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[41]
None of these considerations do you take into account but, grudging me the paltry words
of a decree and an act of kindness,1 you will allow me to perish, if it so
happen, through your inaction, for I could appeal to no others but you. In that day you
will say that I have been shamefully mistreated, I know for a certainty, when it will do
neither you nor myself any good, for assuredly you do not expect that I have funds apart
from my real and personal property, from which I am separated; the rest of my assets I
wish to assemble if in a spirit of humanity instead of spitefulness you will but give me
leave to attend to this business unmolested.2
1 See Dem. L. 3.39 “by way of an ordinance of gratitude and magnanimity on your part.”
2 Demosthenes was condemned to be held in prison until his fine should be paid; he insists that he must enjoy liberty if he is to collect the funds necessary for payment.
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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