16
So, since, quite rightly, you have become reconciled with all others involved in these charges, be reconciled with me also, men of Athens for I have done no wrong against you, as I call upon the gods and heroesDemigods or semi-divine ancestors of noble families. to bear testimony. My witness is the whole extent of time that has gone by, which has a juster claim upon your credence than the unsupported charge which has now been brought against me; nor shall I be found to be the worst or the least trustworthy of those who have been falsely accused.
17
And surely my departure from Athens would not afford you just grounds for resentment against me, for it was not because I had renounced allegiance to you nor because I was looking to another quarter for comfortThe suggestion is that another man might have offered his services to the Macedonians. that I changed my residence to another country, but because, in the first place, I was pained at contemplating the disgrace of imprisonment, and in the second, on account of my age I was in no condition to endure the bodily discomforts. Besides, I did not think that you, either, were averse to my getting beyond the reach of revilement which, without benefiting you, was breaking me down.
18
For, as indications that it was on you my thoughts were centered and on no others, you may note many items of evidence; for instance, I did not go to a city in which I was likely to play an outstanding role myself,He hints that he might have gone to some other city friendly to the Macedonians, where a welcome would have awaited him if he had renounced his allegiance to Athens. but to one where I knew our ancestors had gone when the Persian danger overtook them,The Athenians abandoned the city before the battle of Salamis in 480 B.C. and where I knew too there existed abundant goodwill toward yourselves.
