1 If it had
been proposed to discuss some new measure, men of Athens, I should have waited until most of the regular speakers had
declared their opinions, and if any of their views had pleased me, I should have held my
peace; otherwise, I should then have attempted to say what I myself think. But since you
are now considering matters on which these speakers have often spoken before, I feel that,
even if the first to rise, I may reasonably appear to be speaking after them.