10
As the defendant has been cleared so completely of the charges made, we lay upon you in his name a more righteous behest than did our opponents: in seeking to punish the murderer, do not put him who is blameless to death. If you do, [;the slayer no less than the slain will bring the wrath of heaven upon the guilty:];There is clearly some corruption here. Some reference is wanted to the the spirits of vengeance who will continue to haunt the guilty until due reparation has been made to the dead. See app. crit. and if the defendant is put to death without scruple, he causes the defilement brought upon his slayers by the spirits of vengeance to become twofold.Briegleb’s μήνιμα is unnecessary. It is clear from Antiph. 4.1.3 sub fin. that the writer felt the δυσμένεια τῶν ἀλιτηρίων and the μίασμα φόνου to be complementary aspects of one and the some thing. The ἀλιτήριοι were the positive forces which gave effect to the μίασμα. Hence such a phrase as μίασμα τῶν ἀλιτηρίων in the present passage is perfectly orthodox; it is the pollution to which the spirits of vengeance give expression.
11
Hold that defilement in fear: and consider your duty to absolve him who is guiltless. Him upon whom the stain of blood rests you may let time reveal, even as you may leave his punishment to his victim’s kin. It is thus that you will best serve justice and the will of heaven.
