[15]
But the composition in defense does not draw upon the same topics as the encomium, nor indeed does it deal with actions of the same kind, but quite the contrary; for a plea in defense is appropriate only when the defendant is charged with a crime, whereas we praise those who excel in some good quality.But that I may not seem to be taking the easiest course, criticizing others without exhibiting any specimen of my own1, I will try to speak of this same woman, disregarding all that any others have said about her.
1 The same sentiment if found in Isoc. 11.9.