15. Then it remains for him to say that he was incapacitated through some
weakness of body from helping against the Piraeus, but that he offered
from his resources either to give money to the majority of you or to arm
some of his fellow-citizens, just as other citizens (do) who are unable
to serve personally. 16. That it may not be possible for him to deceive
us by lying, I will show you plainly about this too, since it will not be
possible for me afterwards to convict him, if I pass this by. Now call
for me Diotimus of Acharnae, and those chosen with him to arm the
citizens from the money contributed.
EVIDENCE or THOSE CHOSEN WITH DIOTIMUS.
17. This man then did not think how he might benefit the state in so
critical a condition of the state, but made every preparation to make
some gain from your misfortunes. For he started at Oropos at one time by
himself, and at another at the head of men to whom your bad fortune was a
series of benefits, (18) and went about through, the country and met the
older citizens who remained in their demes with few possessions, and
those the bare necessities, men who were in sympathy with the government,
but were incapacitated for active service on account of their age, and he
robbed these men of their goods and thought nothing of wronging them if
he could gain even a little. These men are now unable to prosecute him
for the very reason which kept them from aiding the state then. 19. So it
is not right that he should gain advantage twice from their inability,
once when he robbed them of their possessions, and now while under
examination at your hands. But if any one of those wronged shall come,
consider it a great point, and feel the greatest hatred for this man, who
dared to rob of their goods the very men whom other men through pity have
chosen as objects of charity. Call me the witnesses.