And this, bad as it is, is not the worst: you have allowed these persons more liberty for their political conduct than your faithful counselors: and see what evils are caused by listening to such men with indulgence.
Addressing the Athenian assembly, on the perils of allowing corrupt or disloyal individuals too much political freedom.
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I am not ignorant, Athenians, that frequently, when any disappointment happens, you are angry, not with the parties in fault, but with the last speakers on the subject; yet never, with a view to self-protection, would I suppress what I…
But look to this, Athenians, that our envoys shall not only make speeches, but have some real proof that we have gone forth as becomes our country, and are engaged in action.
So in political affairs, they who misuse their opportunities forget even the good which the gods send them; for every prior event is judged commonly by the last result.
To censure, I may be told, is easy for any man; to show what measures the case requires, is the part of a counselor.
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