One of the Sons of Aristaechmus Against Nausimachus and Xenopeithes (23-25)

They did not let our property, they will perhaps say. No; for your uncle Xenopeithes did not want it let, but, after Nicidas had denounced him for this,[*] induced the jurors to allow him to administer it; and this everybody knows. They robbed us of huge sums. Well, for this you have received from them the damages upon which you agreed; and, I take it, you are not entitled to recover it again from me.

But, that you may not think there is anything in all this—it is of course not fair (how could it be?) after having come to a settlement with the guilty parties, to accuse persons who know nothing about the case—none the less, Xenopeithes and Nausimachus, if you have the idea that your claims are so marvellously valid, pay back three talents, and go on with your suit. After having exacted so large a sum for not pressing your charges, you are bound to keep silent until you have paid this back—not to make the charges and keep the money; that is the very extreme of unfair dealing.

Now it is likely that they will talk about their trierarchies, and say that they have expended their property upon you. That their statements will be false; that they have squandered much of their property upon themselves, while the state has received but a small share; and that they will deem it right to reap from you a gratitude that is not deserved nor due—all this I shall pass over. I myself, men of the jury, deem it right that somewhat of gratitude should be accorded by you to all who bear the public burdens. But to whom should you accord most gratitude? To those who, while in their actions doing what is of service to the state, do not bring to pass what all would call a shame and a reproach.