73. So much does this man despise you that, although not being an
Athenian, he served on the jury and in the assembly, and brought all
manner of indictments, having himself enrolled as from Anagurius.
Phrynichus established the Four Hundred, and when he was put to death
many of the Four Hundred fled. 74. Do you think, therefore, that the
Thirty and the Boule, which was in session under the administration of
the Thirty, all of whom were of the Four Hundred exiles, if they had
captured the man who killed Phrynichus, would have let him go or punished
him on account of the exile to which they were subjected? I think they
would have punished him. If, on the one hand, he pretends to have killed
him, though he did not, he is, as I say, guilty. 75. But if you deny it
and say that you did kill Phrynichus, it is plain that by doing greater
evils to the Athenians you freed yourself to the Thirty from the charge
concerning Phrynichus. For you can never persuade any man that, having
killed Phrynichus, you would have been let off by the Thirty, unless you
did great and incurable wrongs to the people of Athens. 76. If,
therefore, he asserts that he killed Phrynichus, bear these things in
mind and take vengeance for what he has done. But if he says he did not,
ask him on what account he says he became an Athenian. If he can not show
how, punish him because he acted as a juror and served in the assembly
and accused many falsely, having his name enrolled as an Athenian.
77. I hear that he will allege in defense that he went to Phyle and came
back from Phyle with the rest, and this is his strongest plea. This was
the fact. He went to Phyle. And how could there be a greater wretch than
he who, knowing that there were many at Phyle whom he himself had
banished, dared to go there to them? 78. As soon as they saw him they
seized him and took him to kill him at the same place where they put
others to death, whenever they caught any robber or criminal. But Anytus,
who was in command at Phyle, said that they must not do this, telling
them they were not in a condition to take vengeance on some of their
enemies, but must now keep the peace, and if they ever returned home then
they would punish those who had done them injury. 79. Saying this, he
became responsible for his escape at Phyle. And they were obliged to obey
a general if they were to be saved. But more than this: no one would
receive him as a messmate or be his tent companion, nor would the
Taxiarch give him a place in his line, but as if he were accused no man
would speak to him. And call the Taxiarch to me.