15. After this, members of the Boule, during the expedition to Corinth,
when all saw that there would be warm work, and others were shirking, I
arranged to be stationed in the rank next the enemy. And besides, when
our tribe was overthrown and most of it perished, I retreated after that
fine gentleman of Steiria, who has been reproaching all men with
cowardice. 16. And not many days later, by the capture of the strongholds
in Corinth, the enemy was unable to advance, and Agesilaus invaded
Boeotia, and the archons voted to detach certain ranks and send them to
aid. All were afraid (naturally enough, too, members of the Boule, for it
is hardly probable that men who had just escaped would wish to place
themselves in danger again), but I, going of my own accord to the
commander, asked him to send my company.
17. If, then, some of you are angry at those who claim to act in the
interest of the state, and who nevertheless run from danger, you ought to
have no such opinion about me. Not only did I do zealously what was
commanded me, but I even exposed myself to great danger and did this, not
because it was a light matter to fight the Spartans, but that if I ever
were unjustly brought to any trial, I might, with a better reputation for
valor, get full justice. Now bring witnesses.