15
Law Well, gentlemen, I think you have all perceived that my statement is correct, whereas this man is so stupid that he cannot understand a word that is said. So I would like to avail myself of some other laws for his instruction on these points, in the hope that even now, on the dais,There were separate raised seats for the prosecutor and the defendant. he may learn a lesson, and may henceforward cease from his vexatious proceedings against us. Please read me those ancient laws of Solon.
16
Law He shall have his foot confined in the stocks for five days, if the court shall make such addition to the sentence. The stocks there mentioned, Theomnestus, are what we now call confinement in the wood. So if a person confined should on his release accuse the Eleven, at their public examination, of having him confined, not in the stocks, but in the wood, they would take him for an idiot, would they not? Read another law.
17
LawHe shall vow by Apollo and give security. If he dreads the course of justice, let him flee. Here to vow is to swear, and flee is what we now call run away. Whosoever debars with his door, when the thief is within,—Here to debar is taken to be shut out; no dispute, now, on that score!
18
Money shall be placed out at whatever rate the lender may choose. Placed out here, my fine fellow, is not a case of placing in the balance, but of drawing interest to such amount as one may choose. Once more, read the final clause of this same law.
