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[27]
Beware of demonstrating, therefore, that to acquire some outside friendship1 is more profitable than to give
one's self in trust to the people and that it is better to remain in the ranks of the
unknown than to become known as a man who in public life consults the interests of you,
the majority. For although it is impossible for one who recommends policies and
administers the commonwealth to please everyone, yet if a man, actuated by loyalty, has at
heart the same interests as the people, he has a right to security of person. Otherwise
you will teach everyone to serve the interests of others rather than those of the people
and to shun recognition for doing any of those things that are to your advantage.
[28]
In short, it is a reproach common to all citizens, men
of Athens, and a misfortune of the State as a
whole, that envy should be thought to be stronger among you than the grace of gratitude
for services performed, and the more so because envy is a disease but the Graces2 have
been assigned a place among the gods.