Citizens of Athens, I do not doubt that you are all pretty well aware that
this trial has been the center of keen partisanship and active canvassing, for
you saw the people who were accosting and annoying you just now at the casting
of lots.1 But
I have to make a request which ought to be granted without asking, that you will
all give less weight to private entreaty or personal influence than to the
spirit of justice and to the oath which you severally swore when you entered
that box. You will reflect that justice and the oath concern yourselves and the
commonwealth, whereas the importunity and party spirit of advocates serve the
end of those private ambitions which you are convened by the laws to thwart, not
to encourage for the advantage of evil-doers.
1 For the selection of jurors.
Demosthenes. Demosthenes with an English translation by C. A. Vince, M. A. and J. H. Vince, M.A. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1926.
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