I am not
ignorant
of your original
Intentions
(21) We have feen Philip's Demand on.
Intentions
(21) We have feen Philip's Demand on.
Demosthenes - Orations - v2
425
better Meafures. But when he found a PoffibiHty of working
any execrable Mifchief, did he ftill refufe to prefer any Decree ?
Was he flill obflinatcly filent ? No. He would not then
fufFer any one elfe even to fpeak.
His other, fecret Pradices, the Commonwealth might per-
haps have endured ; but one daring A61 of Villainy hath crown-
ed and compleated all the former. That A 61, upon which he
confumed fo confiderabie a Part of his Harangue, when he
feemed determined utterly to pervert the very Nature of Truth
by a perplexed and tedious Enumeration of Locrian Decrees
and Refolutions. But impoffible. How can Truth be per-
verted by Falfehood ? It is not, ^fchines, in the Multitude
of Words to wafli away the Guiit of this Tranfadion. But I
here invoke, O Men of Athens, in your Prefence, all our Gods
and Goddeffes, who graciou fiy prefide over thefe Territories,
efpecially the Pythian Apollo, the God of our A. nc? ftors, and
implore them all to grant me Happinefs and Health, as I now
fpeak truly, or as I truly fpoke in your Affembly, when I
firft perceived (for I perceived, and inftantly perceived) this un-
hallowed Wretch engaging in thefe execrable Designs. IBut if
in perfonal Enmity to him, or Love of Oppofition, I now ac-
cufe him falfely, may thofe Gods render me for ever incapable
of enjoying the Bleflings I pollefs. But wherefore this earneft
Invocation, or why thefe vehement Exclamations ? Becaufe,
although I can indifputably prove the Fadls, whereof I (hall
nccufe him, by our public Records ; although I am perfuaded.
Vol. II. I i i that
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? 426 DEMOSTHENES
that you yourfelvcs perfedly remember the whole Tranfadion^
yet I am apprehenfive he may be deemed too incon{iderable ta
be capable of working fuch enormous Mifchiefs. Thus it hap-
pened before, when he brought hither his Falichoods from
Macedonia, and utterly wrought the Deftrudion of the mifera-r
ble Phoc^eans. For iEfchines was the fole Contriver of the Am-
phiflaean War ; that War, by which Philip got Poficflion of
Elatsa ; by which he was elected Commander in Chief of the
Amphidlyons, and overturned th& whole imperial Conftitution
of Greece : j^fchines alone was the Caufe of all our fevereft
Misfortunes. When, at the Moment, I entered my Proteft
againft him, and cried aloud in the Affembly, " You bring a
*' War, i^lfchines, into Attica J the Amphidyonic War," fome
of his Party, convened by him for that Purpofe, would not
fuffer me to proceed ; while others were aftonifhed, and even
fufpeded, that in perfonal Hatred I had charged him with an
imaginary Crime. Now hear, O Men of Athens, Unce you
were not then permitted to hear, the Nature and Circumftances
of this Affair ; with what View the Projedl was contrived,
and how it was carried into Execution. You will behold a
Scheme admirably well concerted ; you will receive no incon-
fiderable Lights with regard to this Period of your Hiftory, and
obferve how great was Philip's Dexterity, and Addrefs.
It was impofTible for him to exped a happy Iffue of the
War, or to be relieved from its Diftrefles, except he could en-
gage
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? IN DEFENCE OF C T E S I P H O N. 427
gage the Thebans and Theflalians in a Quarrel with this Repub-
lic. For although your Generals conducted the War againfl
him unfortunately, and with very unequal Abilities, yet the
War itfelf, and our Privateers wrougrht him a thoufand Mif-
chiefs. He could neither export the Produce of his own King-
dom, or import whatever NecefTaries he wanted from other
Countries. He was neither, at that Time, fuperior to us by
Sea, nor powerful enough by Land to have invaded Attica, if
the Theffalians had not followed his Standards, or the The-
bans opened him a Paffage through their Dominions. What-
ever Superiority he gained over the Generals, fuch as they
were (for their Charaders are not at prelent under our Confl-
derationj whom you employed againft him, yet by the Nature
and Situation of the Country, where the War was carried on,
and by fome Advantages we mutually enjoyed, he was infi-
nitely diftrelTed. If he fliould attempt, upon Motives of his own
perfonal Enmity alone, to induce the Theffalians and Thebans
to invade us, he was convinced, they would pay him very little
Attention ; but if, by affuming the fpecious Appearance of a
common Caufe, he could be chofen General of the Amphicly-
ons, he then hoped to fucceed more eafily, either by Artifice
or Perfuafion. What therefore was the Plan he propofed ?
Behold how admirably concerted. To kindle a War againfl:
the Amphidyons, and to raife Diffentions in their Counfels at
Thermopylte, from whence he prefumed, they would immedi-
ately apply to him for Affiftance. If however he fliould em-
I i i' 2 ploy
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? 428 DEMOSTHENES
ploy either his awn Deputies, or thofe of his Confederates in
the Scheme, he was juftly apprehcnfive, that the Thebans and
ThefTahans would fufpedl; him, and the Grecians in general be
more upon their Guard. But if an Athenian j a Deputy, ap-
pointed by a People, who had declared themfelves his Enemies,
would negotiate the Affair, he doubted not, as in Fad it
happened, that he fhould conceal his Defign. But how did he
execute his Projeft? He bribed this Traitor. Then, while
we were in general, I believe, unapprehenfive of their Inten-
tions, or (as it ufually happens in your Affairs) not fufEciently
careful to prevent their taking Effed, it was propofed to fend
^fchines Ambaffador to the Congrefs at Thermopylas, and
when three or four of his own Fadion had given him their Suf-
frages, he was declared duly eledled>> Being thus inverted with
the Authority of the Republic, he entered into the Council of
the Amphidlyons, and there, negledling and treating every other
Confideration with Contempt, he fludioufly applied himfelf to*
perfe6t the great Work of his Corruption. Having compofed a.
very fpecious Harangue, and difplayed his Invention in a fabu-
lous Story of the Confecration of the Cirrhtean Lands, he fo far
impofed upon the Deputies, Men unexperienced in the Subtleties
of Eloquence, and little fagacious to- forefee the Confequences
of their Compliance, as to perfuade them to decree, that a
Survey fhould be taken of the Territories, which the Am-
phiffasans afferted to be their Property, and had therefore cul-
tivated, but which iEfchines with loud Accufations of Sacrilege
affirmed
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 429
riffirmcd to have been dedicated to Apollo, although the Lo-
crians never had inftituted any Suit againft us upon a Claim of
Impofts or Cuftoms, as he hath moft untruly pretended in his
Harangue. You will be convinced by this only Confideration.
It was impofiible for them to have inftituted any Suit againft
the Commonwealth, unlefs they had jfirft fent us a regular Ci-
tation. But who ever fent us fuch a Citation ? From what
Power and Authority was it iffued ? Shew us, ^fchines, the
Man, who knows, and will aflert the Fadl. Impoflible. The
whole is an Abufe of Truth ; a vain and idle Pretence of your
own Invention.
When the AmphicSyons therefore, by his Suggeftions,
went to furvey thefe Lands, the Locrians fuddenly fell upon
them, and had well nigh deftroyed them with their Arrows.
Some of the Deputies were taken Prifoners. When this Conteft
arofe, and War was declared againft the Amphifi'sans, Cotty-
phus was appointed General of the Amphidyonic Forces. But
when feveral States either did not appear at the Congrefs, or,
if they did appear, were totally inadlive, foiiie of the ThefTali-
ans, who had long been Traitors to their Country, and certain
Citizens
(20) It was a wife Inftitution, that Locrians therefore had demanded any
whatever Difputes happened between any new Cuftoms, or Imports in their Ports
two Grecian States, a third fhould be of the Athenians, they muft have fued
chofen as Umpire, to whole Decifion for them under the Authority of fome
they fhould be obhged to fubmit. This other Republic, whofe Citations would
third State iflued out Citations, or Sum- now appear upon Record. We are ob-
mons to tlie Parties concerned, with all ligcd to Dodor Taylor for this Expla-
tbe Forms of a regular Procefs. If the nation of the PafTa ge.
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? 430 DEMOSTHENES
Citizens of other Republics, inftruded for the Purpofe, inftant-
ly propofed PhiHp at the next Aflembly to be Commander in
Chief, and alledged many very plaufible Reafons in Favour of
their Propofal ; *' That either they muft be obHged to bring in
*' Contributions themielves ; to maintain a Body of foreign
" Troops, and to punifli thofe, who refufed to comply with
" their Orders, or to ele6t Philip their General. " What
need I fay more ? Upon thefe Reafons he was eleded ; when
inftantly alTembling his Forces, and entering on a feigned
March to Cyrrha, he heartily bids farewell to the Cyrrh^ans
and Locrians, and feizes upon Elataea. At this Moment there-
fore, if the Thebans had not fuddenly changed their Refolution,
and united with you, this whole Project, like a Winter's Tem-
peft, had precipitately fallen on the Republic. Thus, prin-
cipally, by the favourable Interpofition of fome God, O Men
of Athens, and next, as far as lies within the Power of any one
Man, by my Services, did the Tiiebans inftaiitly check the
Progrefs of this Deftroyer. Now let the Secretary read the fe-
veral Refolutions of the Congrefs at Thermopylas, with their
refpedlivc Dates, that you may behold what Mifchiefs this de-
teftable Villain occafioned, for which he hath to this Moment
cfcaped your Vengeance. Read.
Resolutions of the Amphictyons.
Under the Pontificate of Clinagoras, in a Spring-Council
held at Thermopylae, the Deputies and Affiftants of the A m-
pl;ii(5tyons
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? IN DEFENCE OF C T E S I P H O N. 431
phldyons entered into the following Rcfulution : : Whereas the
AmphilTneans do now trefpafs upon, cultivate and graze Cattle
en the Lands confccrated to Apollo, it is refolved, that the
Deputies and their Affiftants (hall take a Survey of thofe Lands ;
mark out the Bounds with Pillars, and forbid the Amphiff^ans
ever to enter upon them for the future. /J
Other Resolutions.
Under the Pontificate of Clinagoras, in a Spring-Council
held at Thermopylae, it is refolved by the Deputies, Affiftants
and general Afiembly of the Amphidyons : /Whereas the Am-
phifTsans have divided among them ; do now cultivace, and
graze Cattle on the Lands conlecrated to Apollo ; and whereas,
when they were forbidden to a6l in this facrilegious Manner,
they appeared in Arms, and repelled by Force the common
Council of Greece, and wounded fome of their Deputies, par-
ticularly Cottyphus, appointed General of the Amphi6lyons ;
be it therefore refolved, that an Embafly fhall be fent to Phi-
lip, to folicit him to affift Apollo and the Amphidlyons, and
not indolently behold the God infulted by thefe profane Am-
phiffaeans, and to acquaint him, that all the Grecians, alTem-
bled in Council at Thermopylae, da for that Purpofe eledl him
Commander in Chief of their Forces, with full Power and
Authority to ad:, as he fhall find expedient. )
Now read the Dates of thefe Refolutions, from whence it will
appear, that ^^fchines was your Deputy at that Period. Read.
The
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? 432 DEMOSTHENES
The Dates.
Under the Archonfliip of Mnefithides, the fixteenth Day
of February.
Now give me the Letter, that Philip fent to hi^ Confederates
in Peloponnefus, when the Thebans refufed to obey his Orders.
By that Letter you will clearly perceive he concealed his real
Defign, fuch as the Deftrudlion of Greece, of Thebes, and
Athens, under an Appearance of Zeal for the common Caufe,
and Obedience to the Decrees of the Amphidyons. But the
Traitor, who furnifhed him with Opportunities of executing thefe
Projedls, and affuming thefe Pretences, was ^Efchines. Read.
Philip's Letter.
Philip, King of the Macedonians, to all the Magiftrates of
his Confederates in Peloponnefus, and to all his other Allies,
Greeting. Whereas the Locrians, Inhabitants of Amphifla, have
impioufly violated the Temple of Apollo in Delphos, and laid
wafte the confecrated Lands, I am determined, in Conjundion
with you, to affift the God, and to take Vengeance of a Peo-
ple, who have violated whatever is held facred among Mankind.
For this Purpofe, you are required to join Tne at Phocis, com-
pleatly armed, and furniflied with Provifions for forty Days,
on the next enfuing Month, which we Macedonians call Loiis,
the Athenians Boedromion, and the Corinthians Panemon.
We fhall afterwards proceed in our Condud by the general
8 Advice
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPFION. 433
Advice of thofc, who join us with all their Forces, and fhall
certainly chaflife thofe, who do not obey our Orders. Farewell.
Behold, how he avoids mentioning his real Motives, and
conceals himfelf under his Zeal for the Amphidtyons. ' But
who concerted thefe Meafures with him, and cooperated with
him in the Execution ? Who furniflied him with thefe Pre-
tences ? Who was the principal Author of all our Calamities ?
Was not this Traitor ^fchines ? Do not therefore, O Men
of Athens, as you walk and converfe together, afcribe the Mi-
feries of Greece to one Man alone. Not by one Man alone, I
here atteft the Powers of Earth and Heaven, but by a Multi-
tude of abandoned Wretches, difperfed through all our Re-
publics, and among whom iEfchines may be juftly numbered,
have we been thus totally undone ; this iEfchines, whom, if
it were neceflary to make the plain and unreferved Declaration,
I fliould not hefitate to declare the univerfal Ruhi of all the Men,
the Territories and Cities, that have been dellroyed in Confe-
quence of thefe fatal Meafures, becaufe, whoever fows the Seed,
is Author of the Harveft : this iElchines, from whom, I am
aftonifhed, that you do not inftantly turn away, whenever you
meet him, with Averfion and Horrour. But thick and impe-
netrable is the Darknefs, for fo it appears, that hath intervened
between you and Truth.
It hath happened, while I have thus lightly touched upon"
his Perfidy to his Country, that I have regularly come to the
Vol. II. K k k Meafures,
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? 434 DEMOSTHENES
Mealures, by which I oppofed his Tieafons, during my Ad-
miniftration. Thefe you are upon many Accounts obliged in
Juftice to hear me relate, but efpecially becaufe, if I have in
Fadl endured fuch Labours for your Service, it would be
ihameful indeed, O Men of Athens, if you were unable to en-
dure the fmiple Recital of them. For when I beheld the The-
bans, I had almoft faid, beheld even the Athenians themfelves,
fo far feduced by Philip's Agents, and the Wretches he had
corrupted both in Thebes and Athens, as to be regardlefs of,
;;^nd unattentive to Philip's future Greatnefs ; an Objed: of
equal Terrour to both Nations, and requiring their utmoft
Attention ; when I beheld you rather prompt to injure and
oppofe each other, I was perpetually anxious to prevent a Rup-
ture between you. Neither did I rely upon my own Judgement
only for the Expediency of thefe Meafures, but was convinced
by the Condudt of Ariftophon, and afterwards of Eubulus, wha
always endeavoured to promote this Friendship between the
Nations ; and while they differed upon many other Points of
Adminiftration, yet in this they conftantly agreed. Thefe two
great Perfons, when living you followed with a fervile Adulati-
on, thou vile, pernicious Animal, and now do not blufh to
outrage their Memory after their Death. For whenever yoa
cenfure me with regard to the Thebans, you condemn/'their
Condu(5t, much more than mkie, who before I entered into
Miniflry had conftantly approved of this AHiance. But I re-
turn from this Digrcffion to inform you, tliat when iEichines
had
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 435
had thus kindled the AmphifTsan War, and his other Accom-
pHces had efFc6lually fct us at Variance with the Thebans, Phi-
lip took that Opportunity of invading us, for the fake of which
they had fomented thefe Quarrels between the RepubHcs; and
if we had not a Uttle roufed us from our Lethargy, we {hould
never afterwards have been able to recover our Strength ; to
fuch an Extreme had they precipitately driven the Affair. In
what Manner you were then affected towards each other, will
beft appear by your Decrees and by Philip's Anfwer, which
I defire may be read. .
The Decree.
Under the Archonfhip of Heropythus, on the twenty- fifth
of March, the Eredhean Tribe exercifing the Prytanic Power,
it is refolved, with the Advice and Opinion of the Senate and
the Generals ; that whereas Philip hath made himfelf Mafter of
fome Towns upon the Frontiers of Attica, and adlually demo-
lifhed others; and whereas he was now meditating an Invafion of
our proper Territories, fetting at nought our mutual Treaties,
and determined to violate thofe Oaths, by which they were ra-
tified ; thus ading in Contempt of the Peace concluded be-
tween us, and our public Faith mutually given and received ;
it therefore feemeth good to the Senate and People to fend
Ambafiadors to him, who fhall remonftrate upon his Proceed-
ings, and exhort him efpecially to preferve the good Concord
and the Treaties fubfifting between us ; or if he be otherwife de-
K k k 2 termined,
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? 436 DEMOSTHENES
termined, to grant the Republic Time for their future Counfels
and a Truce until May. The Senators, Simus, Euthydemus, the
Philafian, and Olagoras, were chofen for this Embaily.
Another Decree.
Under the Archonfhip of Heropythus, on the thirtieth of
April, the Commander in Chief of our Forces made this Mo-
tion ; whereas Philip hath attempted to alienate the Thebans
from us, and is now preparing to make an Irruption with all
his Forces into a Country fituated upon the Frontiers of Attica,
in open Violation of the Treaties fufifting between us ; it there-
fore feemeth good to the Senate and People to fend an Herald
and Ambafiador to expoftulate with him, and exhort him to
grant us a Truce, that the People may deliberate upon this
Exigency j becaufe they have not yet determined to fend him
any the leaft Succours, in his Waragainfl; the AmphifT^eans. (21)
The Senators, Nearchus, and Polycrates were chofen Ambaf-
fadors ; and Eunomus, the Plebeian, was appointed Herald.
Novv read his Anfwer.
Philip's Anfwer to the Athenians.
Philip, King of the Macedonians, to the Senate and Peo-
ple of Athens, Greeting.
I am not ignorant of your original
Intentions
(21) We have feen Philip's Demand on. He could have no other Pretence
of Succours againft the Amphilfeans, for invading them, or they for defiring
i 1 Virtue of the Amphidyonic Decree, Time to deliberate, but becaufe they had
and the Menaces, with which it is con- not yet determined to fend him the Succours
eluded. Thefe were probably levelled he demanded. The PafTage is acknow.
at the Athenians particularly ; and we ledged dcfperate, and incapable, fiys
now fee him marching towards Athens, Doftor Taylor, of any Senfe yet give>>
as ij' to put thefe Menaces into Executi- to the Words.
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? IN DEFENCE OF C T E S I P H O N. 437
Intentions towards us, nor with how much Earneftncfs you
have endeavoured to gain over the ThciTaHans and Thebans,
and even the Bceotians to your Meafures. But when they re-
folved to follow wifer Counfels, and not to fubmit their Incli-
nations to your arbitrary Decifions, but to be guided by their
own apparent Intereft, you now change your Manner of afting,
and fend AmbafTadors and Heralds to bid us recoiled our Trea-
ties, and to demand a Truce, although you have never fuffered
any A6t of Hoftility from our Arms. Having given Audience to
your Ambafladors, we comply with your Demands, and fhall
readily grant the Truce you defire, provided you remove from
your Councils the Perfons, who have ill advifed you, and in-
flidt on them that Infamy they merit. Farewell.
Philip's Anfwer to the Thebans.
Philip, King of the Macedonians, to the Senate and Peo-
ple of Thebes, Greeting. I have received your Letter, by
which you renew that Harmony and Peace fubfifting between
us. I am befides informed, that the Athenians have ufed every
Solicitation to induce you to comply with their Requefts ; and
I confefs, I did at firfl: imagine, you would be perfuaded, by
the Hopes with which they flattered you, to follow the Mea-
fures they propofed. But being now fully convinced, that after
having inquired into the State of your Affairs, you choofe rather
to maintain your Treaties with us, than to be guided by
the Counfels ot others, I have felt a very fenfi1)le Satisfaction.
But
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? 438 DEMOSTHENES
But while I greatly approve of your Condudl in general, I muft
particularly applaud your Prudence in this Affair, and the Re-
gard you have manifefted for my Friendfhip ; from whence I
hope you will derive no inconliderable Advantages, if you con-
tinue firm in your Refolution. Farewell.
Philip, by thefe Artifices, raifed a mutual Jealoufy between
the two Cities, and being now greatly elated with your Decrees
and his Anfwers, he marched with all his Forces and reduced
Elataea ; as if he were perfuaded, that, whatever he attempt-
ed, you and the Thebans would never unite to oppofe him.
You all remember the Tumult and Commotion, that rofe in
the City upon the Occafion, yet permit me to mention fome
few Circumftances, that require your prefent Attention. It
was Evening, when a Mefi^enger arrived and informed the Ma-
giftrates, that Elat^a was taken. Having inftantly rifen from
Supper, fome of them rufiied into the Forum, drove the Tradef-
men from their Shops, and burnt the Sheds, that covered them ;
others fent for the Generals, and called for a Trumpeter, and
the whole City was full of Confufion. Next Morning, as foon
as Day appeared, the Magiftrates convoked the Senate to their
ufual Place of meeting, while you ran with Earneftnefs to your
Afiembly, and before the Senators had debated the Affair, or
come to any Refolution upon it, the whole People had already
taken their Seats in their ufual Court. (22) When the Senate
was
(2i) There are many Particulars m this Defcription, that dcferve our Atten-
tion.
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 439
was afterward aflembled, theMagiftratcs made their Report of the
Advices they had received, and introduced the MelTengerj who^
related the Affair. The Crier then made Proclamation, Who-
IS WILLING TO GIVE HIS OpiNioN ? No onc appeared. The
Queftion was frequently repeated without Succefs, though all
our Generals, all our Orators were prefent, and heard the com-
mon Voice of their Country calling upon them to fave her by
their Advice. For whatever the Crier is by Law commanded
to pronounce, ought in Juftice to be efteemed the common
Voice of our Country. But had it been neceffary for every
Citizen, who with Ardour wiflied the Profperity of his Coun-
try, to have given his Opinion, you and every other Athenian
would have arifen, and crowded to the Tribunal ; for I am con-
fident you all with Ardour wifh her Profperity. Had this Pro-
clamation regarded the Rich alone, the three hundred would
have
tion. Wolfius afks, why the Magiftra- had taken their Seats, as the Original
tes fet Fire to thefe Sheds ? "VN as it, cxprefles it, above avu. Wolfius and
that the People might not be hindered his very accurate Editor have both over-
from aflfembling ? Dodor Taylor an- looked ohe Word, though certainly re-
fwers, that they might not be interrupted markable and difficult. In gradihiis
in their Deliberations, but that every one Thealri. Aretinu*. Superiori parte.
might affift his Country in this common Anon. Sedeva di fofra. Ital. Inlocis
Danger. Avery extraordinary Reafon. fiiperioribus . Lambinus. Les fuges
As. probably, perhaps, to alarm the d'enhaut, ^ova. ^YA'L; with a pretty bold
Citizens, and by this Inftance of pubhc Addition, ou Viifage U place. Thus it
Terror, engage them to attend the fcems far eafier to trandate, than to ac-
next Morning's Aflembly. But why is knowledge our Ignorance, Mr. Portal
this Trumpeter called for ? Whether to by the Word <<vw, above, underftands the
found an Alarm. , or fame military Charge ^^^^^^ ^^jj^^j p^^^^ j^ ^j^;^,^ ^,,^ p^^^^,^
to call the 5okUcrs together . ? Thele generally afrcmbled, and which was Ctu. ^
Queftions are not yet aniwered by our ^^^^ ^^ ^ ^^^^^ ^j^^^ overlooked tlu.
Commentators, and our 1 ranllators only ? jQ. ^r.
trandate. Kcxt Morning the People
4
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? 440 DEMOSTHENES
have offered their Advice ; or had it affeded thofe, wlio pof-
feffed both Riches and Affedlion to the State, then the Citizens,
who afterwards made fuch Uberal Benefadions to the Pubhc,
would have laid before you their Opinions : for they were ani-
mated by the Love of their Country, as they were enabled by
their Wealth, to make thofe magnificent Benefadions. But it
appears, the Conjundures of that Day not only demanded a
wealthy Citizen, and zealous for his Country, but one who
from the Beginning had regularly attended to the Progrefs of
Affairs, and from thence juftly concluded, upon what Motives
Philip had thus aded, and what were his future Defigns. For
whoever had not, long before, examined this Point with At-
tention, however great might be his Property and Affedion to
the State, they could neither have enabled him to difcern what
Meafures we ought to have purfued, nor to give you the necef-
fary Advice.
Upon that important Day therefore did I appear, fuch as
the Exigency of your Affairs required. I came forward on die
Tribunal, and what I then propofed, I now defire you, for
two Reafons, attentively tg hear me repeat. Firfl, to con-
vince you, that I alone, of all your Orators and Magiftrates,
did not in the Hour of Danger dcfert that Port, in which my
Zeal for the Republic had placed me, but confidered, both in
my Orations and Decrees, whatever, amidft thefe Terrors, could
be moft conducive to your Intcrefls. Next, becaufe that by
employing
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 441
employing a little Portion of Time in this Manner, you will
be better intruded in the future Government of the Common-
wealth. I therefore declared, that whoever was much alarmed
at the Friendfhip of the Thebans for Philip appeared to me totally
ignorant of the real State of Affairs. " Becaufe, I am convin-
" ced, if fuch a Friendfhip had fubfifted between them, we
*' fhould not have heard that Philip is now Mafter of Elatasa,
** but already entered on our Frontiers. I know with certain-
" ty, that his prefent Expedition is intended to carry into
" Execution the Schemes he hath concerted againft the The-
" bans. " I then defired your Attention, while I explained
the whole Affair. " Every Theban, whom either his Money
" could corrupt, or his Artifices deceive, are all ready to obey
** his Commands. Some indeed, who were originally his
Enemies, and at prefent oppofe him, he could never influ-
ence. What therefore is his Deflgn, and for what Purpofe
" did he take Elataea ? That by giving them a nearer View
" of his Power and the Terror of his Arms, he might animate,
" and raife the Spirits of his Adherents, and either terrify the
Party, that oppofed him, into a Compliance with his De-
lires, or compell them to grant, what they now refufe.
Should we therefore determine in the prefent Conjundture to
remember the Injuries we may poflibly have received from
*' the Thebans, and efteem them, as Enemies, unworthy of
our Confidence, we fhall a6l in the very Manner Philip
would defire. Befides, I am apprehenfive, that they, who
Vol. II. L 11 *' now
<c
<<
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? 442 DEMOSTHENES
" now oppofe him, will embrace his Party ; unanimoufly fup-
" port his Interefts, and even join with him in his Invafion of
'* Attica. If however you will be guided by my Advice ; if
" you will attentively, and without the Prejudices of Fadlion,.
" confider the Meafures I propofe, I am perfuaded, I fliall
" merit your Approbation, and avert the Danger, that me-
" naces the Republic. What therefore do I advife ? Firft,
" to difmifs your prefent Fears, or to change the Objedl of
" them, and to be univerfally alarmed only for the Thebans.
For they are much nearer to Deftrudion, and upon them,
the Danger, that threatens the general Liberties of Greece,
" will firft defcend. Then, let our Citizens, who are withirt
" the Age of military Service, together with our Cavalry,
" march out to Eleufis, to convince the States of Greece, that
*' you yourfelves are in Arms, and that your Party in Thebes
" may with Confidence, equal to that of their Adverfaries,
" affert the Freedom of their Debates, while they are aflured,
" that as the Traitors, who have fold their Country to Phi-
" lip, are fupported by an Army at Elataea, in the fame Man-
" ner you are prepared to aflift them, who are nobly deter-
" mined to contend for their Liberties, whenever they are at-
"' tacked. Let me then advife you to eled ten Ambaffadors,
" who, in Conjundion with our Generals, fhall have Power
" to appoint the Time for marching to Eleufis, and to dired
" the Expedition. Now liftcn to me with Attention, while I
" inform you, in what Manner the Affair fhould be conduced
((
ift
alter
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 443
<' after thefe Ambafladors fliall have arrived at Thebes. Make no
" Demands upon the Thebans. At fuch a Conjundure, it were
^^ difhonourable. Promife them your Afliftance, if they de-
** fire it, vi^ithout Referve, becaufe you think they are invoh'ed
" in the utmoft Diftrefs, while you have more prudently fore-
" feen this Event. Thus, if they accept our Offers, and will
" be direded by our Advice, we fliall attain the End we pro-
" pofe, and our Proceedings will have an honourable Appear-
" ance, and worthy of the Republic. Or if unhappily our
" Endeavours fail of Succefs, the Thebans muft blame them-
" felves for whatever Errors they may hereafter commit, while
** nothing difhonourable, nothing inglorious can be imputed
" to the Commonwealth. "
Having urged thefe Arguments, and others of the fame
Kind, I defcended from the Tribunal. When my Difcourfe
was univerfally applauded (not a fingle Negative in Oppofition)
I did not only give you my Advice in Words, but propofed it
in Writing ; I did not only propofe it in Writing, but under-
took the Embafly ; nor did I undertake the Embaffy alone,
but fucceeded in perfuading the Thebans. I began, I continu-
ed, I perfedled the Work, and for your Service devoted my-
felf without Referve to the Dangers, that furrounded the Re-
public. Now read me the Decree, that I preferred on this Oc-
cafion. Yet tell me, iEfchines, how I fliall reprefent either my-
felf or jou on that important Day ? Shall I confefs myfelf that
L 11 2 effeminate
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? 444 DEMOSTHENES
effeminate Batalus your Calumnies and Sarcafms have called mc,
yet acknowledge you an abfolute Hero, and of no mean Degree ;
one of our theatrical Heroes ; a Crefphontes, or a Creon, or
that Oenomaus, whom you tragically murdered in one of our
Villages by your miferable performance ? Yet I, the Athe-
nian Batalus, manifeftly appeared, upon that decifive Occafion,,
far more worthy of my Country, than you, the theatrical Oe-
nomaus. Not in any one lingle Inftance were you ever ufeful
or profitable to the State ; whereas I have performed every
Duty and Service, that a good Citizen owes to his Country*
Read the Decree.
The Decree of Demosthemes,
Under the Archonfhip of Naulicles, the Tribe of Ajax.
prefidiog in Council, on the iixteenth of June, Demofthenes
propofed the following Decree. Whereas Philip, King of
the Macedonians, hath in Time paft openly violated his Trea-
ties concluded with the Athenian People, regardlefs of the Oaths,
by which they were ratified, and of every other Obligation
held facred by the Greeks ; taking PoffefHon of Cities, which
did not of Right belong to him, and of fome confeffedly under
the Dominion of the Athenians, although he never had received
the leaft Provocation to thefe A6ls of HoftiHty : and whereas
he flill makes a greater Progrefs in Violence and Cruelty, putting
Garrifons into fome of the Cities of Greece, and deftroying their
ancient Forms of Government ; rafing others to their Founda-
tions,
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 445
$ions, and enflaving their Inhabitants ; planting Colonies of Bar-
barians in others; expelling their Grecian Poflcirors, and de-
livering up to Violation their Temples and their Sepulchres
(in thefe Inftances, however, ading not inconfiftently with the
Manners of his Country, or his own natural Genius) intempe-
rately abufing his prefent good Fortune, and forgetful that he
hath unexpededly rifen to this Greatnefs, from an inconfide-
rable and obfcure Original. While the Athenians beheld him
reducing to his Obedience barbarian Cities only, that had no
Society or Alliance with Greece, they did not confider it as a
perfonal Injury, that merited their Refentment. But when
they now behold the Grecian Cities, fome of them infulted,
others ruined to their Foundations, they muft efteem it crimi-
nal in them, and unworthy of the Gloiy of their Anceftors,
indolently to fee the Greeks enilaved. It is therefore refolved
by the Senate and People of Athens, having firft put up their
Petitions, and offered Sacrifices to the immortal Gods, and
Heroes, Guardians and Protedors of this City and its Territo-
ries, and then having deeply imprefled upon their Minds the
Remembrance of the Virtues of their Anceftors, who were al-
ways more anxious to preserve the Liberties of Greece, than
even their own native Soil ; it is refolved, that two hundred
Galleys fhall immediately put to Sea, and their Admiral feC
Sail for the Streights of Thermopylae ; that our Generals fhall
afiemble the Troops, both Infantry and Cavalry, at Eleufis ;
that Ambaffadors fhall be fent to the other Grecian States, but
firft
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? 446 DEMOSTHENES
firfl of all to the Thebans, becaufe Philip has marched nearer
to their Frontiers ; that thefe Ambaffadors fhall encourage and
exhort them not to be terrified at Philip's Approach, but
firmly to maintain their own and the Liberties of Greece ; fhall
give them every AiTurance, that the Athenian People no longer
remember the Injuries they have received (if perhaps the
two Republics may have formerly injured each other) but will
afTift the Thebans with Men and Money and Arms, ofTenfive
and defenfive ; being confcious, that when Greeks contend
with Greeks for Sovereignty, the Contefl is glorious; but to
be governed by a Barbarian, and to be defpoiled by him of all
Authority, is unworthy of their own Honour, and the ancient
Glory of their Anceflors : that befides, the Athenian People
do not efteem the Thebans as Aliens and Foreigners, either
with regard to the Dignity of their Origin, or their being Na-
tives of one common Soil ; that they remember the Benefits,
which their Forefathers conferred upon thofe of the Thebans ;
that they reflored the Defcendants of Hercules, who were dif-
pofTefTed by the Peloponnefians of their hereditary Dominions,
and won a decifive Vidory over the Nations, that endeavoured
to oppofe their Reftoration : that they hofpitably received Oedi-
pus and the Party, that was banifhed with him, befides many
other very honourable Inftances of their AfFedion and Hu-
manity. For thefe Reafons, the Athenian People never will
dcfert the Interefts of Thebes, or of Greece in general ; and
are now ready to conclude an Alliance ofFenfive and defenfive,
to
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? IN DEFENCE OF C T E S I P H O N. 447
to be confirmed by all the Rights of Intermarriage, and by
Oaths mutually given and received. Demofthenes, Hyperides,
Mnefithides, Democrates, Callaefchrus, were deputed Ambaf-
fadors.
J
This was the Beginning and firfl: Foundation of our Union
with the Thebans.
better Meafures. But when he found a PoffibiHty of working
any execrable Mifchief, did he ftill refufe to prefer any Decree ?
Was he flill obflinatcly filent ? No. He would not then
fufFer any one elfe even to fpeak.
His other, fecret Pradices, the Commonwealth might per-
haps have endured ; but one daring A61 of Villainy hath crown-
ed and compleated all the former. That A 61, upon which he
confumed fo confiderabie a Part of his Harangue, when he
feemed determined utterly to pervert the very Nature of Truth
by a perplexed and tedious Enumeration of Locrian Decrees
and Refolutions. But impoffible. How can Truth be per-
verted by Falfehood ? It is not, ^fchines, in the Multitude
of Words to wafli away the Guiit of this Tranfadion. But I
here invoke, O Men of Athens, in your Prefence, all our Gods
and Goddeffes, who graciou fiy prefide over thefe Territories,
efpecially the Pythian Apollo, the God of our A. nc? ftors, and
implore them all to grant me Happinefs and Health, as I now
fpeak truly, or as I truly fpoke in your Affembly, when I
firft perceived (for I perceived, and inftantly perceived) this un-
hallowed Wretch engaging in thefe execrable Designs. IBut if
in perfonal Enmity to him, or Love of Oppofition, I now ac-
cufe him falfely, may thofe Gods render me for ever incapable
of enjoying the Bleflings I pollefs. But wherefore this earneft
Invocation, or why thefe vehement Exclamations ? Becaufe,
although I can indifputably prove the Fadls, whereof I (hall
nccufe him, by our public Records ; although I am perfuaded.
Vol. II. I i i that
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? 426 DEMOSTHENES
that you yourfelvcs perfedly remember the whole Tranfadion^
yet I am apprehenfive he may be deemed too incon{iderable ta
be capable of working fuch enormous Mifchiefs. Thus it hap-
pened before, when he brought hither his Falichoods from
Macedonia, and utterly wrought the Deftrudion of the mifera-r
ble Phoc^eans. For iEfchines was the fole Contriver of the Am-
phiflaean War ; that War, by which Philip got Poficflion of
Elatsa ; by which he was elected Commander in Chief of the
Amphidlyons, and overturned th& whole imperial Conftitution
of Greece : j^fchines alone was the Caufe of all our fevereft
Misfortunes. When, at the Moment, I entered my Proteft
againft him, and cried aloud in the Affembly, " You bring a
*' War, i^lfchines, into Attica J the Amphidyonic War," fome
of his Party, convened by him for that Purpofe, would not
fuffer me to proceed ; while others were aftonifhed, and even
fufpeded, that in perfonal Hatred I had charged him with an
imaginary Crime. Now hear, O Men of Athens, Unce you
were not then permitted to hear, the Nature and Circumftances
of this Affair ; with what View the Projedl was contrived,
and how it was carried into Execution. You will behold a
Scheme admirably well concerted ; you will receive no incon-
fiderable Lights with regard to this Period of your Hiftory, and
obferve how great was Philip's Dexterity, and Addrefs.
It was impofTible for him to exped a happy Iffue of the
War, or to be relieved from its Diftrefles, except he could en-
gage
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? IN DEFENCE OF C T E S I P H O N. 427
gage the Thebans and Theflalians in a Quarrel with this Repub-
lic. For although your Generals conducted the War againfl
him unfortunately, and with very unequal Abilities, yet the
War itfelf, and our Privateers wrougrht him a thoufand Mif-
chiefs. He could neither export the Produce of his own King-
dom, or import whatever NecefTaries he wanted from other
Countries. He was neither, at that Time, fuperior to us by
Sea, nor powerful enough by Land to have invaded Attica, if
the Theffalians had not followed his Standards, or the The-
bans opened him a Paffage through their Dominions. What-
ever Superiority he gained over the Generals, fuch as they
were (for their Charaders are not at prelent under our Confl-
derationj whom you employed againft him, yet by the Nature
and Situation of the Country, where the War was carried on,
and by fome Advantages we mutually enjoyed, he was infi-
nitely diftrelTed. If he fliould attempt, upon Motives of his own
perfonal Enmity alone, to induce the Theffalians and Thebans
to invade us, he was convinced, they would pay him very little
Attention ; but if, by affuming the fpecious Appearance of a
common Caufe, he could be chofen General of the Amphicly-
ons, he then hoped to fucceed more eafily, either by Artifice
or Perfuafion. What therefore was the Plan he propofed ?
Behold how admirably concerted. To kindle a War againfl:
the Amphidyons, and to raife Diffentions in their Counfels at
Thermopylte, from whence he prefumed, they would immedi-
ately apply to him for Affiftance. If however he fliould em-
I i i' 2 ploy
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? 428 DEMOSTHENES
ploy either his awn Deputies, or thofe of his Confederates in
the Scheme, he was juftly apprehcnfive, that the Thebans and
ThefTahans would fufpedl; him, and the Grecians in general be
more upon their Guard. But if an Athenian j a Deputy, ap-
pointed by a People, who had declared themfelves his Enemies,
would negotiate the Affair, he doubted not, as in Fad it
happened, that he fhould conceal his Defign. But how did he
execute his Projeft? He bribed this Traitor. Then, while
we were in general, I believe, unapprehenfive of their Inten-
tions, or (as it ufually happens in your Affairs) not fufEciently
careful to prevent their taking Effed, it was propofed to fend
^fchines Ambaffador to the Congrefs at Thermopylas, and
when three or four of his own Fadion had given him their Suf-
frages, he was declared duly eledled>> Being thus inverted with
the Authority of the Republic, he entered into the Council of
the Amphidlyons, and there, negledling and treating every other
Confideration with Contempt, he fludioufly applied himfelf to*
perfe6t the great Work of his Corruption. Having compofed a.
very fpecious Harangue, and difplayed his Invention in a fabu-
lous Story of the Confecration of the Cirrhtean Lands, he fo far
impofed upon the Deputies, Men unexperienced in the Subtleties
of Eloquence, and little fagacious to- forefee the Confequences
of their Compliance, as to perfuade them to decree, that a
Survey fhould be taken of the Territories, which the Am-
phiffasans afferted to be their Property, and had therefore cul-
tivated, but which iEfchines with loud Accufations of Sacrilege
affirmed
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 429
riffirmcd to have been dedicated to Apollo, although the Lo-
crians never had inftituted any Suit againft us upon a Claim of
Impofts or Cuftoms, as he hath moft untruly pretended in his
Harangue. You will be convinced by this only Confideration.
It was impofiible for them to have inftituted any Suit againft
the Commonwealth, unlefs they had jfirft fent us a regular Ci-
tation. But who ever fent us fuch a Citation ? From what
Power and Authority was it iffued ? Shew us, ^fchines, the
Man, who knows, and will aflert the Fadl. Impoflible. The
whole is an Abufe of Truth ; a vain and idle Pretence of your
own Invention.
When the AmphicSyons therefore, by his Suggeftions,
went to furvey thefe Lands, the Locrians fuddenly fell upon
them, and had well nigh deftroyed them with their Arrows.
Some of the Deputies were taken Prifoners. When this Conteft
arofe, and War was declared againft the Amphifi'sans, Cotty-
phus was appointed General of the Amphidyonic Forces. But
when feveral States either did not appear at the Congrefs, or,
if they did appear, were totally inadlive, foiiie of the ThefTali-
ans, who had long been Traitors to their Country, and certain
Citizens
(20) It was a wife Inftitution, that Locrians therefore had demanded any
whatever Difputes happened between any new Cuftoms, or Imports in their Ports
two Grecian States, a third fhould be of the Athenians, they muft have fued
chofen as Umpire, to whole Decifion for them under the Authority of fome
they fhould be obhged to fubmit. This other Republic, whofe Citations would
third State iflued out Citations, or Sum- now appear upon Record. We are ob-
mons to tlie Parties concerned, with all ligcd to Dodor Taylor for this Expla-
tbe Forms of a regular Procefs. If the nation of the PafTa ge.
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? 430 DEMOSTHENES
Citizens of other Republics, inftruded for the Purpofe, inftant-
ly propofed PhiHp at the next Aflembly to be Commander in
Chief, and alledged many very plaufible Reafons in Favour of
their Propofal ; *' That either they muft be obHged to bring in
*' Contributions themielves ; to maintain a Body of foreign
" Troops, and to punifli thofe, who refufed to comply with
" their Orders, or to ele6t Philip their General. " What
need I fay more ? Upon thefe Reafons he was eleded ; when
inftantly alTembling his Forces, and entering on a feigned
March to Cyrrha, he heartily bids farewell to the Cyrrh^ans
and Locrians, and feizes upon Elataea. At this Moment there-
fore, if the Thebans had not fuddenly changed their Refolution,
and united with you, this whole Project, like a Winter's Tem-
peft, had precipitately fallen on the Republic. Thus, prin-
cipally, by the favourable Interpofition of fome God, O Men
of Athens, and next, as far as lies within the Power of any one
Man, by my Services, did the Tiiebans inftaiitly check the
Progrefs of this Deftroyer. Now let the Secretary read the fe-
veral Refolutions of the Congrefs at Thermopylas, with their
refpedlivc Dates, that you may behold what Mifchiefs this de-
teftable Villain occafioned, for which he hath to this Moment
cfcaped your Vengeance. Read.
Resolutions of the Amphictyons.
Under the Pontificate of Clinagoras, in a Spring-Council
held at Thermopylae, the Deputies and Affiftants of the A m-
pl;ii(5tyons
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? IN DEFENCE OF C T E S I P H O N. 431
phldyons entered into the following Rcfulution : : Whereas the
AmphilTneans do now trefpafs upon, cultivate and graze Cattle
en the Lands confccrated to Apollo, it is refolved, that the
Deputies and their Affiftants (hall take a Survey of thofe Lands ;
mark out the Bounds with Pillars, and forbid the Amphiff^ans
ever to enter upon them for the future. /J
Other Resolutions.
Under the Pontificate of Clinagoras, in a Spring-Council
held at Thermopylae, it is refolved by the Deputies, Affiftants
and general Afiembly of the Amphidyons : /Whereas the Am-
phifTsans have divided among them ; do now cultivace, and
graze Cattle on the Lands conlecrated to Apollo ; and whereas,
when they were forbidden to a6l in this facrilegious Manner,
they appeared in Arms, and repelled by Force the common
Council of Greece, and wounded fome of their Deputies, par-
ticularly Cottyphus, appointed General of the Amphi6lyons ;
be it therefore refolved, that an Embafly fhall be fent to Phi-
lip, to folicit him to affift Apollo and the Amphidlyons, and
not indolently behold the God infulted by thefe profane Am-
phiffaeans, and to acquaint him, that all the Grecians, alTem-
bled in Council at Thermopylae, da for that Purpofe eledl him
Commander in Chief of their Forces, with full Power and
Authority to ad:, as he fhall find expedient. )
Now read the Dates of thefe Refolutions, from whence it will
appear, that ^^fchines was your Deputy at that Period. Read.
The
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? 432 DEMOSTHENES
The Dates.
Under the Archonfliip of Mnefithides, the fixteenth Day
of February.
Now give me the Letter, that Philip fent to hi^ Confederates
in Peloponnefus, when the Thebans refufed to obey his Orders.
By that Letter you will clearly perceive he concealed his real
Defign, fuch as the Deftrudlion of Greece, of Thebes, and
Athens, under an Appearance of Zeal for the common Caufe,
and Obedience to the Decrees of the Amphidyons. But the
Traitor, who furnifhed him with Opportunities of executing thefe
Projedls, and affuming thefe Pretences, was ^Efchines. Read.
Philip's Letter.
Philip, King of the Macedonians, to all the Magiftrates of
his Confederates in Peloponnefus, and to all his other Allies,
Greeting. Whereas the Locrians, Inhabitants of Amphifla, have
impioufly violated the Temple of Apollo in Delphos, and laid
wafte the confecrated Lands, I am determined, in Conjundion
with you, to affift the God, and to take Vengeance of a Peo-
ple, who have violated whatever is held facred among Mankind.
For this Purpofe, you are required to join Tne at Phocis, com-
pleatly armed, and furniflied with Provifions for forty Days,
on the next enfuing Month, which we Macedonians call Loiis,
the Athenians Boedromion, and the Corinthians Panemon.
We fhall afterwards proceed in our Condud by the general
8 Advice
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPFION. 433
Advice of thofc, who join us with all their Forces, and fhall
certainly chaflife thofe, who do not obey our Orders. Farewell.
Behold, how he avoids mentioning his real Motives, and
conceals himfelf under his Zeal for the Amphidtyons. ' But
who concerted thefe Meafures with him, and cooperated with
him in the Execution ? Who furniflied him with thefe Pre-
tences ? Who was the principal Author of all our Calamities ?
Was not this Traitor ^fchines ? Do not therefore, O Men
of Athens, as you walk and converfe together, afcribe the Mi-
feries of Greece to one Man alone. Not by one Man alone, I
here atteft the Powers of Earth and Heaven, but by a Multi-
tude of abandoned Wretches, difperfed through all our Re-
publics, and among whom iEfchines may be juftly numbered,
have we been thus totally undone ; this iEfchines, whom, if
it were neceflary to make the plain and unreferved Declaration,
I fliould not hefitate to declare the univerfal Ruhi of all the Men,
the Territories and Cities, that have been dellroyed in Confe-
quence of thefe fatal Meafures, becaufe, whoever fows the Seed,
is Author of the Harveft : this iElchines, from whom, I am
aftonifhed, that you do not inftantly turn away, whenever you
meet him, with Averfion and Horrour. But thick and impe-
netrable is the Darknefs, for fo it appears, that hath intervened
between you and Truth.
It hath happened, while I have thus lightly touched upon"
his Perfidy to his Country, that I have regularly come to the
Vol. II. K k k Meafures,
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? 434 DEMOSTHENES
Mealures, by which I oppofed his Tieafons, during my Ad-
miniftration. Thefe you are upon many Accounts obliged in
Juftice to hear me relate, but efpecially becaufe, if I have in
Fadl endured fuch Labours for your Service, it would be
ihameful indeed, O Men of Athens, if you were unable to en-
dure the fmiple Recital of them. For when I beheld the The-
bans, I had almoft faid, beheld even the Athenians themfelves,
fo far feduced by Philip's Agents, and the Wretches he had
corrupted both in Thebes and Athens, as to be regardlefs of,
;;^nd unattentive to Philip's future Greatnefs ; an Objed: of
equal Terrour to both Nations, and requiring their utmoft
Attention ; when I beheld you rather prompt to injure and
oppofe each other, I was perpetually anxious to prevent a Rup-
ture between you. Neither did I rely upon my own Judgement
only for the Expediency of thefe Meafures, but was convinced
by the Condudt of Ariftophon, and afterwards of Eubulus, wha
always endeavoured to promote this Friendship between the
Nations ; and while they differed upon many other Points of
Adminiftration, yet in this they conftantly agreed. Thefe two
great Perfons, when living you followed with a fervile Adulati-
on, thou vile, pernicious Animal, and now do not blufh to
outrage their Memory after their Death. For whenever yoa
cenfure me with regard to the Thebans, you condemn/'their
Condu(5t, much more than mkie, who before I entered into
Miniflry had conftantly approved of this AHiance. But I re-
turn from this Digrcffion to inform you, tliat when iEichines
had
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 435
had thus kindled the AmphifTsan War, and his other Accom-
pHces had efFc6lually fct us at Variance with the Thebans, Phi-
lip took that Opportunity of invading us, for the fake of which
they had fomented thefe Quarrels between the RepubHcs; and
if we had not a Uttle roufed us from our Lethargy, we {hould
never afterwards have been able to recover our Strength ; to
fuch an Extreme had they precipitately driven the Affair. In
what Manner you were then affected towards each other, will
beft appear by your Decrees and by Philip's Anfwer, which
I defire may be read. .
The Decree.
Under the Archonfhip of Heropythus, on the twenty- fifth
of March, the Eredhean Tribe exercifing the Prytanic Power,
it is refolved, with the Advice and Opinion of the Senate and
the Generals ; that whereas Philip hath made himfelf Mafter of
fome Towns upon the Frontiers of Attica, and adlually demo-
lifhed others; and whereas he was now meditating an Invafion of
our proper Territories, fetting at nought our mutual Treaties,
and determined to violate thofe Oaths, by which they were ra-
tified ; thus ading in Contempt of the Peace concluded be-
tween us, and our public Faith mutually given and received ;
it therefore feemeth good to the Senate and People to fend
Ambafiadors to him, who fhall remonftrate upon his Proceed-
ings, and exhort him efpecially to preferve the good Concord
and the Treaties fubfifting between us ; or if he be otherwife de-
K k k 2 termined,
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? 436 DEMOSTHENES
termined, to grant the Republic Time for their future Counfels
and a Truce until May. The Senators, Simus, Euthydemus, the
Philafian, and Olagoras, were chofen for this Embaily.
Another Decree.
Under the Archonfhip of Heropythus, on the thirtieth of
April, the Commander in Chief of our Forces made this Mo-
tion ; whereas Philip hath attempted to alienate the Thebans
from us, and is now preparing to make an Irruption with all
his Forces into a Country fituated upon the Frontiers of Attica,
in open Violation of the Treaties fufifting between us ; it there-
fore feemeth good to the Senate and People to fend an Herald
and Ambafiador to expoftulate with him, and exhort him to
grant us a Truce, that the People may deliberate upon this
Exigency j becaufe they have not yet determined to fend him
any the leaft Succours, in his Waragainfl; the AmphifT^eans. (21)
The Senators, Nearchus, and Polycrates were chofen Ambaf-
fadors ; and Eunomus, the Plebeian, was appointed Herald.
Novv read his Anfwer.
Philip's Anfwer to the Athenians.
Philip, King of the Macedonians, to the Senate and Peo-
ple of Athens, Greeting.
I am not ignorant of your original
Intentions
(21) We have feen Philip's Demand on. He could have no other Pretence
of Succours againft the Amphilfeans, for invading them, or they for defiring
i 1 Virtue of the Amphidyonic Decree, Time to deliberate, but becaufe they had
and the Menaces, with which it is con- not yet determined to fend him the Succours
eluded. Thefe were probably levelled he demanded. The PafTage is acknow.
at the Athenians particularly ; and we ledged dcfperate, and incapable, fiys
now fee him marching towards Athens, Doftor Taylor, of any Senfe yet give>>
as ij' to put thefe Menaces into Executi- to the Words.
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? IN DEFENCE OF C T E S I P H O N. 437
Intentions towards us, nor with how much Earneftncfs you
have endeavoured to gain over the ThciTaHans and Thebans,
and even the Bceotians to your Meafures. But when they re-
folved to follow wifer Counfels, and not to fubmit their Incli-
nations to your arbitrary Decifions, but to be guided by their
own apparent Intereft, you now change your Manner of afting,
and fend AmbafTadors and Heralds to bid us recoiled our Trea-
ties, and to demand a Truce, although you have never fuffered
any A6t of Hoftility from our Arms. Having given Audience to
your Ambafladors, we comply with your Demands, and fhall
readily grant the Truce you defire, provided you remove from
your Councils the Perfons, who have ill advifed you, and in-
flidt on them that Infamy they merit. Farewell.
Philip's Anfwer to the Thebans.
Philip, King of the Macedonians, to the Senate and Peo-
ple of Thebes, Greeting. I have received your Letter, by
which you renew that Harmony and Peace fubfifting between
us. I am befides informed, that the Athenians have ufed every
Solicitation to induce you to comply with their Requefts ; and
I confefs, I did at firfl: imagine, you would be perfuaded, by
the Hopes with which they flattered you, to follow the Mea-
fures they propofed. But being now fully convinced, that after
having inquired into the State of your Affairs, you choofe rather
to maintain your Treaties with us, than to be guided by
the Counfels ot others, I have felt a very fenfi1)le Satisfaction.
But
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? 438 DEMOSTHENES
But while I greatly approve of your Condudl in general, I muft
particularly applaud your Prudence in this Affair, and the Re-
gard you have manifefted for my Friendfhip ; from whence I
hope you will derive no inconliderable Advantages, if you con-
tinue firm in your Refolution. Farewell.
Philip, by thefe Artifices, raifed a mutual Jealoufy between
the two Cities, and being now greatly elated with your Decrees
and his Anfwers, he marched with all his Forces and reduced
Elataea ; as if he were perfuaded, that, whatever he attempt-
ed, you and the Thebans would never unite to oppofe him.
You all remember the Tumult and Commotion, that rofe in
the City upon the Occafion, yet permit me to mention fome
few Circumftances, that require your prefent Attention. It
was Evening, when a Mefi^enger arrived and informed the Ma-
giftrates, that Elat^a was taken. Having inftantly rifen from
Supper, fome of them rufiied into the Forum, drove the Tradef-
men from their Shops, and burnt the Sheds, that covered them ;
others fent for the Generals, and called for a Trumpeter, and
the whole City was full of Confufion. Next Morning, as foon
as Day appeared, the Magiftrates convoked the Senate to their
ufual Place of meeting, while you ran with Earneftnefs to your
Afiembly, and before the Senators had debated the Affair, or
come to any Refolution upon it, the whole People had already
taken their Seats in their ufual Court. (22) When the Senate
was
(2i) There are many Particulars m this Defcription, that dcferve our Atten-
tion.
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 439
was afterward aflembled, theMagiftratcs made their Report of the
Advices they had received, and introduced the MelTengerj who^
related the Affair. The Crier then made Proclamation, Who-
IS WILLING TO GIVE HIS OpiNioN ? No onc appeared. The
Queftion was frequently repeated without Succefs, though all
our Generals, all our Orators were prefent, and heard the com-
mon Voice of their Country calling upon them to fave her by
their Advice. For whatever the Crier is by Law commanded
to pronounce, ought in Juftice to be efteemed the common
Voice of our Country. But had it been neceffary for every
Citizen, who with Ardour wiflied the Profperity of his Coun-
try, to have given his Opinion, you and every other Athenian
would have arifen, and crowded to the Tribunal ; for I am con-
fident you all with Ardour wifh her Profperity. Had this Pro-
clamation regarded the Rich alone, the three hundred would
have
tion. Wolfius afks, why the Magiftra- had taken their Seats, as the Original
tes fet Fire to thefe Sheds ? "VN as it, cxprefles it, above avu. Wolfius and
that the People might not be hindered his very accurate Editor have both over-
from aflfembling ? Dodor Taylor an- looked ohe Word, though certainly re-
fwers, that they might not be interrupted markable and difficult. In gradihiis
in their Deliberations, but that every one Thealri. Aretinu*. Superiori parte.
might affift his Country in this common Anon. Sedeva di fofra. Ital. Inlocis
Danger. Avery extraordinary Reafon. fiiperioribus . Lambinus. Les fuges
As. probably, perhaps, to alarm the d'enhaut, ^ova. ^YA'L; with a pretty bold
Citizens, and by this Inftance of pubhc Addition, ou Viifage U place. Thus it
Terror, engage them to attend the fcems far eafier to trandate, than to ac-
next Morning's Aflembly. But why is knowledge our Ignorance, Mr. Portal
this Trumpeter called for ? Whether to by the Word <<vw, above, underftands the
found an Alarm. , or fame military Charge ^^^^^^ ^^jj^^j p^^^^ j^ ^j^;^,^ ^,,^ p^^^^,^
to call the 5okUcrs together . ? Thele generally afrcmbled, and which was Ctu. ^
Queftions are not yet aniwered by our ^^^^ ^^ ^ ^^^^^ ^j^^^ overlooked tlu.
Commentators, and our 1 ranllators only ? jQ. ^r.
trandate. Kcxt Morning the People
4
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? 440 DEMOSTHENES
have offered their Advice ; or had it affeded thofe, wlio pof-
feffed both Riches and Affedlion to the State, then the Citizens,
who afterwards made fuch Uberal Benefadions to the Pubhc,
would have laid before you their Opinions : for they were ani-
mated by the Love of their Country, as they were enabled by
their Wealth, to make thofe magnificent Benefadions. But it
appears, the Conjundures of that Day not only demanded a
wealthy Citizen, and zealous for his Country, but one who
from the Beginning had regularly attended to the Progrefs of
Affairs, and from thence juftly concluded, upon what Motives
Philip had thus aded, and what were his future Defigns. For
whoever had not, long before, examined this Point with At-
tention, however great might be his Property and Affedion to
the State, they could neither have enabled him to difcern what
Meafures we ought to have purfued, nor to give you the necef-
fary Advice.
Upon that important Day therefore did I appear, fuch as
the Exigency of your Affairs required. I came forward on die
Tribunal, and what I then propofed, I now defire you, for
two Reafons, attentively tg hear me repeat. Firfl, to con-
vince you, that I alone, of all your Orators and Magiftrates,
did not in the Hour of Danger dcfert that Port, in which my
Zeal for the Republic had placed me, but confidered, both in
my Orations and Decrees, whatever, amidft thefe Terrors, could
be moft conducive to your Intcrefls. Next, becaufe that by
employing
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 441
employing a little Portion of Time in this Manner, you will
be better intruded in the future Government of the Common-
wealth. I therefore declared, that whoever was much alarmed
at the Friendfhip of the Thebans for Philip appeared to me totally
ignorant of the real State of Affairs. " Becaufe, I am convin-
" ced, if fuch a Friendfhip had fubfifted between them, we
*' fhould not have heard that Philip is now Mafter of Elatasa,
** but already entered on our Frontiers. I know with certain-
" ty, that his prefent Expedition is intended to carry into
" Execution the Schemes he hath concerted againft the The-
" bans. " I then defired your Attention, while I explained
the whole Affair. " Every Theban, whom either his Money
" could corrupt, or his Artifices deceive, are all ready to obey
** his Commands. Some indeed, who were originally his
Enemies, and at prefent oppofe him, he could never influ-
ence. What therefore is his Deflgn, and for what Purpofe
" did he take Elataea ? That by giving them a nearer View
" of his Power and the Terror of his Arms, he might animate,
" and raife the Spirits of his Adherents, and either terrify the
Party, that oppofed him, into a Compliance with his De-
lires, or compell them to grant, what they now refufe.
Should we therefore determine in the prefent Conjundture to
remember the Injuries we may poflibly have received from
*' the Thebans, and efteem them, as Enemies, unworthy of
our Confidence, we fhall a6l in the very Manner Philip
would defire. Befides, I am apprehenfive, that they, who
Vol. II. L 11 *' now
<c
<<
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? 442 DEMOSTHENES
" now oppofe him, will embrace his Party ; unanimoufly fup-
" port his Interefts, and even join with him in his Invafion of
'* Attica. If however you will be guided by my Advice ; if
" you will attentively, and without the Prejudices of Fadlion,.
" confider the Meafures I propofe, I am perfuaded, I fliall
" merit your Approbation, and avert the Danger, that me-
" naces the Republic. What therefore do I advife ? Firft,
" to difmifs your prefent Fears, or to change the Objedl of
" them, and to be univerfally alarmed only for the Thebans.
For they are much nearer to Deftrudion, and upon them,
the Danger, that threatens the general Liberties of Greece,
" will firft defcend. Then, let our Citizens, who are withirt
" the Age of military Service, together with our Cavalry,
" march out to Eleufis, to convince the States of Greece, that
*' you yourfelves are in Arms, and that your Party in Thebes
" may with Confidence, equal to that of their Adverfaries,
" affert the Freedom of their Debates, while they are aflured,
" that as the Traitors, who have fold their Country to Phi-
" lip, are fupported by an Army at Elataea, in the fame Man-
" ner you are prepared to aflift them, who are nobly deter-
" mined to contend for their Liberties, whenever they are at-
"' tacked. Let me then advife you to eled ten Ambaffadors,
" who, in Conjundion with our Generals, fhall have Power
" to appoint the Time for marching to Eleufis, and to dired
" the Expedition. Now liftcn to me with Attention, while I
" inform you, in what Manner the Affair fhould be conduced
((
ift
alter
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 443
<' after thefe Ambafladors fliall have arrived at Thebes. Make no
" Demands upon the Thebans. At fuch a Conjundure, it were
^^ difhonourable. Promife them your Afliftance, if they de-
** fire it, vi^ithout Referve, becaufe you think they are invoh'ed
" in the utmoft Diftrefs, while you have more prudently fore-
" feen this Event. Thus, if they accept our Offers, and will
" be direded by our Advice, we fliall attain the End we pro-
" pofe, and our Proceedings will have an honourable Appear-
" ance, and worthy of the Republic. Or if unhappily our
" Endeavours fail of Succefs, the Thebans muft blame them-
" felves for whatever Errors they may hereafter commit, while
** nothing difhonourable, nothing inglorious can be imputed
" to the Commonwealth. "
Having urged thefe Arguments, and others of the fame
Kind, I defcended from the Tribunal. When my Difcourfe
was univerfally applauded (not a fingle Negative in Oppofition)
I did not only give you my Advice in Words, but propofed it
in Writing ; I did not only propofe it in Writing, but under-
took the Embafly ; nor did I undertake the Embaffy alone,
but fucceeded in perfuading the Thebans. I began, I continu-
ed, I perfedled the Work, and for your Service devoted my-
felf without Referve to the Dangers, that furrounded the Re-
public. Now read me the Decree, that I preferred on this Oc-
cafion. Yet tell me, iEfchines, how I fliall reprefent either my-
felf or jou on that important Day ? Shall I confefs myfelf that
L 11 2 effeminate
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? 444 DEMOSTHENES
effeminate Batalus your Calumnies and Sarcafms have called mc,
yet acknowledge you an abfolute Hero, and of no mean Degree ;
one of our theatrical Heroes ; a Crefphontes, or a Creon, or
that Oenomaus, whom you tragically murdered in one of our
Villages by your miferable performance ? Yet I, the Athe-
nian Batalus, manifeftly appeared, upon that decifive Occafion,,
far more worthy of my Country, than you, the theatrical Oe-
nomaus. Not in any one lingle Inftance were you ever ufeful
or profitable to the State ; whereas I have performed every
Duty and Service, that a good Citizen owes to his Country*
Read the Decree.
The Decree of Demosthemes,
Under the Archonfhip of Naulicles, the Tribe of Ajax.
prefidiog in Council, on the iixteenth of June, Demofthenes
propofed the following Decree. Whereas Philip, King of
the Macedonians, hath in Time paft openly violated his Trea-
ties concluded with the Athenian People, regardlefs of the Oaths,
by which they were ratified, and of every other Obligation
held facred by the Greeks ; taking PoffefHon of Cities, which
did not of Right belong to him, and of fome confeffedly under
the Dominion of the Athenians, although he never had received
the leaft Provocation to thefe A6ls of HoftiHty : and whereas
he flill makes a greater Progrefs in Violence and Cruelty, putting
Garrifons into fome of the Cities of Greece, and deftroying their
ancient Forms of Government ; rafing others to their Founda-
tions,
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? IN DEFENCE OF CTESIPHON. 445
$ions, and enflaving their Inhabitants ; planting Colonies of Bar-
barians in others; expelling their Grecian Poflcirors, and de-
livering up to Violation their Temples and their Sepulchres
(in thefe Inftances, however, ading not inconfiftently with the
Manners of his Country, or his own natural Genius) intempe-
rately abufing his prefent good Fortune, and forgetful that he
hath unexpededly rifen to this Greatnefs, from an inconfide-
rable and obfcure Original. While the Athenians beheld him
reducing to his Obedience barbarian Cities only, that had no
Society or Alliance with Greece, they did not confider it as a
perfonal Injury, that merited their Refentment. But when
they now behold the Grecian Cities, fome of them infulted,
others ruined to their Foundations, they muft efteem it crimi-
nal in them, and unworthy of the Gloiy of their Anceftors,
indolently to fee the Greeks enilaved. It is therefore refolved
by the Senate and People of Athens, having firft put up their
Petitions, and offered Sacrifices to the immortal Gods, and
Heroes, Guardians and Protedors of this City and its Territo-
ries, and then having deeply imprefled upon their Minds the
Remembrance of the Virtues of their Anceftors, who were al-
ways more anxious to preserve the Liberties of Greece, than
even their own native Soil ; it is refolved, that two hundred
Galleys fhall immediately put to Sea, and their Admiral feC
Sail for the Streights of Thermopylae ; that our Generals fhall
afiemble the Troops, both Infantry and Cavalry, at Eleufis ;
that Ambaffadors fhall be fent to the other Grecian States, but
firft
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? 446 DEMOSTHENES
firfl of all to the Thebans, becaufe Philip has marched nearer
to their Frontiers ; that thefe Ambaffadors fhall encourage and
exhort them not to be terrified at Philip's Approach, but
firmly to maintain their own and the Liberties of Greece ; fhall
give them every AiTurance, that the Athenian People no longer
remember the Injuries they have received (if perhaps the
two Republics may have formerly injured each other) but will
afTift the Thebans with Men and Money and Arms, ofTenfive
and defenfive ; being confcious, that when Greeks contend
with Greeks for Sovereignty, the Contefl is glorious; but to
be governed by a Barbarian, and to be defpoiled by him of all
Authority, is unworthy of their own Honour, and the ancient
Glory of their Anceflors : that befides, the Athenian People
do not efteem the Thebans as Aliens and Foreigners, either
with regard to the Dignity of their Origin, or their being Na-
tives of one common Soil ; that they remember the Benefits,
which their Forefathers conferred upon thofe of the Thebans ;
that they reflored the Defcendants of Hercules, who were dif-
pofTefTed by the Peloponnefians of their hereditary Dominions,
and won a decifive Vidory over the Nations, that endeavoured
to oppofe their Reftoration : that they hofpitably received Oedi-
pus and the Party, that was banifhed with him, befides many
other very honourable Inftances of their AfFedion and Hu-
manity. For thefe Reafons, the Athenian People never will
dcfert the Interefts of Thebes, or of Greece in general ; and
are now ready to conclude an Alliance ofFenfive and defenfive,
to
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? IN DEFENCE OF C T E S I P H O N. 447
to be confirmed by all the Rights of Intermarriage, and by
Oaths mutually given and received. Demofthenes, Hyperides,
Mnefithides, Democrates, Callaefchrus, were deputed Ambaf-
fadors.
J
This was the Beginning and firfl: Foundation of our Union
with the Thebans.
