43. I will pass over then his intervening life; but after the sea-fight
and the disaster to the city took place, there being still a democracy,
five men were made Ephors by the so-called secret societies (whence they
began a sedition), to assemble the citizens, lead the conspirators, and
oppose your democracy. Among them were Eratosthenes and Critias. 44. And
they appointed commanders over the guards, and they directed what ought
to be voted and who ought to rule, and, if they wished to do anything
else, they were masters; so not only enemies, but also those who were
citizens plotted against you, in order that you might vote nothing good,
and might be in want of many things. 45. For this they knew, that they
could not get the upper hand in any other way, but success for them
depended on your misfortune; and they thought that you, wishing to be
freed from your present evils, would not consider about future ones. 46.
That it was in the power of the Ephors at that time, I will bring
witnesses to you, not those then co-operating with him (for I should not
be able), but those who heard Eratosthenes himself. 47. But, if they had
been prudent, they would have borne witness against them, and would have
severely punished the teachers of their crimes, and, if they had been
wise, would not have considered their oaths binding to the extent of
wronging the citizens, but for the good of the state they would have
easily transgressed them; therefore I say such things to them. Call
witnesses for me, and come forward.