Page:History of Greece Vol XI.djvu/441

 THE ATHENIANS DECEIVED. 41 O The first impression of the Athenians, on hearing JEschines,. was that of surprise, alarm, and displeasure, at the unforeseen vicinity of Philip ; ' which left no time for deliberation, and 3carcely the minimum of time for instant precautionary occupation of Thermopylae, if such a step were deemed necessary. But the sequel of the speech proclaiming to them the speedy accom- plishment of such favorable results, together with the gratification of their antipathy against Thebes effaced this sentiment, and filled them with agreeable prospects. It was in vain that Demos- thenes rose to reply, arraigned the assurances as fallacious, and tried to bring forward the same statement as had already prevailed with the Senate. The people refused to hear him ; Philokrates with the other friends of .ZEschines hooted him off; and the ma- jority were so full of the satisfactory prospect opened to them, that all mistrust or impeachment of its truth appeared spiteful and vexatious. 2 It is to be remembered that these were the same promises previously made to them by Philokrates and others, nearly three months before, when the peace with Philip was first voted. The immediate accomplishment of them was now again promised on the same authority by envoys who had communi- cated a second time with Philip, and thus had farther means of information so that the comfortable anticipation previously raised was confirmed and strengthened. No one thought of the danger of admitting Philip within Thermopylae, when the purpose of his coming was understood to be, the protection of the Phokians, and the punishment of the hated Thebans. Demosthenes was scarcely allowed even to make a protest, or to disclaim responsi- bility as to the result. JEschines triumphantly assumed the re- sponsibility to himself; while Philokrates amused the people by saying : " No wonder, Athenians, that Demosthenes and I should tion of the prisoners. But we may be sure that J^schines, so much more in the favor of Philip, must have received it also, since it would form so admirable a point for his first speech at Athens, in this critical juncture. 1 Demosth. Fals. Leg. p. 352. uo&' {iftuf eK7r7r^,r}-y/j.Evovf rrj napova':^ TOV QihiTTirov, Kal rovroif 6pyio/j.evov<; Em T<p pr) 7rpo^yyfAva, irpaorepcti yevea&ai Tivbf, TTUV&' da' efiovfaaft' iifilv eaecr&ai TrpoafioKijaavraf;, etc. 2 Demosth. Fals. Leg. p. 348, 349, 352. oi S 1 UVT i"Kiyovr ef 5%?o i ? X a f Kalfiaanavia KareQaiveTo, etc.