35
Read also in sequence the other depositions of the same sort, and that of HypereidesA prominent Athenian orator and statesman. and Demosthenes. For this goes beyond all else—that the fellow should be most glad, by selling indictments to get money from men, from whom no one else would think of demanding it.That is, these men were too influential to fear blackmail from a man like Theocrines.
35
The Depositions
36
Well, he will presently say that the criminal information has been lodged against him for this purpose, that he may not proceed with the indictment which he preferred against Demosthenes or with that against Thucydides; for he is a clever fellow at lying and at saying what lacks all foundation. I have looked into this matter also, men of the jury, and will show you that the state suffers not the slightest harm, whether the decree of Thucydides is ratified, or whether it is annulled. And yet it is not right to bring up a defence of this sort before men who have sworn to give a verdict according to the laws. You will, however, presently learn from the indictment itself, that it is merely a pretext to offset the criminal information.
36
(To the clerk.) Read these indictments.There were two indictments, one against Demosthenes and one against Thucydides.
36
The Indictments
