426 DEMOSTHENES
the contrary, not only did I make this speech, but I propounded a decree ; not only did I propound a de- cree, but I went ambassador ; not only went ambassa- dor, but I persuaded the Thebans ; and from the first, throughout the whole transaction, down to the end, I persevered, and gave myself up, in your service, without any reserve, to confront the perils that sur- rounded the country.
§§ 297-305
Then you ask what is my title to public honors ? I will tell you. It is, that while the statesmen of Greece, beginning with yourself, Aeschines, were all corrupted — first by Philip and then by Alexander, — over me neither opportunity, nor fair speeches, nor lavish promises, nor hopes, nor fears, nor favors, nor any other earthly consideration ever prevailed, sedu- cing or driving me to betray in any one particular wliat I deemed the rights and the interests of my country. Never did I, like you, and such as you, incline my councils as if weighed in a balance towards the side that paid the best ; but my whole conduct was formed by a righteous, and just, and incorruptible soul ; and having borne the most forward part among the men of my times in administering the mightiest affairs, my whole policy has ever been sound and honest and open. For these things I claim to be honored.
But this repair of the walls and the fosses which you revile, I deem to merit favor and commendation : wherefore should I not ? Yet I certainly place this far below my administration of public affairs. For I have not fortified Athens with stone walls and tiled
