ancestral rites, mourn the dead.




ORATION V.

FOR CALLIAS.


1. If Callias were contending for anything else than for his freedom,
gentlemen of the jury, I should be satisfied with what the others have
said. But now I think it would be a shame not to aid Callias as well as I
can, as far as justice warrants it, for he demands and begs me (for the
service), and is a friend of mine and (was) of my father as long as he
lived, and many business transactions took place between us. 2. I used to
think that he so conducted himself in the city as to obtain some honor at
your hands much rather than be brought into such danger on such a charge
(as this). But now designing men make life no less dangerous for the
innocent than for wrong-doers.

3. And you ought not to reward as trustworthy the testimony of his
slaves, and as unreliable the evidence of these men, when you recall that
no one, either a private citizen or an official, ever brought an action
against Callias, but while living in this city, he benefited you in many
ways, and he has reached this time of life without incurring any charge
at all. These, on the other hand, while they have suffered greatly during
their lives, and gone through much misery, just as if they worked much
good, make speeches on questions of freedom. And I do not wonder. 4. For
they know that if they are caught in lies they will have no worse lot