82
When ambassadors were needed for the peace he said he would not move a foot to leave the city; yet when it was reported that Alexander was restoring the exiles and Nicanor came to Olympia he offered himself to the council as president of the sacred embassy. These are the parts he plays: on the field of battle he is a stay-at-home, when others stay at home he is an ambassador, among ambassadors he is a runaway.
82
Now read theThat some words have dropped out of the text here is evident from the fact that two decrees are to be read and compared; moreover the executions mentioned in Din. 1.83 could have no connection with the decree relating to the money of Harpalus, since in this case Demosthenes himself was the first to be tried (Din. 1.106). and the decree relating to the inquiry over the money proposed by Demosthenes for the Areopagus and affecting both himself and you. I want you by comparing them together to realize that he is demented.
83
Decree
83
Did you propose this, Demosthenes? You did; you cannot deny it. Was the council given authority on your motion? It was. Have some of the citizens been executed? They have. Did your decree have power over them? You cannot deny that it did.
83
Read the decree again which Demosthenes proposed against Demosthenes. Let me have your attention, gentlemen.
84
Decree