than at present, and if they pull the wool over your eyes they will be
freed from their present miseries. Moreover, it is not right to consider
as trustworthy, either as accusers or witnesses, such men as give
testimony about others at a great gain to themselves, but much rather
such only who run some risk by aiding public interests. 5. Also it seems
to me fair to consider that the trial is not confined to these men, but
is of importance to all in the city. For these are not the only ones who
own slaves, but all other citizens also. And the (slaves), fixing their
attention on the fate of these, will no longer watch to see what good
action they may do to their masters to gain their freedom, but what
slanderous accusation they may make (to obtain it).




ORATION VII.

THE OLIVE TREE.


1. I used to think, (members of the) Boule, that it was possible, if one
wished, to keep quiet, and not to be troubled with lawsuits and vexatious
business; but I have now fallen in with such unlooked-for charges and
such villainous accusers that, were it possible, it seems to me even
unborn generations must fear for what is before them. For through this
sort of men those who have done no wrong are in as great danger as those
who have committed the greatest crimes. 2. The trial is the more
perplexing to me, as I was first charged on the indictment with having
cut down a sacred olive on my land; and my accusers went to the men who
had bought the fruit of the olives, making inquiries. As they could find