_Tim_. Now for number three. Lawyer Demeas--my cousin, as he calls
himself, with a decree in his hand. Between three and four thousand it
was that I paid in to the Treasury in ready money for him; he had been
fined that amount and imprisoned in default, and I took pity on him.
Well, the other day he was distributing-officer of the festival money
[Footnote: Every citizen had the right to receive from the State the
small sum which would pay for his admission to theatrical or other
festival entertainments.]; when I applied for my share, he pretended I
was not a citizen.

_Dem_. Hail, Timon, ornament of our race, pillar of Athens, shield of
Hellas! The Assembly and both Councils are met, and expect your
appearance. But first hear the decree which I have proposed in your
honour. 'WHEREAS Timon son of Echecratides of Collytus who adds to
high position and character a sagacity unmatched in Greece is a
consistent and indefatigable promoter of his country's good and
Whereas he has been victorious at Olympia on one day in boxing
wrestling and running as well as in the two and the four-horse chariot
races--'

_Tim_. Why, I was never so much as a spectator at Olympia.

_Dem_. What does that matter? you will be some day. It looks better to
have a good deal of that sort in--'and Whereas he fought with
distinction last year at Acharnae cutting two Peloponnesian companies
to pieces--'

_Tim_. Good work that, considering that my name was not on the
muster-rolls, because I could not afford a suit of armour.