Demosthenes   

passed upon the orators; for being asked what kind of orator he accounted
Demosthenes, he answered, "Worthy of the city of Athens;" and then
what he thought of Demades, he answered, "Above it." And the same
philosopher reports that Polyeuctus, the Sphettian, one of the Athenian
politicians about that time, was wont to say that Demosthenes was
the greatest orator, but Phocion the ablest; as he expressed the most
sense in the fewest words. And, indeed, it is related that Demosthenes
himself, as often as Phocion stood up to plead against him, would
say to his acquaintance, "Here comes the knife to my speech." Yet
it does not appear whether he had this feeling for his powers of speaking,
or for his life and character, and meant to say that one word or nod
from a man who was really trusted would go further than a thousand
lengthy periods from others.
Demetrius, the Phalerian, tells us that he was informed by Demosthenes
himself, now grown old, that the ways he made use of to remedy his
natural bodily infirmities and defects were such as these; his inarticulate
and stammering pronunciation he overcame and rendered more distinct
by speaking with pebbles in his mouth; his voice he disciplined by
declaiming and reciting speeches or verses when he was out of breath,
while running or going up steep places; and that in his house he had
a large looking-glass, before which he would stand and go through
his exercises. It is told that some one once came to request his assistance
as a pleader, and related how he had been assaulted and beaten. "Certainly,"
said Demosthenes, "nothing of the kind can have happened to you."
Upon which the other, raising his voice, exclaimed loudly, "What,
Demosthenes, nothing has been done to me?" "Ah," replied Demosthenes,
"now I hear the voice of one that has been injured and beaten." Of
so great consequence towards the gaining of belief did he esteem the
tone and action of the speaker. The action which he used himself was
wonderfully pleasing to the common people, but by well-educated people,
as, for example, by Demetrius, the Phalerian, it was looked upon as
mean, humiliating, and unmanly. And Hermippus says of Aesion, that,
being asked his opinion concerning the ancient orators, and those
of his own time, he answered that it was admirable to see with what
composure and in what high style they addressed themselves to the
people; but that the orations of Demosthenes, when they are read,
certainly appear to be superior in point of construction, and more
effective. His written speeches, beyond all question, are characterized
by austere tone and by their severity. In his extempore retorts and
rejoinders, he allowed himself the use of jest and mockery. When Demades
said, "Demosthenes teach me! So might the sow teach Minerva!" he replied,
"Was it this Minerva, that was lately found playing the harlot in
Collytus?" When a thief, who had the nickname of the Brazen, was attempting
to upbraid him for sitting up late, and writing by candle-light, "I
know very well," said he, "that you had rather have all lights out;
and wonder not, O ye men of Athens, at the many robberies which are
committed, since we have thieves of brass and walls of clay." But
on these points, though we have much more to mention, we will add
nothing at present. We will proceed to take an estimate of his character
from his actions and his life as a statesmen.
His first entering into public business was much about the time of
the Phocian war, as himself affirms, and may be collected from his
Philippic orations. For of these, some were made after that action
was over, and the earliest of them refer to its concluding events.
It is certain that he engaged in the accusation of Midias when he
was but two-and-thirty years old, having as yet no interest or reputation
as a politician. And this it was, I consider, that induced him to
withdraw the action, and accept a sum of money as a compromise. For
of himself-
"He was no easy or good-natured man," but of a determined disposition,
and resolute to see himself righted; however, finding it a hard matter
and above his strength to deal with Midias, a man so well secured
on all sides with money, eloquence, and friends, he yielded to the
entreaties of those who interceded for him. But had he seen any hopes