ary: for, as much as their ancestors were distinguished for their
virtues, so much are they disgraced by their vices.

Observe now, my countrymen, the injustice of the Patricians. They
arrogate to themselves honours, on account of the exploits done by their
forefathers; whilst they will not allow me the due praise, for
performing the very same sort of actions in my own person. He has no
statues, they cry, of his family. He can trace no venerable line of
ancestors. What then! Is it matter of more praise to disgrace one's
illustrious ancestors, than to become illustrious by one's own good
behaviour? What if I can shew no statues of my family: I can shew the
standards, the armour, and the trappings, which I have taken myself from
the vanquished: I can shew the scars of those wounds which I have
received by facing the enemies of my country. These are my statues;
these are the honours I boast of. Not left me by inheritance as theirs;
but earned by toil, by abstinence, by valour; amidst clouds of dust, and
seas of blood: scenes of action, where those effeminate Patricians, who
endeavour, by indirect means, to depreciate me in your esteem, have
never dared to shew their faces.

DEMOSTHENES _to the_ ATHENIANS.

When I compare, Athenians, the speeches of some amongst us, with their
actions, I am at a loss to reconcile what I see, with what I hear. Their
protestations are full of zeal against the public enemy; but their
measures are so inconsistent that all their professions become
suspected. By confounding you with a variety of projects, they perplex
your resolutions, and lead you from executing what is in your power, by
engaging you in schemes not reducible to practice.

'Tis true, there was a time, when we were powerful enough, not only to
defend our own borders, and protect our allies, but even to invade
Philip in his own dominions. Yes, Athenians, there was such a juncture;
I remember it well. But, by neglect of proper opportunities, we are no
longer in a situation to be invaders: it will be well for us, if we can
procure for our own defence, and our allies. Never did any conjuncture
require so much prudence as this. However, I should not despair of
seasonable remedies, had I the art to prevail with you to be unanimous
in right measures. The opportunities, which have so often escaped us
have not been lost; through ignorance, or want of judgment; but through
negligence or treachery.--If I assume, at this time, more t