Oration IX
Polyaenus
1. What purpose have the prosecutors in disregarding the main point, and trying to attack my character? Are they not aware that they should speak about the question at issue? Or do they indeed understand this, but thinking to divert your attention, present more arguments in regard to every sort of matter than about what they should (speak)? 2. I see clearly that they speak, not because they have a small opinion of me, but of their case. I should not be surprised if they supposed that you would be persuaded by their slanders and convict me. 3. I did think, gentlemen of the jury, that my trial was in regard to the accusation, not in regard to my character. But since the prosecutors attack that, I must make my defense on all sides. First then, I shall tell you about the writ.
4. Two years ago I came to the city, but lived here only two months when I was put on the list for military service. When I found out it had been done, I immediately surmised I had been chosen for no honest reason. So I went to the Strategus and showed I had served, but I met with no satisfaction. I was angered at their insults, but held my peace. 5. And not knowing what to do, and consulting a citizen about my course of action, I found out that they threatened me with imprisonment, saying that (I), Polyaenus, had lived in the city no less time than Callicrates. This conversation had been held at the bank of Philias. 6. So Ctesicles, the archon, and his associates imposed a fine upon me contrary to law, upon the accusation of some one that I spoke evil of them, the law really declaring “if any one speak evil of the government in council.” They made the accusation, but did not attempt to enforce the penalty, but at the end of their term of office entered it on the register and gave it to the stewards (of the treasury). 7. The stewards however held a different view of the matter, and calling up those who gave them the item, demanded the reason for the charge. After they had heard what had happened, and understood the treatment I had received, at first they tried to persuade them to drop the matter, showing that it was not right for any citizen to be registered as owing a fine; but being unable to persuade them otherwise, they ran the risk (of being called to account) by you and decided to cancel the fine. 8. That I was then released by the stewards, you are well aware. But although believing that in reality I have been cleared from the charge by this showing, yet I will bring further laws and other pleas.