[87]
When Poseidon lost his suit against Ares over
Halirrothius he abode by the decision.1 The awful goddesses too, in their case against
Orestes,2 abode by the judgement of
this council, associating themselves for the future with its reputation for
truth. How will you act with your claim to unrivalled piety? Will you annul the
decision of the council and follow the bad example of Demosthenes? You will not,
Athenians, if you remain in your senses.
1 According to tradition, Halirrothius, son of Poseidon, was killed by Ares for trying to seduce his daughter Alcippe. Poseidon accused Ares before the Areopagus but failed to secure his conviction. Cf. Apollod. 3.14.2.
2 Orestes, pursued by the Furies, was said to have been given protection by Athena, who allowed the Areopagus to try his case and herself gave the casting vote which acquitted him. Cf. Aesch. Eum. 443 sq.; Paus. 1.28.5.
Dinarchus. Minor Attic Orators in two volumes, 2, with an English translation by J. O. Burtt, M.A. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1962.
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