27
I am sure that the character of the defendant and his manner of life will not lead you to believe that the depositions which have been read are false. On the contrary, his character far more convincingly than the words which have been spoken proves Theocrines to be such as I portray him. For what is there that a scoundrel and a pettifogger would do that he has not done? Was it not because of his evil character that his brother, who held the office of judgeThat is, one of the Themosthetae; see note a on Dem. 33.1 and who was guided by the defendant’s advice, was brought into such bad repute with you, that, when you voted on the question of retaining the magistrates,This was done at the first assembly in each prytany, or ten times a year. (For the prytany see note a on Dem. 47.42) he was not only himself rejected, but caused the rejection of the entire board? And had it not been that through the prayers and entreaties of his fellow-judges and through their promise that Theocrines should never again come near the board you were persuaded to give them back their crowns,The ten archons wore crowns as a badge of their inviolability. would they not have incurred the deepest possible disgrace?
28
To prove these facts there is no need of my calling witnesses before you, for you all know that in the archonship of LyciscusThat is, in 343 B.C. the Thesmothetae were deposed from office by vote of the popular assembly because of Theocrines. Remembering this, you ought to assume that he is no different now from what he was then.
28
Not long after he was removed from office, when his brother died by a violent death, Theocrines showed himself so utterly heartless toward him that, when he had made inquiry concerning those who had done the deed, and had learned who they were, he accepted a bribe, and let the matter drop.That is, he accepted the blood-price instead of bringing the murderers to justice.
