127
Again in the same decree he writes much more explicitly and malignantly; The hieromnemon of the Athenians, he says, and the pylagori who are at the time in office, shall take no part with those assembled there, in word or deed or decree, or in any act whatsoever. But what does it mean to take no part? Shall I tell you the truth, or what is most agreeable for your ears? I will tell you the truth, for it is the universal habit of speaking to please you that has brought the city to such a pass. It means that you are forbidden to remember the oaths which our fathers swore, or the curse, or the oracle of the god.
128
And so, fellow citizens, we stayed at home because of this decree, while the other Amphictyons assembled at Thermopylae—all but one city, whose name I would not mention; I pray that misfortune like unto hers may come upon no city of Hellas.Thebes, like Athens, held aloof from the special meeting of the Amphictyons. The final result of Thebes’ adoption of Demosthenes’ anti-Macedonian policy was her annihilation by Alexander five years before this speech was delivered. And when they were assembled they voted to march against the Amphissians. As general they chose Cottyphus of Pharsalus, who was at the time president of the Amphictyons. Philip was not in Macedonia at that time, nor in Hellas, but in Scythia—so far away as that! And yet presently Demosthenes will dare to say that it was I who brought him against Hellas!