Book 1
12.28
And those whom we wrongοἷς i.e. supplying ἀδικουμένοις, by whose being wronged. οὓς has been suggested, i.e. supplying ἀδικοῦντες, wronging whom. in order to ingratiate ourselves with our friends, or persons whom we admire or love, or our masters, in a word, those by whom our life is ruled.
12.29
And those in reference to whom there is a chance of obtaining merciful consideration.In our relations with whom, almost = from whom. Another interpretation is: In reference to whom there is a chance . . . consideration from others, meaning the judges (Welldon). And those against whom we have a complaint, or with whom we have had a previous difference, as Callippus acted in the matter of DionCallipus was a friend of Dion, who freed Syracuse from Dionysius the Younger. He afterwards accused Dion and contrived his murder. His excuse was that Dion knew what he intended to do, and would be likely to strike first, if he did not anticipate him.; for in such cases it seems almost an act of justice.
12.30
And those who are going to be attacked by others, if we do not attack first, since it is no longer possible to deliberate; thus, Aenesidemus is said to have sent the prize in the game of cottabus to Gelon,Aenesidemus, tyrant of Leontini, being anticipated by Gelon, tyrant of Syracuse, in the enslavement of a neighboring state, sent him the cottabus prize, as a compliment for having played the game so skilfully. The cottabus was originally a Sicilian game. who, having reduced a town to slavery, had anticipated him by doing what he had intended to do himself.
12.31
And those to whom, after having injured them, we shall be enabled to do many acts of justice, in the idea that it will he easy to repair the wrong; as Jason the ThessalianTyrant of Pherae. said one should sometimes commit injustice, in order to be able also to do justice often.
12.32
Men are ready to commit wrongs which all or many are in the habit of committing, for they hope to be pardoned for their offences.
