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Andocides On his Return 3 [andoc. 2.3]



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Greek text with morphological links

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[2] Such disagreement is a matter for alarm and astonishment; yet, as you

can see, it has already been expressed by some, and will shortly be

expressed by others. Indeed, I am completely at a loss to understand why

the question of your receiving a benefit from me should cause such

excitement among our friends here. They must either be the most stupid of

mankind or the worst of public enemies. If they hold that when the state is

prospering they are better off individually, they are showing extreme

stupidity in advocating today a policy which directly conflicts with their

own interests;

[3] while if they do not identify their interests as individuals with yours

as a community, they can only be public enemies. Indeed when I secretly

communicated to the Council a proposal which would be of the very greatest

service to this city if carried into effect, and proved as much clearly and

conclusively to the members present, such of my present critics as were

among my audience found it as impossible as anyone else to show by argument

that any of my statements was incorrect; yet they are now trying to impugn

those statements.

[4] This proves, then, that they are acting not on their own initiative --

or they would have had no hesitation in opposing me originally -- but on

the instigation of others, of men such as are to be found in this city, who

would not allow you to receive a benefit from me for all the money in the

world. These others have not the courage to come into the open and make

good their assertions in person, as they are afraid of letting their own

possible shortcomings as patriots be examined too closely. Instead, they

send substitutes to address you, men to whom effrontery is second nature,

men who will utter or face the bitterest abuse with complete indifference.



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