Andocides On the Mysteries 1 [andoc. 1.1]  

[1] The systematic and untiring efforts of my enemies, gentlemen, to do me every possible injury, by fair means or by foul, 
from the very moment of my arrival in this city, are known to almost all of you, and it is unnecessary for me to pursue the 
subject. Instead, I shall make a request of you, gentlemen, a fair request, which it is as easy for you to grant as it is 
valuable for me to gain. [2] First, I ask you to bear in mind that it is not because I have been forced to face my trial 
that I am here today -- I have not been on bail, nor have I been kept in confinement. I am here, first and foremost because 
I rely upon justice and secondly because I rely upon you; I believe that you will decide my case impartially and, far sooner 
than allow my enemies to defy justice by taking my life, will uphold justice by protecting me, as your laws and your oaths 
as jurors require you to do.  [3] With defendants who face a trial of their own free will, gentlemen, it stands to reason 
that you should feel as convinced of their innocence as they do themselves. When a defendant admits himself guilty by 
refusing to await trial, you naturally endorse the verdict which he has passed upon himself; so it follows that if a man 
is prepared to face his trial because his conscience is clear, you should let his verdict upon himself determine your own 
in the same way, instead of presuming him guilty.