The Man Who Fights the Beast




DEMOSTHENES

(384-322 B. C.)

THE ORATOR WHO STAMMERED

Modern critics are fond of discriminating between talent and genius.
The fire of _genius_, it seems, will flame resplendent even in spite of
an unworthy possessor's neglect. But the man with _talent_ which must
be carefully cherished and increased if he would attain distinction by
its help--that man is the true self-helper to whom our hearts go out in
sympathy. Every schoolboy knows that Demosthenes practised declamation
on the seashore, with his mouth full of pebbles. This description of
the unlovely old Athenian with the compelling tongue is Plutarch's
contribution to the literature of self-help.


From Plutarch's "Lives of Illustrious Men."

The orator Callistratus was to plead in the cause which the city of
Oropus had depending; and the expectation of the public was greatly
raised, both by the powers of the orator, which were then in the
highest repute, and by the importance of the trial. Demosthenes,
hearing the governors and tutors agree among themselves to attend the
trial, with much importunity prevailed on his master to take him to