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I am sure that the character of the defendant and his manner of life will not lead you to believe that the depositions which have been read are false. On the contrary, his character far more convincingly than the words which have been spoken proves Theocrines to be such as I portray him. For what is there that a scoundrel and a pettifogger would do that he has not done? Was it not because of his evil character that his brother, who held the office of judgeThat is, one of the Themosthetae; see note a on Dem. 33.1 and who was guided by the defendant’s advice, was brought into such bad repute with you, that, when you voted on the question of retaining the magistrates,This was done at the first assembly in each prytany, or ten times a year. (For the prytany see note a on Dem. 47.42) he was not only himself rejected, but caused the rejection of the entire board? And had it not been that through the prayers and entreaties of his fellow-judges and through their promise that Theocrines should never again come near the board you were persuaded to give them back their crowns,The ten archons wore crowns as a badge of their inviolability. would they not have incurred the deepest possible disgrace?
