60. You have heard the witnesses; remember that one could assume a
character for a short time, but no one could elude detection for seventy
years if a bad man. Against my father perhaps some could bring other
charges, but no one, even an enemy, dared (to accuse him) about his money
affairs. 61. Is it then right to trust the words of the accusers, rather
than to the facts, (as to) what he did in all his life, and to time,
which to be sure is the clearest test of truth? For if he had not been
such a man, he would not have left so little from so much, since if you
are deceived by these men and confiscate my property, you will get not
two talents. So it is for your interest to acquit me not only because you
think it right, but as a question of money, for you will be the gainers
if I keep this. 62. And see how many expenditures have been made in the
past for the state, and now from what remains I am Trierarch, and my
father died while Trierach, and I shall endeavor, following his example,
to give a small amount, little at a time, for the common weal. So in
reality this (now) belongs to the state, and I shall not think I am
wronged if deprived of it, but you will have greater benefit than if you
confiscate it. 63. Besides this, it is fitting to bear in mind the nature
of my father. For whatever he wished to spend beyond the necessities of
life, it evidently was in a direction in which the city too would gain
some honor. For example, when he served in the cavalry, he purchased
horses, not only fine ones, but racers, with which he won at the Isthmian
and Nemean games, so that the city was proclaimed and he crowned. So I
beg you, gentlemen of the jury, bearing in mind these and all other words
to protect me, and not to leave men in the power of their enemies. And so
doing, you will vote justly, and for your own advantage.