Whereas, to be regardless of
what the people might think of a man's address shewed his inclination
for oligarchy, and that he had rather gain his point by force than by
persuasion." Another proof they gave us of his want of confidence on
any sudden occasion is, that when he happened to be put into disorder
by the tumultuary behaviour of the people, Demades often rose up to
support him in an extempore address, but he never did the same for
Demades. . . .
Upon the whole it appears that Demosthenes did not take Pericles
entirely for his model. He only adopted his action and delivery, and
his prudent resolutions not to make a practice of speaking from a
sudden impulse, or on any occasion that might present itself; being
persuaded that it was to that conduct he owed his greatness. Yet,
while he chose not often to trust the success of his powers to fortune,
he did not absolutely neglect the reputation which may be acquired by
speaking on a sudden occasion; and if we believe Eratosthenes,
Demetrius the Phalerean, and the comic poets, there was a greater
spirit and boldness in his unpremeditated orations than in those he had
committed to writing.
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