the translation is intentionally literal, an English-speaking reader, perhaps thinking of Yoda's manner of speaking, should be able to follow the sense of Lysias, fairly precisely.)
εἰ μὴ συνῄδη, ὠ̂ βουλή, τοι̂ς κατηγόροις βουλομένοις - If I did not know, Councillors, that my accusers wished
ἐκ παντὸς τρόπου κακω̂ς ἐμὲ ποιει̂ν, - in every way to do me harm,
πολλὴν ἂν αὐτοι̂ς χάριν εἰ̂χον ταύτης τη̂ς κατηγορίας: - very grateful to them would I be for this accusation:
ἡγου̂μαι γὰρ τοι̂ς ἀδίκως διαβεβλημένοις - for I believe that for those unjustly slandered
τούτους εἰ̂ναι μεγίστων ἀγαθω̂ν αἰτίους, - these (charges) to be of greatest benefit to the accused,
οἵτινες ἂν αὐτοὺς ἀναγκάζωσιν εἰς ἔλεγχον τω̂ν αὐτοι̂ς βεβιωμένων καταστη̂ναι. - since, by them, they (the accused) are compelled to set down a defense/justification of their course of life.
[2] ἐγὼ γὰρ οὕτω σφόδρα ἐμαυτῳ̂ πιστεύω, - For thus I believe so strongly in myself,
ὥστ' ἐλπίζω καὶ εἴ τις - that I hope, even if someone (of you)
πρός με τυγχάνει ἀηδω̂ς [ἢ κακω̂ς] διακείμενος, - happens to be unfriendly disposed to me,
ἐπειδὰν ἐμου̂ λέγοντος ἀκούσῃ - after hearing my words
περὶ τω̂ν πεπραγμένων, - about these matters,
μεταμελήσειν αὐτῳ̂ - (he) will change his mind
καὶ πολὺ βελτίω με εἰς τὸν λοιπὸν χρόνον ἡγήσεσθαι. - and will view me more highly henceforth (for the rest of time).
[3] ἀξιω̂ δέ, ὠ̂ βουλή, - I think it fit, Councillors,
ἐὰν μὲν του̂το μόνον ὑμι̂ν ἐπιδείξω, - that if I only prove to you
ὡς εὔνους εἰμὶ τοι̂ς καθεστηκόσι πράγμασι - that I am sympathetic/favorably disposed to the established system (i.e. the present democratic constitution,and not to the Thirty)
καὶ ὡς ἠνάγκασμαι τω̂ν αὐτω̂ν κινδύνων μετέχειν ὑμι̂ν, - and that I was compelled to share the same dangers as you,
μηδέν πώ μοι πλέον εἰ̂ναι: - ? (and not even any more to be) ?
ἐὰν δὲ φαίνωμαι <καὶ> περὶ τὰ ἄλλα - and if I make clear that even in other (matters)
μετρίως βεβιωκὼς - (I have led a) well-balanced life,
καὶ πολὺ παρὰ τὴν δόξαν - very contrary to mere opinion (common gossip)
καὶ παρὰ τοὺς λόγους τοὺς τω̂ν ἐχθρω̂ν, - and the words of my enemies,
δέομαι ὑμω̂ν ἐμὲ μὲν δοκιμάζειν, - then I ask that you approve (dokimasia) me,
τούτους δὲ ἡγει̂σθαι χείρους εἰ̂ναι. - and consider them (my enemies) the worse.
πρω̂τον δὲ ἀποδείξω - First I will show
ὡς οὐχ ἵππευον - that I was not in the cavalry
οὐδ' ἐπεδήμουν ἐπὶ τω̂ν τριάκοντα, - nor lived at home (in Athens) during the time of The Thirty,
οὐδὲ μετέσχον τη̂ς τότε πολιτείας. - nor shared in their government.
[4] ἡμα̂ς γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ πρὸ τη̂ς ἐν ̔Ελλησπόντῳ συμφορα̂ς ὡς Σάτυρον τὸν ἐν τῳ̂ Πόντῳ διαιτησομένους ἐξέπεμψε, - For, our father, before the disaster on the Hellespont, sent us to live with Satryus on the Pontus,
καὶ οὔτε τω̂ν τειχω̂ν καθαιρουμένων ἐπεδημου̂μεν - and neither during the taking-down of the walls, was at home
οὔτε μεθισταμένης τη̂ς πολιτείας, - nor (during) the changing of the government,
ἀλλ' ἤλθομεν πρὶν τοὺς ἀπὸ Φυλη̂ς εἰς τὸν Πειραια̂ κατελθει̂ν πρότερον πένθ' ἡμέραις. - but we came back only five days before those from Phyle came down into into Piraeus. (This being when the democratic party, "from Phyle," ousted The Thirty.)
[5] καίτοι οὔτε ἡμα̂ς εἰκὸς ἠ̂ν - And indeed, neither was it likely (for) us
εἰς τοιου̂τον καιρὸν ἀφιγμένους - returning at such a critical time
ἐπιθυμει̂ν μετέχειν τω̂ν ἀλλοτρίων κινδύνων, - to desire to share the dangers of the outsiders,
οὔτ' ἐκει̂νοι φαίνονται τοιαύτην γνώμην ἔχοντες - nor would they appear to have such a purpose
ὥστε καὶ τοι̂ς ἀποδημου̂σι καὶ τοι̂ς μηδὲν ἐξαμαρτάνουσι μεταδιδόναι τη̂ς πολιτείας, - as to give a share of the government to the exiles and those who never committed grave errors (were never disloyal),
ἀλλὰ μα̂λλον ἠτίμαζον καὶ τοὺς συγκαταλύσαντας τὸν δη̂μον. - but rather greatly dishonored even those who helped depose the democracy.
[6] ἔπειτα δὲ ἐκ μὲν του̂ σανιδίου τοὺς ἱππεύσαντας σκοπει̂ν εὔηθές ἐστιν. - Furthermore, to ascertain (who served) from the register of the cavalry is foolish.
ἐν τούτῳ γὰρ πολλοὶ μὲν τω̂ν ὁμολογούντων ἱππεύειν οὐκ ἔνεισιν, - for on it are many who enrolled in the cavalry but did not serve,
ἔνιοι δὲ τω̂ν ἀποδημούντων ἐγγεγραμμένοι εἰσίν. - (and) some of the exiles had been entered.
ἐκει̂νος δ' ἐστὶν ἔλεγχος μέγιστος: - And following is the greatest proof:
ἐπειδὴ γὰρ κατήλθετε, ἐψηφίσασθε τοὺς φυλάρχους - since you returned, you voted the phylarchs
ἀπενεγκει̂ν τοὺς ἱππεύσαντας, - to report those serving in the cavalry
ἵνα τὰς καταστάσεις ἀναπράξητε παρ' αὐτω̂ν. - so that the allowances you could recover from them.
[7] ἐμὲ τοίνυν οὐδεὶς ἂν ἀποδείξειεν οὔτ' ἀπενεχθέντα ὑπὸ τω̂ν φυλάρχων - Therefore no one could prove me reported by the phylarchs (tribal officers)
οὔτε παραδοθέντα τοι̂ς συνδίκοις ως̔́ κατάστασιν καταβαλόντα.4 - nor handed in by the syndics (revenue commissioners) as receiving the allowance.
καίτοι πα̂σι ῥᾴδιον του̂το γνω̂ναι, - and indeed, it is easy for all to know
ὅτι5 ἀναγκαι̂ον ἠ̂ν τοι̂ς φυλάρχοις, - that the phylarchs were compelled,
εἰ μὴ ἀποδείξειαν τοὺς ἔχοντας τὰς καταστάσεις, if they were not to report the holders of the allowances,
αὐτοι̂ς ζημιου̂σθαι. - they themselves would be penalized.
ὥστε πολὺ ἂν δικαιότερον ἐκείνοις* τοι̂ς γράμμασιν ἢ τούτοις πιστεύοιτε: - so that you can trust that these (names on the phylarch's list) are more reliable than those (on the cavalry register)
ἐκ μὲν γὰρ τούτων ῥᾴδιον ἠ̂ν ἐξαλειφθη̂ναι τῳ̂ βουλομένῳ, - for anyone wishing could have easily erased them
ἐν ἐκείνοις δὲ τοὺς ἱππεύσαντας ἀναγκαι̂ον ἠ̂ν ὑπὸ τω̂ν φυλάρχων ἀπενεχθη̂ναι. - but on these the cavalrymen were of necessity reported by the phylarchs.
[8] ἔτι δέ, ὠ̂ βουλή, εἴπερ ἵππευσα, - Furthermore, Councillors, even if I had been in the cavalry,
οὐκ ἂν ἠ̂ ἔξαρνος ὡς δεινόν τι πεποιηκώς, - I would not deny it as having done something terrible,
ἀλλ' ἠξίουν, ἀποδείξας ὡς οὐδεὶς ὑπ' ἐμου̂ τω̂ν πολιτω̂ν κακω̂ς πέπονθε, δοκιμάζεσθαι. - but would expect, showing that no one of the citizens had suffered evilly by me, to be approved.
ὁρω̂ δὲ καὶ ὑμα̂ς ταύτῃ τῃ̂ γνώμῃ χρωμένους, - And I know you also share this view,
καὶ πολλοὺς μὲν τω̂ν τότε ἱππευσάντων βουλεύοντας, - and many who served in the cavalry are Councillors,
πολλοὺς δ' αὐτω̂ν στρατηγοὺς καὶ ἱππάρχους κεχειροτονημένους. - and have been elected generals and hipparchs.
ὥστε μηδὲν δι' ἄλλο με6 ἡγει̂σθε ταύτην ποιει̂σθαι τὴν ἀπολογίαν, ἢ ὅτι περιφανω̂ς ἐτόλμησάν μου καταψεύσασθαι. - Thus you must not suppose that I would make my apologia for any other (reason), than that I take to heart being openly lied about.
ἀνάβηθι δέ μοι καὶ μαρτύρησον. - Go up and bear witness.
Μάρτυρες - Testimony
[9] περὶ μὲν τοίνυν αὐτη̂ς7 τη̂ς αἰτίας - Thus, in regard to the accusation itself
οὐκ οἰ̂δ' ὅ τι δει̂ πλείω λέγειν: - I do not know what more there is to say:
δοκει̂ δέ μοι, ὠ̂ βουλή, - It seems to me, Councillors,
ἐν μὲν τοι̂ς ἄλλοις ἀγω̂σι - (that) in other trials
περὶ αὐτω̂ν μόνων τω̂ν κατηγορημένων προσήκειν ἀπολογει̂σθαι, - it is admissable to speak in defense only about the accusations themselves,
ἐν δὲ ται̂ς δοκιμασίαις δίκαιον εἰ̂ναι - but in the dokimasia, it is right
παντὸς του̂ βίου λόγον διδόναι. - to give an account of one's whole life.
δέομαι οὐ̂ν ὑμω̂ν μετ' εὐνοίας ἀκροάσασθαί μου. - Thus I ask you to listen carefully to me with an open mind.
ποιήσομαι δὲ τὴν ἀπολογίαν ὡς ἂν δύνωμαι διὰ βραχυτάτων. - I will make my apologia as brief as I am able.
[10] ἐγὼ γὰρ πρω̂τον μὲν, - I ... for, in the first place,
οὐσίας μοι οὐ πολλη̂ς καταλειφθείσης - of my property, inheriting little
διὰ τὰς συμφορὰς καὶ τὰς του̂ πατρὸς καὶ τὰς τη̂ς πόλεως, - because of the disasters (befalling) both my father and the city,
δύο μὲν ἀδελφὰς ἐξέδωκα - gave in marriage two sisters
ἐπιδοὺς τριάκοντα μνα̂ς ἑκατέρᾳ, - giving each of them thirty minas,
πρὸς τὸν ἀδελφὸν δ' οὕτως ἐνειμάμην - and to my brother shared
ὥστ' ἐκει̂νον πλέον ὁμολογει̂ν ἔχειν ἐμου̂ τω̂ν πατρῴων, - such that he agreed/admitted to have (received) more of our patrimony than me,
καὶ πρὸς τοὺς ἄλλους ἅπαντας οὕτως βεβίωκα - and in all other things conducted myself
ὥστε μηδεπώποτέ μοι μηδὲ πρὸς ἕνα μηδὲν ἔγκλημα γενέσθαι. - so that no one ever had even one complaint against me.
[11] καὶ τὰ μὲν ἴδια οὕτως διῴκηκα: And while I have managed my personal affairs in this fashion:
περὶ δὲ τω̂ν κοινω̂ν μοι μέγιστον ἡγου̂μαι τεκμήριον εἰ̂ναι τη̂ς ἐμη̂ς ἐπιεικείας, - with respect to the public, I consider (this) to be the greatest proof of my fairness,
ὅτι τω̂ν νεωτέρων ὅσοι περὶ κύβους ἢ πότους ἢ [περὶ]8 τὰς τοιαύτας ἀκολασίας τυγχάνουσι τὰς διατριβὰς ποιούμενοι, - because many of the young men spend their time on dice or drinking or such excesses,
πάντας αὐτοὺς ὄψεσθέ μοι διαφόρους ὄντας, - you can see that all of them have differences with me,
καὶ πλει̂στα τούτους περὶ ἐμου̂ λογοποιου̂ντας καὶ ψευδομένους. - and most of them are telling tales and lying about me.
καίτοι δη̂λον ὅτι, εἰ τω̂ν αὐτω̂ν ἐπεθυμου̂μεν, οὐκ ἂν τοιαύτην γνώμην εἰ̂χον περὶ ἐμου̂. - And indeed, it is clear that, if I desired what they (do), they would not hold such an opinion of me.
[12] ἔτι δ', ὠ̂ βουλή, οὐδεὶς ἂν ἀποδει̂ξαι περὶ ἐμου̂ δύναιτο οὔτε δίκην αἰσχρὰν οὔτε γραφὴν οὔτε εἰσαγγελίαν γεγενημένην: καίτοι ἑτέρους ὁρα̂τε πολλάκις εἰς τοιούτους ἀγω̂νας καθεστηκότας. πρὸς τοίνυν τὰς στρατείας καὶ τοὺς κινδύνους τοὺς πρὸς τοὺς πολεμίους σκέψασθε οἱ̂ον ἐμαυτὸν παρέχω τῃ̂ πόλει.
12. Thus, Councillors, no one can show not one shameful lawsuit, nor prosecution, nor indictment against me: Indeed, you can see others frequently embroiled in such contests. Regarding therefore military service and dangers against our enemies consider what I have rendered to our city.
[13] πρω̂τον μὲν γάρ, ὅτε τὴν συμμαχίαν ἐποιήσασθε πρὸς [τοὺς]9 Βοιωτοὺς καὶ εἰς ̔Αλίαρτον ἔδει βοηθει̂ν, ὑπὸ ̓Ορθοβούλου κατειλεγμένος ἱππεύειν, ἐπειδὴ πάντας ἑώρων τοι̂ς μὲν ἱππεύουσιν ἀσφάλειαν εἰ̂ναι δει̂ν νομίζοντας, τοι̂ς δ' ὁπλίταις κίνδυνον ἡγουμένους, ἑτέρων ἀναβάντων ἐπὶ τοὺς ἵππους ἀδοκιμάστων παρὰ τὸν νόμον ἐγὼ προσελθὼν ἔφην τῳ̂ ̓Ορθοβούλῳ ἐξαλει̂ψαί με ἐκ του̂ καταλόγου, ἡγούμενος αἰσχρὸν εἰ̂ναι του̂ πλήθους μέλλοντος κινδυνεύειν ἄδειαν ἐμαυτῳ̂ παρασκευάσαντα στρατεύεσθαι. καί μοι ἀνάβηθι, ̓Ορθόβουλε.
13. For, first, when you entered into the alliance with the Boeotians and had to relieve Haliartos, Orthobolos enrolled me in the cavalry. Since, seeing that everyone considered the cavalry ought to be safe, but believed the hoplites' dangerous, others went up into the cavalry, "adokimasia," contrary to custom. (But) I, approaching Orthobolos, asked to remove my name from the rolls, believing it to be shameful, with the majority likely to be in danger, preparing for my own safety in the campaign. Come and testify, Orthobolos.
Μάρτυρες - Testimony
[14] συλλεγέντων τοίνυν τω̂ν δημοτω̂ν πρὸ τη̂ς ἐξόδου, εἰδὼς αὐτω̂ν ἐνίους πολίτας μὲν χρηστοὺς ὄντας καὶ προθύμους, ἐφοδίων δὲ ἀπορου̂ντας, εἰ̂πον ὅτι χρὴ τοὺς ἔχοντας παρέχειν τὰ ἐπιτήδεια τοι̂ς ἀπόρως διακειμένοις. καὶ οὐ μόνον του̂το συνεβούλευον τοι̂ς ἄλλοις, ἀλλὰ καὶ αὐτὸς ἔδωκα δυοι̂ν ἀνδροι̂ν τριάκοντα δραχμὰς ἑκατέρῳ, οὐχ ὡς πολλὰ κεκτημένος, ἀλλ' ἵνα παράδειγμα του̂το τοι̂ς ἄλλοις γένηται. καί μοι ἀνάβητε.
14. Therefore, collecting the deme's company for our departure, seeing among them some citizens -- stout and willing, but lacking funds -- I said that those having (money) ought to furnish those lacking with the necessities. And I not only recommended this for others, but also myself gave two men thirty drachmas apiece, not so very much, but to set an example for others.
Μάρτυρες - Testimony
[15] μετὰ ταυ̂τα τοίνυν, ὠ̂ βουλή, εἰς Κόρινθον ἐξόδου γενομένης καὶ πάντων προειδότων ὅτι δεήσει κινδυνεύειν, ἑτέρων ἀναδυομένων ἐγὼ διεπραξάμην ὥστε τη̂ς πρώτης τεταγμένος μάχεσθαι τοι̂ς πολεμίοις: καὶ μάλιστα τη̂ς ἡμετέρας φυλη̂ς δυστυχησάσης, καὶ πλείστων ἐναποθανόντων*10 ὕστερος ἀνεχώρησα του̂ σεμνου̂ Στειριω̂ς του̂ πα̂σιν ἀνθρώποις δειλίαν ὠνειδικότος.
15. Then, after this, Councillors, marching on Corinth, all foreseeing this must be hazardous, others held back, (but) I contrived to be in the first division to engage the enemy. Our wing suffered grievously, and of most dying in (that engagement), and retreated later than the good Stirian who has been reproaching all of the men as cowards.
[16] καὶ οὐ πολλαι̂ς ἡμέραις ὕστερον μετὰ ταυ̂τα ἐν Κορίνθῳ χωρίων ἰσχυρω̂ν κατειλημμένων, ὥστε τοὺς πολεμίους μὴ δύνασθαι παριέναι,11 ̓Αγησιλάου δ' εἰς τὴν Βοιωτίαν ἐμβαλόντος ψηφισαμένων τω̂ν ἀρχόντων ἀποχωρίσαι τάξεις αἵτινες βοηθήσουσι, φοβουμένων ἁπάντων [εἰκότως, ὠ̂ βουλή: δεινὸν γὰρ ἠ̂ν ἀγαπητω̂ς ὀλίγῳ πρότερον σεσωσμένους ἐφ' ἕτερον κίνδυνον ἰέναι] προσελθὼν ἐγὼ τὸν ταξίαρχον ἐκέλευον ἀκληρωτὶ τὴν ἡμετέραν τάξιν πέμπειν.
16. And, not many days later, after this (battle) occupying strong points in Corinth, so that the enemy would not be able to attack, and Agesilas breaking into Boeotia, the archons selected certain companies to aid (Boeotia), all of them terrified (naturally, Councillors: because barely few surviving the earlier terror, to now confront another dangerous attack) approaching, I urged the taxiarch to send our company without drawing lots. (i.e. he volunteered)
[17] ὥστ' εἴ τινες ὑμω̂ν ὀργίζονται τοι̂ς τὰ μὲν τη̂ς πόλεως ἀξιου̂σι πράττειν, ἐκ δὲ τω̂ν κινδύνων ἀποδιδράσκουσιν, οὐκ ἂν δικαίως περὶ ἐμου̂ τὴν γνώμην ταύτην ἔχοιεν: οὐ γὰρ μόνον τὰ προσταττόμενα ταττόμενα ἐποίουν προθύμως, ἀλλὰ καὶ κινδυνεύειν ἐτόλμων. καὶ ταυ̂τ' ἐποίουν οὐχ ὡς οὐ δεινὸν ἡγούμενος εἰ̂ναι Λακεδαιμονίοις μάχεσθαι, ἀλλ' ἵνα, εἴ ποτε ἀδίκως εἰς κίνδυνον καθισταίμην, διὰ ταυ̂τα βελτίων ὑφ' ὑμω̂ν νομιζόμενος ἁπάντων τω̂ν δικαίων τυγχάνοιμι. καί μοι ἀνάβητε τούτων μάρτυρες.
17. Thus, if any of you are angry at those claiming to manage the affairs of the city, while having run from danger, it is not just to hold this opinion of me: for not only have I enthusiastically done what was ordered (for me) to carry out, but also endured (great) dangers. And I did this, not that I have no fear of fighting the Spartans, but so that if ever I was unjustly embroiled in danger, by means of this, being viewed more favorably by you, I would get full justice. And go up for testimony.
Μάρτυρες - Testimony
[18] τω̂ν τοίνυν ἄλλων στρατειω̂ν καὶ φρουρω̂ν οὐδεμια̂ς ἀπελείφθην πώποτε, ἀλλὰ πάντα τὸν χρόνον διατετέλεκα μετὰ τω̂ν πρώτων μὲν τὰς ἐξόδους ποιούμενος, μετὰ τω̂ν τελευταίων δὲ ἀναχωρω̂ν: καίτοι χρὴ τοὺς φιλοτίμως καὶ κοσμίως πολιτευομένους ἐκ τω̂ν τοιούτων σκοπει̂ν, ἀλλ' οὐκ εἴ τις κομᾳ̂,12 διὰ του̂το μισει̂ν: τὰ μὲν γὰρ τοιαυ̂τα ἐπιτηδεύματα οὔτε τοὺς ἰδιώτας οὔτε τὸ κοινὸν τη̂ς πόλεως βλάπτει, ἐκ δὲ τω̂ν κινδυνεύειν ἐθελόντων πρὸς τοὺς πολεμίους ἅπαντες ὑμει̂ς ὠφελει̂σθε.
18. Indeed, as for other expeditions and garrison duties, I never
failed to participate in any of them, but on all occasions
persevered, being among the first to set out and among the last
to head home. And indeed, one must look at my honorable and
regular occasions of public service, but if someone has long hair
do not hate him for this. For such customs harm neither one's
countrymen nor the common interest of the city, but from those
willing to venture against the enemy you all benefit.
[19] ὥστε οὐκ ἄξιον ἀπ' ὄψεως, ὠ̂ βουλή, οὔτε φιλει̂ν οὔτε μισει̂ν οὐδένα, ἀλλ' ἐκ τω̂ν ἔργων σκοπει̂ν: πολλοὶ μὲν γὰρ μικρὸν διαλεγόμενοι καὶ κοσμίως ἀμπεχόμενοι13 μεγάλων κακω̂ν αἴτιοι γεγόνασιν, ἕτεροι δὲ τω̂ν τοιούτων ἀμελου̂ντες πολλὰ κἀγαθὰ ὑμα̂ς εἰσιν εἰργασμένοι.19. Thus, it is not worthy, Councillors, to like or dislike
anyone for his appearance, but to look at his deeds: for many
soft-spoken and well-dressed men have been responsible for
great evils, while others, neglectful of such things
(appearances) have accomplished many and good deeds for you.
[20] ἤδη δέ τινων ᾐσθόμην, ὠ̂ βουλή, καὶ διὰ ταυ̂τα ἀχθομένων μοι, ὅτι νεώτερος ὢν ἐπεχείρησα λέγειν ἐν τῳ̂ δήμῳ. ἐγὼ δὲ τὸ μὲν πρω̂τον ἠναγκάσθην ὑπὲρ τω̂ν ἐμαυτου̂ πραγμάτων δημηγορη̂σαι, ἔπειτα μέντοι καὶ ἐμαυτῳ̂ δοκω̂ φιλοτιμότερον διατεθη̂ναι του̂ δέοντος, ἅμα μὲν τω̂ν προγόνων ἐνθυμούμενος, ὅτι οὐδὲν πέπαυνται τὰ14 τη̂ς πόλεως πράττοντες,
20. Already I have taken notice of certain ones, Councillors, even on this account vexed with me, that a young man attempted to speak in the assembly. For I, in the first place, was compelled to speak about my troubles, certainly even to myself I seemed too ambitiously disposed than I ought, taking to heart my ancestors, who never stopped working for the interests of the city,
[21] ἅμα δὲ ὑμα̂ς ὁρω̂ν ̔τὰ γὰρ ἀληθη̂ χρὴ λέγειν̓ τοὺς τοιούτους15 μόνους <τινὸς>16 ἀξίους νομίζοντας εἰ̂ναι, ὥστε ὁρω̂ν ὑμα̂ς ταύτην τὴν γνώμην ἔχοντας τίς οὐκ ἂν ἐπαρθείη πράττειν καὶ λέγειν ὑπὲρ τη̂ς πόλεως; ἔτι δὲ τί ἂν τοι̂ς τοιούτοις ἄχθοισθε; οὐ γὰρ ἕτεροι περὶ αὐτω̂ν κριταί εἰσιν, ἀλλ' ὑμει̂ς.
21. but I see you (for I must speak the truth) consider only those of this sort to be worthy. So, seeing you have this opinion, who could not be induced to work and speak for the city? Why then should you be vexed with such people? For no others but yourselves decide about them.
