[112]
It would be far better, therefore, that this trial should
never have taken place than that, when it has taken place, you should vote for
acquittal; for in that case prostitutes will indeed have liberty to live with
whatever men they choose and to name anyone whatever as the father of their
children, and your laws will become of no effect, and women of the character of
the courtesan will be able to bring to pass whatever they please. Take thought,
therefore, also for the women who are citizens, that the daughters of poor men
may not fail of marriage.
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by Norman W. DeWitt, Ph.D., and Norman J. DeWitt, Ph.D. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1949.
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