CALLIDEMUS.
That is to say, it will suit none. But pray, if it be not too
presumptuous a request, indulge me with a specimen.

SPEUSIPPUS.
Well; suppose the agora crowded;--an important subject under
discussion;--an ambassador from Argos, or from the great king;--
the tributes from the islands;--an impeachment;--in short,
anything you please. The crier makes proclamation.--"Any citizen
above fifty years old may speak--any citizen not disqualified may
speak." Then I rise:--a great murmur of curiosity while I am
mounting the stand.

CALLIDEMUS.
Of curiosity! yes, and of something else too. You will
infallibly be dragged down by main force, like poor Glaucon (See
Xenophon Memorabilia, iii.) last year.

SPEUSIPPUS.
Never fear. I shall begin in this style:
"When I consider, Athenians, the importance of our city;--when I
consider the extent of its power, the wisdom of its laws, the
elegance of its decorations;--when I consider by what names and
by what exploits its annals are adorned; when I think on
Harmodius and Aristogiton, on Themistocles and Miltiades, on
Cimon and Pericles;--when I contemplate our pre-eminence in arts
and letters;--when I observe so many flourishing states and
islands compelled to own the dominion, and purchase the
protection of the City of the Violet Crown" (A favourite epithet