. . .
It must be acknowledged, however, that he excelled all the orators of
his time, except Phocion, in his life and conversation. And we find in
his orations that he told the people the boldest truths, that he
opposed their inclinations and corrected their errors with the greatest
spirit and freedom. Theopompus also acquaints us that when the
Athenians were for having him manager of a certain impeachment, and
insisted upon it in a tumultuary manner, he would not comply, but rose
up and said, "My friends, I will be your counsellor whether you will or
no; but a false accuser I will not be how much soever you may wish it.
. . ."
Demosthenes, through the whole course of his political conduct, left
none of the actions of the kin of Macedon undisparaged. Even in time
of peace he laid hold on every opportunity to raise suspicions against
him among the Athenians, and to excite their resentment. Hence Philip
looked upon him as a person of the greatest importance in Athens; and
when he went with nine other deputies to the court of that prince,
after having given them all audience, he answered the speech of
Demosthenes with greater care than the rest.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25