7
To begin with (assuming that it is best to mention public matters before private), in what way will the state give its command to us, if any duty is to be performed? The members of the tribe will, of courseThe appointment of citizens to undertake the various liturgies (such as, e.g., the trierarchy) was made from the tax-groups chosen by the several tribes., nominate us in the same way as they nominate other people. Well then; they will bring forward the name of Mantitheus, son of Mantias, of ThoricusThoricus was a deme of the tribe Acamantis. if they are nominating one for choregusThe choregus had for his duties the equipment and training of a chorus for the dramatic contests at one of the great festivals. For this purpose the tribe chose one of its richest members. or gymnasiarchThe gymnasiarch was appointed by the tribe to maintain a team to represent it in the torch-races, which formed a feature of certain Athenian festivals. or feaster of the tribeThis third form of public service entailed the duty of giving the annual dinner (in the Prytaneum (?)) to the members of the tribe. or for any other office. By what, then, will it be made clear whether they are nominating you or me?
8
You will say it is I; I shall say it is you.That is, each of them would seek to shift the burden of the required service, so that the other would have to bear it. Well, suppose that after this the Archon summons us, or any other magistrate, before whom the case is called. We do not obey the summons; we do not undertake the service. Which of us is liable to the penalties provided by law? And in what manner will the generals enter our names, if they are listing names for a tax-company? or if they are appointing a trierarch? Or, if there be a military expedition, how will it be made clear which of us is on the muster-roll?
