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 DEMOSTHENES. 13 tion, we fill add nothing at present. We will proceed to take an estimate of his character from his actions and his life as a statesman. 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 ear- liest of them refer to its concluding events. It is certain that he engaged in the accusation, of Midias when he was but two and thu-ty 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 him- self 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 vielded to the entreaties of those who interceded for him. But had he seen any hopes or possibility of prevailing, I cannot believe that three thousand drachmas could have taken off the edge of his revenge. The object which he' chose for himself in the commonwealth was noble and just, the defence of the Grecians against Philip ; and in this he behaved himself so worthUy that he soon grew famous, and excited attention everywhere for his elo- quence and courage in speaking. He was admired through all Greece, the king of Persia courted him, and by Philip himself he was more esteemed than all the other orators. His very enemies were forced to confess that they had to do with a man of mark; for such a character even -^schines and Hyperides give him, where they accuse and speak against him.